Explanation of how a US lawsuit against Apple may lead to a more consumer-friendly iPhone experience
The United States has taken legal action against Apple in an effort to promote competition for the iPhone and support smaller companies that develop apps for the popular device.
In a lawsuit against the $2.7 trillion company, the United States alleges that the iPhone maker harmed smaller competitors and raised prices, and the Justice Department is asking the court to “restore competitive conditions in markets affected by Apple’s illegal conduct.”
Apple said the lawsuit threatens the company and the principles that set its products apart in a competitive market.
Consumers in Europe have already benefited after a flurry of rules and regulations forced Apple to make several user-friendly changes to its popular smartphone, suggesting similar changes could happen in the US if a Justice Department lawsuit is successful.
Below are several areas where EU competition authorities have changed the rules and Apple has changed its product.
CHARGING CABLES
Apple’s move to a USB-C charger — the standard for Android-based devices — might be the most obvious change to users.
In 2022, the EU passed a law making the charging port a mandatory standard in the bloc of 27 countries by the end of 2024. This made it easier for consumers to power their device with chargers they already own or by borrowing others.
APP STORE
In Europe, the new rules have created alternatives to Apple’s App Store, meaning users can download apps from competing sources such as websites and competing app stores.
In this way, developers can avoid the technology giant’s 30% fee, which in theory could mean cheaper applications. Once fully implemented, users should also enjoy a wider selection of apps.
PAYMENTS BY NON-Apple WEBSITE USERS
In both the EU and the US, app developers can direct users to their own websites to buy products instead of having to use Apple’s in-app purchase system, which also requires a 30 percent cut.
The change was made in accordance with the Digital Market Act that has recently entered into force in the EU. In the US, Apple’s hand was forced by a lawsuit filed by Fortnite maker Epic Games, a longtime critic of the tech giant’s business practices.
BROWSERS
Another change made in Europe to comply with the EU Digital Markets Act concerns default browsers. Safari has been the default browser on the iPhone since the device was first released in 2007.
While iPhone users can already change their default to a competitor like Google Chrome or Opera, they now automatically get the option to switch when opening Safari in Apple’s latest software update, iOS 17.4.
Against the EU’s changes, Apple said users would be presented with a list of options without the chance to explore them, and warned it would interrupt their browsing experience.
