Justice Department Sues Apple Over Alleged Smartphone Monopoly

Justice Department sues Apple, alleges illegal smartphone market monopoly that blocks competitors, limits innovation, keeps prices high
Seeks to stop Apple from limiting competitor access to key technologies like messaging, payments, etc. to maintain dominance
Lawsuit filed with 16 states, part of administration's big tech antitrust push against Apple, Google, Amazon, etc.
Charges Apple's strict control of iPhone ecosystem lets it charge high fees, control app distribution, reduce functionality of rivals
Apple calls lawsuit unfounded, says control needed for security, privacy, integration; critics allege privacy stance hides profit motives