The Sconi

Attorney General Josh Kaul, along with the U.S. Department of Justice and 15 other states and district attorneys general, has filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Apple for monopolization or attempted monopolization of smartphone markets. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, alleges that Apple maintains a monopoly over smartphones by imposing contractual restrictions on developers and withholding critical access points.

In a statement, Attorney General Josh Kaul emphasized, “Wisconsin consumers shouldn’t have to pay inflated prices or have their options artificially restricted by anticompetitive conduct.” He also added, “Through this case, we are seeking to ensure that consumer choice and competition aren’t inhibited by unnecessary roadblocks.”

The complaint against Apple highlights the tech giant's alleged anticompetitive behavior, including blocking innovative super apps, suppressing mobile cloud streaming services, excluding cross-platform messaging apps, diminishing the functionality of non-Apple smartwatches, and limiting third-party digital wallets. These actions, according to the complaint, undermine competition, consumer choice, and innovation in the smartphone market.

Wisconsin, known for its stance on antitrust issues, is leading the charge with its co-plaintiffs to seek injunctive relief to address the allegedly anticompetitive conduct by Apple. The lawsuit aims to restore competition in the smartphone market and ensure that consumers have access to a variety of choices without facing unnecessary restrictions.

Apple Inc., a tech giant based in California, is facing scrutiny for its alleged monopolistic practices in the smartphone market. With annual net revenues exceeding $383 billion and net income of $97 billion, Apple's dominance in the industry has raised concerns among regulators and state attorneys general.

Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Gwendolyn J. Lindsay Cooley is representing Wisconsin in this legal battle against Apple.