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Apple’s tight grip on iMessage spurs fresh calls for an antitrust probe

Wired · 1y ago

Apple’s tight grip on iMessage spurs fresh calls for an antitrust probe

A coalition of tech advocacy groups has written to the US Department of Justice, urging it to investigate Apple for alleged anticompetitive behavior. The groups claim that Apple's blocking of the Beeper app, which reverse engineered iMessage to be compatible with Android phones, is an example of the company abusing its power to stifle competition. Another letter was sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee, asking for its own investigation into Apple's practices. The Department of Justice has been previously reported to be investigating Apple over antitrust concerns.

Related News

Apple’s newest headache: an app that upended its control over messaging

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Apple’s newest headache: an app that upended its control over messaging

Apple is facing a challenge from an app called Beeper Mini, which allows Android devices to access Apple's iMessage service. Apple initially blocked the app due to security concerns, but Beeper Mini found alternative ways to operate. This has raised questions about Apple's market dominance and antitrust issues. The Justice Department has shown interest in the case, and the Federal Trade Commission has expressed scrutiny toward dominant players that limit interoperability. Rival smartphone makers have attempted to offer similar messaging services, but Apple's iMessage has helped the company expand its market share in the US.

Google seeks to cut ties with Apple’s Safari amid DOJ Antitrust probe: Report

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Google seeks to cut ties with Apple’s Safari amid DOJ Antitrust probe: Report

The US Justice Department is investigating Google's relationship with Apple as part of an antitrust case. The focus of the investigation is on the substantial payments made by Google to Apple, estimated at over $20 billion annually, to secure its position as the default search engine on iPhones. This arrangement is believed to restrict competition in the search engine industry. Google has been working to reduce its reliance on Apple's Safari browser in anticipation of the case outcome, but persuading users to switch to Google's apps has been challenging.

Apparently, Apple’s iMessage Is Not a 'Gatekeeper Service’ After All

Gizmodo

Gizmodo · 1y ago

Apparently, Apple’s iMessage Is Not a 'Gatekeeper Service’ After All

The European Commission has announced that it will not regulate Apple's iMessage as a "gatekeeper service" along with Microsoft's Bing and Edge, stating that they do not qualify as such. This decision is seen as good news for Apple, as it means that iMessage will remain a closed system. The EU's Digital Markets Act had listed several digital services as gatekeepers, but iMessage did not make the list. Apple is still facing claims of being a gatekeeper with other core services like iOS, the App Store, and Safari.

DOJ claims green bubbles are an issue in iPhone monopoly suit

TechCrunch · 1y ago

DOJ claims green bubbles are an issue in iPhone monopoly suit

The United States Department of Justice has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, focusing on the alleged anticompetitive practices related to its iMessage protocol. The lawsuit highlights how iMessage's default use between iPhone users creates a separation from Android users, affecting group chats and limiting messaging app options. Apple's resistance to making iMessage available on Android is cited as an obstacle to iPhone families switching to Android phones. The lawsuit also claims that Apple treats third-party messaging apps as inferior, limiting their functionality and not allowing them to be set as default SMS apps.

Microsoft's OpenAI partnership could face EU antitrust probe, sources say

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Microsoft's OpenAI partnership could face EU antitrust probe, sources say

Microsoft's investment of $13 billion in OpenAI could face an antitrust investigation from the European Union (EU), as regulators are gathering evidence to determine if the partnership restricts competition within the EU internal market or if Microsoft's market power distorts the market through certain practices. The EU antitrust regulator has reportedly decided not to investigate the partnership under EU merger rules but may still opt for an antitrust investigation. Microsoft has a non-voting position on the OpenAI board and claims no ownership of the ChatGPT maker. The investigation is still in its early stages and no decision has been made.

Apple’s antitrust fight begins

The Verge

The Verge · 1y ago

Apple’s antitrust fight begins

The US Department of Justice has filed an antitrust complaint against Apple, accusing the tech giant of stifling innovation in the smartphone industry and depriving competitors and iPhone users of better software and hardware options. The case bears similarities to the US v. Microsoft antitrust trial from over two decades ago. In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the details of the complaint, including Apple's ecosystem components and the arguments put forward by the DOJ. The episode also features a news roundup.

A Jury Will Decide If Google's App Store Is an Unjust Monopoly

Wired · 1y ago

A Jury Will Decide If Google's App Store Is an Unjust Monopoly

Fortnite creator Epic Games' lawsuit against Google over its monopoly on the Google Play Android app store could potentially force significant changes in how Google controls apps if they win the trial, which began this week. Google Play accounts for over 90% of all downloads onto Android phones in the US, according to state prosecutors. Epic's allegations have led to some competition regulators ordering Google to loosen its control over app distribution. The trial's outcome could impact Google's tight grip on app downloads and payments.

EU regulators close 4-year probe into Apple’s e-book rules after complaint was withdrawn

Livemint

Livemint · 8m ago

EU regulators close 4-year probe into Apple’s e-book rules after complaint was withdrawn

The European Union's antitrust regulators have concluded a four-year investigation into Apple's rules regarding competition among e-book and audiobook app developers. The inquiry was closed after the complainant withdrew their complaint against Apple. The European Commission clarified that the investigation's closure does not imply compliance with EU competition rules, without disclosing the identity of the complainant.

Should new tech rules apply to Microsoft's Bing, Apple's iMessage, EU asks

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Should new tech rules apply to Microsoft's Bing, Apple's iMessage, EU asks

EU antitrust regulators are seeking feedback on whether Microsoft's Bing and Apple's iMessage should comply with new strict tech rules. The European Commission is investigating whether Bing, Edge, and Microsoft Advertising, as well as Apple's iMessage, should be subject to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA requires tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and ByteDance to allow for third-party apps on their platforms and make it easier for users to switch to alternatives. The Commission sent out questionnaires to gather input from users and rivals regarding the importance and usage of these services.

Apple Inc to challenge latest EU crackdown on big tech dominance

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Apple Inc to challenge latest EU crackdown on big tech dominance

Apple Inc. plans to contest the European Union's Digital Markets Act, starting with an appeal against the inclusion of the entire App Store in the bloc's digital antitrust list. Apple also intends to argue against subjecting iMessage to closer regulatory scrutiny. While the appeal is still in draft form, the company has until November 16 to file it with the EU's General Court. This move could result in another legal battle between Apple and the EU, following ongoing disputes over unpaid taxes and antitrust investigations.

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