Anti-trust probe against Apple

LONDON: Germany's competition watchdog on Monday opened a probe into alleged anti-competition practices by Apple, especially via its App Store policies. Apple has become the fourth US tech giant — after Amazon, Facebook and Google — to be hit by similar investigations on behalf of the German Federal Cartel Office (FCO).

The proceeding will determine whether or not the iPhone maker meets the threshold of Germany's updated competition law.

"We will now examine whether with its proprietary operating system iOS, Apple has created a digital ecosystem around its iPhone that extends across several markets," Andreas Mundt, president of the FCO, said in a statement. Apple produces tablets, computers and wearables and provides a host of device-related services.

In addition to manufacturing various hardware products, the tech company also offers the App Store, iCloud, AppleCare, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+ as well as other services as part of its services business.

"Besides assessing the company's position in these areas, we will, among other aspects, examine its extensive integration across several market levels, the magnitude of its technological and financial resources and its access to data," he added. (IANS)

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