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The U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday that it will indict Apple, along with 16 state and district attorneys. It claimed that the company’s sophisticated devices and software were a monopoly that drove up prices for its customers.
The crux of the lawsuit is that Apple has designed everything from the App Store to iMessage to keep consumers in a walled garden where it’s difficult to weigh both hardware and digital services. The accusation is that they are locking people up.
One example of the lawsuit’s allegations is that Apple prioritized Apple Pay, making it difficult for rival payment apps like PayPal and Stripe to work on iPhones.
Fortunately for most average people watching from the sidelines, Apple’s past legal battle with the European Union (EU) has given rise to questions about what big changes would come to the iPhone if the US government won. It provides a good indication of what will happen.
Apple users may be able to save money over time.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday that it will sue Apple, alleging that its sophisticated devices and software are proprietary.California Attorney General Rob Bonta (above) was one of more than a dozen state prosecutors to announce an antitrust case against Apple along with the Department of Justice.
Fortunately, for most average people watching from the sidelines, Apple’s past legal battles with the European Union (EU) have given rise to concerns about what major changes could come to the iPhone if the US government wins. It provides an excellent indication of whether or not it is likely to occur.
Non-App Store software options
Thanks to the EU’s Digital Markets Law, Apple users on the other side of the Atlantic will have the opportunity to choose a different default digital marketplace for purchasing and downloading software for their phones.
In fact, Apple’s potentially exclusive use of the App Store affected not only Apple hardware owners but also app developers. The tech giant has slashed 30 percent of all app and subscription costs through its captive marketplace.
The move, as the Justice Department now claims, leaves many app makers with no choice but to at least pass on that increased cost to owners of Apple’s iPhones and iPads.
The Cupertino-based company explains the adjustments made to comply with the new EU regulations: “Users can now manage their preferred default app marketplace through a new default setting in the App Marketplace app.” Integrated.
However, it’s possible that Apple has chosen not to apply its own strict standards to these other app store alternatives, perhaps leaving them with a “Wild West” feel. You need to notify your customers that this is the case.
Alternative browser for Apple’s Safari
The EU has ruled that Apple’s use of its own Safari browser on all iPhone and iPad devices amounts to monopolistic behavior.
So Safari remains pre-installed, but when European users open the app for the first time, they’re prompted to download and install another web browser as their main option.
Safari remains pre-installed in the EU, but when European users open the app for the first time, they are prompted to download and install another web browser as their main option.
However, as part of its support page to comply with EU regulations, Apple pointed out that browsers and browser apps are the main portals through which scammers and other malicious actors seek to gain access to people’s digital lives.
So, unlike the App Store situation, “Apple will only allow developers to implement alternative browser engines if they meet certain standards and address a number of ongoing privacy and security requirements.” “about it.
It requires all third-party browser and browser app makers to make “timely security updates to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities” if they wish to include them on iPhones and iPads. It also includes provisions that require the following.
Expanding compatibility for payments via iPhone
Until now, Apple has limited users to using near-field communication (NFC) technology on their devices only between other Apple devices or between existing Apple devices. A payment terminal used by retailers.
So, for example, repaying money to a friend using Android with a simple nearby tap, which is a feature of NFC, is no longer convenient.
Now, Apple has introduced an option that allows iPhone owners to allow other banking and wallet apps to use Host Card Emulation (HCE). This expands the scope of which apps on the phone are compatible with his NFC terminal or mobile device. Accept contactless payments.
“To protect user privacy and security on iPhone, developers who want to embed HCE payments functionality in their banking or wallet apps should apply for the HCE Payments Entitlement,” Apple said in a statement.
They say this application process will ensure that all these so-called fintech apps “meet specific industry and regulatory requirements and adhere to ongoing security and privacy standards.”
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland (front) and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco announce the antitrust lawsuit against Apple in Washington, D.C., on March 21.
Apple President Tim Cook
iMessage – The end of green speech bubbles?
The European Union ultimately abandoned iMessage and its habit of treating messages from other mobile phones like second-class citizens.
The EU found that even if they used iMessage, only 10% of residents preferred WhatsApp over other options, rendering monopoly concerns somewhat moot.
But the Justice Department cannot make the same argument. For example, according to Fast Company, a whopping 85% of American teenagers use iMessage, and Apple itself is aware that its text messages app is privately managed.
“The most difficult thing is [reason] “The app that leaves the Apple world is iMessage,” the business site said, quoting a former Apple employee. “iMessage amounts to serious lock-in.”
The issue is technical, but iMessage’s exclusivity goes beyond just the difference between green and blue speech bubbles. Communication between iMessage users is less compressed for images and videos, and most importantly, provides Apple’s best encryption and privacy protection.
Both of these important added benefits are denied to texters from other phones who contact iPhone users.
The Justice Department’s victory could widen the network of key players who can connect securely on their devices, but Apple won’t concede without a fight.
“We believe this lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law,” Apple said in a statement. “And we’re going to defend against it vigorously.”
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