According to Bloomberg, Apple representatives held talks with senior officials of the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) last week. This is coming at a time when the DoJ is set to file an antitrust lawsuit against Apple. Recall that at the start of this year, DoJ’s Chief, Jonathan Kanter said the Apple Store probe is in full throttle. This new talk is a last-ditch effort by Apple to persuade the U.S. DoJ to file an antitrust lawsuit against the company. Apple and its lawyers met with Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter. Kanter will make a final decision on whether to file a lawsuit or not.
Since 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice has been investigating Apple on matters involving the App Store and iOS application models. The department initially started investigating Apple’s App Store policies. According to reports, relevant investigators also met with developers to understand the App Store review process.
According to reports, the US Department of Justice conducted a more in-depth investigation in early 2023, hired lawyers specifically for the case, and requested companies related to the investigation to provide documents and negotiate.
Apple has been investigated in many other countries/regions in recent years for the App Store and the 30% commission. The company even announced that it has adjusted the App Store operating model in the EU to comply with the EU regulations. Thus, it is not a surprise that the U.S. DoJ is also suing Apple. As soon as Apple agreed to adjust its policies in the EU, it was only a matter of time before other regions made the same or similar request. Bloomberg claims that the Justice Department will take its first legal action in the next few weeks. This will possibly take place before the end of March.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apple’s recent discussions with senior officials of the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) underscore the intensifying scrutiny the tech giant faces over its App Store policies and iOS application models. The reported talks represent a last-ditch effort by Apple to persuade the DoJ against filing an antitrust lawsuit, signalling the gravity of the impending legal action.
Since 2019, the DoJ has been investigating Apple’s practices, particularly focusing on concerns related to the App Store and its commission structure. This scrutiny has intensified, with the department hiring specialized lawyers and engaging in extensive document requests and negotiations with relevant parties.
Apple’s adjustment of its App Store operating model in the EU to comply with regulations suggests a response to global pressure and regulatory scrutiny. However, the pending antitrust lawsuit from the U.S. government indicates that similar concerns persist domestically.
The anticipated legal action from the DoJ, expected within the next few weeks, reflects broader regulatory trends globally, where tech companies face increasing scrutiny over their market dominance and business practices. The outcome of these legal proceedings will have significant implications for Apple’s operations, as well as broader implications for the technology industry’s regulatory landscape.
