Apple’s latest legal battle involves the Department of Justice (DOJ) accusations that the company violated antitrust laws by monopolizing the smartphone market. The outcome of this case will affect millions of users who rely on Apple’s devices for communication, entertainment, and school work.
The lawsuit centers around Apple’s practice of designing its products and services to work exclusively in its ecosystem. This lack of compatibility with competing products is often referred to as the “Walled Garden,” which refers to the idea that once a user enters Apple’s suite of services, they cannot leave without losing access to their devices and files. In this sense, the “Walled Garden” discourages Apple users from switching to non-Apple products.
“Apple has made it harder for people like me to switch to other devices. I used to have a Mac but when I switched to Windows my iPhone refused to pair to my PC. This made it harder for me to transfer files and media between them,” emphasized junior Vrayas Pila.
One key example that the DOJ provided was the Apple Watch, which works almost exclusively with iPhones. Other Android devices cannot activate an Apple Watch or use any of its key features, essentially forcing Apple Watch users to purchase an iPhone Other smartwatches in the market that could be paired with iPhones, were limited connectivity and fluidity wise.
The DOJ also pointed out Apple’s restrictions on other app stores and cloud-based gaming apps. The most well-known case is Apple vs Epic Games, in which Apple banned apps like Fortnite from the App Store after Epic allowed users to bypass Apple’s payment system by offering cheaper options through a web browser. “I preferred making purchases online due to the native in-app purchases being more expensive. But removing the entire game was not what I expected from Apple,” exclaimed Vrayas Pila.
The Department of Justice argues that these practices strengthen Apple’s control over the phone and app market. However, Apple defended its practices, arguing that its highly controlled ecosystem prioritizes user privacy, security, and quality.
“Apple’s ecosystem’s software is designed to protect its user’s data and give us a seamless experience,” argued senior Reetham Gubba. By limiting functionality and integrability, Apple argues it is creating a more secure device.
If the DOJ prevails, the outcome would force Apple to make its products and software more open and compatible, like allowing compatibility with Android devices and allowing alternative payment methods. This could potentially reduce costs for Apple users, allowing for compatible but less expensive smartwatches or more convenient transactions. However, it could increase software vulnerabilities as Apple would be forced to make iOS an open-source software.
As the legal battle unfolds, only time can tell what lasting implications it will have not only on Apple but also on Big Tech as a whole.
