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DOJ targets Apple: Déjà vu of Microsoft showdown

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The shadow of Microsoft’s historic antitrust battle looms large as the Justice Department sets its sights on Apple, accusing the iPhone maker of monopolistic practices.

The lawsuit, unveiled last week, alleges that Apple has unlawfully wielded its dominance over the iPhone ecosystem, echoing echoes of Microsoft’s past struggles with antitrust regulators.

For Apple’s Chief Executive, Tim Cook, the coming years may be consumed by legal battles reminiscent of those faced by Bill Gates during Microsoft’s heyday.

Since assuming leadership in 2011, Cook has overseen remarkable growth in profits and revenues.

However, this latest challenge arrives at a precarious moment, with iPhone growth slowing and concerns mounting over Apple’s position in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.

Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Legal woes

The parallels between Apple’s current predicament and Microsoft’s past legal woes are striking.

Just as Gates navigated the storm of antitrust litigation in the late 1990s, Cook now finds himself at the center of a legal maelstrom, with the government seeking significant changes to Apple’s business practices.

The DOJ’s lawsuit invokes Microsoft’s name multiple times, underscoring the government’s determination to rein in the power of Big Tech.

Apple, for its part, vehemently denies allegations of monopoly, citing competition from rivals like Samsung and Google’s Android.

However, if history serves as a guide, Apple may face years of arduous legal proceedings, mirroring Microsoft’s lengthy battle with antitrust regulators.

The case against Microsoft lasted three years before a settlement was reached in 2001, with legal skirmishes in Europe continuing until 2009.

Apple’s iPhone is under scrutiny by the department of justice for being a monopoly.

Tech powerhouse

Apple’s evolution from a struggling company on the brink of bankruptcy to a tech powerhouse has not gone unnoticed.

The DOJ acknowledges Apple’s transformation, noting that remedies from the Microsoft case facilitated the launch of iTunes, the iPod, and eventually, the iPhone.

Despite Apple’s objections to comparisons with Microsoft’s past dominance, the parallels are difficult to ignore.

Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.

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Apple unveils thinner iPhone Air to excite upgrades

Apple launches thinner ‘iPhone Air’ amid price hikes, aiming for customer upgrades despite challenges in AI features and tariffs

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Apple launches thinner ‘iPhone Air’ amid price hikes, aiming for customer upgrades despite challenges in AI features and tariffs

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In Short:
– Apple has introduced the new iPhone Air, priced at £999, to attract customers and update its smartphone line.
– The Air features innovations like a battery accessory, while Apple faces competition in AI capabilities.
Apple has launched a new “iPhone Air” model, marking its first significant smartphone release in years.
The new device, priced at $999, aims to attract customers following difficulties in delivering AI features.

This model replaces the Plus line and initiates a refresh since the iPhone X.Banner

The iPhone Air is designed to pave the way for a potential foldable iPhone next year, indicating Apple’s commitment to creating thinner devices. Analysts highlight challenges with foldable technology, expressing optimism about Apple’s advancements.

The iPhone 17’s base price remains at $799, with the cheapest Pro model starting at $1,099.

Tariffs will be avoided as Apple sources most iPhones from India. The company introduced a battery accessory to enhance the Air’s life, although it adds bulk.

Design Innovations

Apple has also introduced new AirPods Pro featuring a heart monitor and an Apple Watch that can detect high blood pressure.

However, the company faces criticism for lagging AI capabilities compared to competitors like Google. Investor sentiment remains positive following a strong sales quarter and positive developments regarding trade tariffs.

Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman said that the iPhone 17 launch comes at a “really tough” moment for Apple.

“The problem with Apple is that everything that’s showing up today is, in fact, pretty incremental,” he told CNBC’s “Power Lunch.” “Yes, the phone is thinner, and yes, it looks great. We haven’t had a big supercycle in four years.”

Other devices

The new AirPods Pro 3 boast improved audio quality and noise cancellation. A new feature is real-time translation of conversations in foreign languages. They cost $249, the same as their predecessor.

Apple released three new Apple Watch models: the Series 11, which includes updates to the low-end SE and high-end Ultra models. Prices remain unchanged. Apple has added a new health feature to the devices, using machine learning to assess the risk of high blood pressure.

Apple’s iOS 26 will be available as a free software update on Monday.

Apple shares down after event concludes

Investors appeared indifferent to Apple’s latest product announcements, including the new iPhone Air model and Apple Series 11 Watch.

As a result, Apple shares fell by approximately 1.5% after the event concluded.


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Apple may increase iPhone prices despite tariff management

Apple may increase iPhone prices despite managing Trump-era tariffs effectively ahead of new model launch

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Apple may increase iPhone prices despite managing Trump-era tariffs effectively ahead of new model launch

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In Short:
– Tim Cook strengthened Apple’s U.S. investment with a $100 billion commitment despite tariff pressures.
– Analysts predict iPhone price rises due to increased component costs and enhanced features.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has successfully managed the company’s relationship with the White House amid tariffs.
Cook presented President Donald Trump with a gold plaque while announcing a $100 billion U.S. investment.
This was part of a broader commitment to spend $600 billion in the U.S. over the next five years.Banner

Despite these efforts, analysts predict Apple may raise iPhone prices due to ongoing tariff pressures.

CounterPoint’s Jeff Fieldhack noted speculation about a potential increase. While Apple has managed the impact of tariffs better than anticipated, it has incurred costs amounting to $800 million recently.

Pricing Trends

Apple has a history of cautious pricing strategies.

While it has not raised prices significantly in recent years, component costs have increased. Analysts expect upcoming iPhones to boast enhanced features, which could justify a price rise.

Additionally, reports suggest an entry-level Pro model may be eliminated, leading consumers to face higher starting prices for new devices. Cook previously stated that there were no immediate price changes to announce.


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Google avoids major penalties in U.S. antitrust case

Google avoids severe penalties in U.S. antitrust case as judge allows payments to maintain deals with Apple and others

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Google avoids severe penalties in U.S. antitrust case as judge allows payments to maintain deals with Apple and others

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In Short:
– U.S. Judge Mehta ruled Google can’t have exclusive search deals, allowing ongoing distribution payments.
– The decision supports collaboration with Apple and reflects changing market dynamics amid AI advancements.
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google cannot secure exclusive search engine deals, allowing distribution payments to continue.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the judge acknowledged the potential harm to partners like Apple if such agreements were prohibited.The ruling follows Mehta’s previous finding that Google maintained a 90% search market share through illegal practices.

Mehta explained the changing market dynamics, particularly due to AI technology, arguing against drastic interventions that could disrupt competition.

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The decision is viewed positively by Wall Street analysts, as it allows Google to continue its $20 billion annual payment to Apple for being the default search provider.

This arrangement could further foster collaboration on AI services.

Future Innovations

The ruling impacts Google’s ability to create exclusive agreements and requires data-sharing to boost competition.

Critics argue the remedies are insufficient, with calls for an appeal regarding Mehta’s perceived leniency toward Google.

In related news, Google stated the judgement reflects industry changes, affirming that competition remains robust. The Justice Department plans to review the ruling’s implications for restoring competition in the search market.


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