How US lawsuit against Apple could make iPhone better for consumers

The U.S. lawsuit against Apple aims to increase competition for the iPhone and bolster support for smaller companies whose apps are compatible with the ubiquitous device.

In a lawsuit against the $2.7 trillion company, which the U.S. contends has hurt smaller rivals and raised prices, the Justice Department asked the court to “restorate markets affected by Apple’s unlawful conduct.” competitive conditions”.

Apple said the lawsuit threatens the company and the principles that help its products stand out in a competitive market.

In Europe, a slew of rules and regulations forced Apple to make a series of user-friendly changes to its popular smartphones that consumers are already benefiting from, suggesting similar changes could be coming in the U.S. if the Justice Department lawsuit succeeds.

Here are a few areas where EU competition authorities have changed their rules and Apple has changed its products.

Charging Cable

Apple’s move to USB-C chargers, the standard for Android-based devices, may be the most obvious change for users.

In 2022, the European Union passed a law stating that charging ports will become a mandatory standard in 27 EU countries by the end of 2024. This makes it easier for consumers to charge their devices using a charger they own, or borrow a charger they own.

app Store

In Europe, the new rules create alternatives to Apple’s App Store, meaning users can download apps from rival sources, including websites and rival app stores.

This allows developers to avoid the tech giant’s 30% commission, which in theory could mean apps become cheaper. Once fully implemented, users should also have access to a wider range of applications.

Pay using a non-Apple website

In the European Union and the United States, app developers can direct users to their own websites to purchase goods without having to use Apple’s in-app purchase system, which also charges a 30% fee.

This change was made in the EU under the recently enacted Digital Markets Act. In the United States, Apple was forced to take action after Fortnite developer Epic Games filed a lawsuit. Epic Games has long been critical of the tech giant’s business practices.

Browser

Another change introduced in Europe to comply with EU digital markets law concerns default web browsers. Safari has been the default browser on the iPhone since it was first released in 2007.

While iPhone users can already change the default to competitors like Google Chrome or Opera, they will now automatically choose to switch when opening Safari in the latest Apple software update, iOS 17.4.

Apple opposed the EU changes, saying it would offer users a range of options but no chance to learn about them and warning it would disrupt their browsing experience.

© Thomson Reuters 2024

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