Apple Could Face Antitrust Probe from DOJ, FTC

News
By Jane McEntegart
published

Apple may face an antitrust probe because of changes to its iPhone SDK policy, which now stipulates that developers cannot use outside software to develop iPhone or iPad applications and. As a result, devs can't develop apps that run on multiple platforms

The New York Post cites a person familiar with the matter who says the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission are locked in negotiations over who will launch an antitrust inquiry into Apple's new policy. The two regulatory bodies are said to be days away from making a decision.

Bloomberg reports that the discussions were prompted by a complaint from Adobe, a company that is affected by the new policy and one that has been caught up in a bitter war of words with Apple of the last few weeks.

When contacted for comment by Bloomberg and the NYP, Apple, the Justice Department, and the FTC declined to comment.

Jane McEntegart
75 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Glorian
    Knew something like this was gonna happen sooner or later.
    Reply
  • twisted politiks
    stupid Apple.

    I still can't believe they haven't been sued over the fact that their OS only comes with one web browser. They must feed money into the machine, they usually get away with too much, this is a step in the right direction :)
    Reply
  • gekko668
    Talk about rotten to the core.
    Reply
  • hotroderx
    I got a feeling apple will buy its way out of this like it does most things since it cant strong arm its way out. But who knows maybe they might have to answer for some of there poor policys =D I really hope thought this isnt just a fine (which to a company like apple is less then a slap on the wrist)
    Reply
  • Easy defense. This is a CLOSED system. Apple build the h/w and s/w. They need to make sure software are optimized for the unit. Consumer may blame Apple for poor performance (like poor battery) that may be caused by 3rd party developer (i.e. Adobe). Does Kindle need to be able to use other readers?
    Reply
  • extremepcs
    Gigidy! :)
    Reply
  • drutort
    apples only way out is to create a "recommended" list and not limit with what software is used, that way they can cough there way out of when consumers try to blame that there iphone/ipad doesnt work right, they will simply say are you using only the "recommended" software/apps? if not then there is a risk and go deal with that app/company etc..

    which IMO would be perfectly fine, and simple to troubleshoot simply remove app and see...

    im more then sure they will have to be forced sooner or later, cause closing out other companies isnt right, you cant go and create and say here you go you need to learn a whole new programming language just for us, that doesnt work on any other platform :P
    there is a reason why companies make standards... but proprietary lives... to a degree :P
    Reply
  • Shadow703793
    apple122juiceEasy defense. This is a CLOSED system. Apple build the h/w and s/w. They need to make sure software are optimized for the unit. Consumer may blame Apple for poor performance (like poor battery) that may be caused by 3rd party developer (i.e. Adobe). Does Kindle need to be able to use other readers?Keep dreaming fanboy and strop drinking that Apple iBranded iApple iJuice.
    Reply
  • superblahman123
    Apple has been completely comprised of shit talking and dictating the use of their stuff for a long time now. I've read their EULA for the iPhone developers and it bascially states that you must develop in only 3 languages (Objective C, C, forms of javascript), they can change their EULA at any time w/o notice (which was predictable) and apps must conform immediately or run the risk of being suspended or terminated from being able to use the Apple SDK (which was not predictable and very dickish if I might add), and, to top everything off, "You may not issue any press releases or make any other public statements regarding this Agreement, its terms and conditions, or the relationship of the parties without Apple’s express prior written approval, which may be withheld at Apple’s discretion." So to sum it up, they are telling you what you HAVE to use, how to use it, and reminding you to "behave" yourself or you can't develop for Apple.

    IMO, Go Android!
    Reply
  • descendency
    Next up: Sony to call MS being "anti-competitive" by denying them the ability to develop a BluRay player for the Xbox 360.

    Honestly, I think most of the people that are excited about this are iPhone owners who are butthurt that they won't get flash before android phone owners.

    drutortapples only way out is to create a "recommended" list and not limit with what software is used, that way they can cough there way out of when consumers try to blame that there iphone/ipad doesnt work right, they will simply say are you using only the "recommended" software/apps? if not then there is a risk and go deal with that app/company etc..which IMO would be perfectly fine, and simple to troubleshoot simply remove app and see...im more then sure they will have to be forced sooner or later, cause closing out other companies isnt right, you cant go and create and say here you go you need to learn a whole new programming language just for us, that doesnt work on any other platform there is a reason why companies make standards... but proprietary lives... to a degreeIf you think this is a viable option, you haven't been paying attention to the software business long enough. It doesn't matter what warnings you put on your software, if something goes wrong with your product you can get sued for it. Sometimes the government even steps in and fines you (in case of things like health care software and such).

    If your EULA is deemed "unreasonable", then you are not protected. Apple is trying to protect itself from problems that it knows will follow if they try something like that.
    Reply