Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

US government sues Apple for anti-competitive behaviour

(Sharecast News) - Shares in iPhone maker Apple were firmly lower on Thursday after the Department of Justice sued the tech giant for allegedly violating antitrust laws and preventing smartphone customers from switching to its rivals. The DOJ claims that Apple has misused its stronghold in the market to block access to iPhone features from developers and other rivals in what it deems as anticompetitive behaviour.

The lawsuit, which Apple says it would "vigorously defend", alleges that the company engaged in a "broad, sustained, and illegal course of conduct" to keep control of the market and limit competition.

Apple has taken measures like blocking software and apps or restricting the functionality of other tech when used in conjunction with the iPhone, like smartwatches made my other manufacturers, the claims detail.

"We allege that Apple has maintained monopoly power in the smartphone market, not simply by staying ahead of the competition on the merits, but by violating federal antitrust law," according to a statement from attorney general Merrick Garland.

"If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly."

The stock was down 3.6% at $172.16 by 1106 ET.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Agronomics investee Solar Foods raises EUR 8m
(Sharecast News) - Cellular agriculture investor Agronomics announced on Friday that its portfolio company Solar Foods had raised an additional €8m through Finnish investment organiser Springvest.
Berenberg hikes target price on Greggs
(Sharecast News) - Analysts at Berenberg raised their target price on bakery chain Greggs from 3,550.0p to 3,990.0p on Friday as it noted that customer appeal had broadened as its market share was expanding.
Thousands of UK firms fighting for survival - Begbies Traynor
(Sharecast News) - More than half a million UK business are fighting for survival, according to an industry research published on Friday, weighed down by the weak economy.
Thruvision FY24 adjusted underlying losses widen
(Sharecast News) - Security technology business Thruvision said on Friday that adjusted underlying losses had widened in FY24 as revenues fell.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.