Is Apple really ripping off its customers – and can the US government stop them?

The Department of Justice is trying a new approach in tackling the dominance of the iPhone, but should Apple users or shareholders be worried, asks Chris Blackhurst?

Apple argues that people are free to purchase the smartphone of their choice (PA)

Apple did not mince its words. It is facing a lawsuit that “threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets”, the company said. Defeat would set a “dangerous precedent”.

An 88-page filing by the US Department of Justice, along with 16 states and the District of Columbia, accused the near-$3 trillion behemoth of violating antitrust laws with practices designed to keep customers tied to their iPhones and less likely to switch to a competing device.

The tech giant prevented other companies from offering applications that rival Apple products, such as its digital wallet, which could diminish the value of the iPhone; this hurts consumers and rival companies, according to the lawsuit.