Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco Delivers Remarks on Lawsuit Against Apple for Monopolizing Smartphone Markets

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

Thank you, Mr. Attorney General — and good morning.

In our fight against corporate misconduct, the Department’s approach is straightforward and relentless.  

We identify the most serious wrongdoers, whether individuals or companies. And then we focus our full energy and devote all necessary resources to holding them accountable.

Accountability promotes fairness. It drives deterrence. And it advances the rule of law.

By holding all companies to the same standards, our approach to corporate enforcement benefits all Americans — who deserve and demand a justice system that holds accountable those who break the law.

For over a century, our federal antitrust laws have been a critical tool for protecting competition — the fuel that drives our nation’s economy.

These laws protect consumer choice in the market. They keep prices in check. They promote quality. And they open doors for innovation.

Today, the Department alleges that Apple — one of the world’s largest tech companies — crossed the line from rigorous competition to anticompetitive exclusion, unlawfully maintaining a monopoly in violation of the Sherman Act.

The complaint makes clear that, for years, Apple has tightened its grip on the smartphone market.

It has done so not through product improvements — but by maintaining a chokehold on competition — locking its customers in to the iPhone while locking its competitors out of the market.

As a result, and as the complaint details, Apple has gone from revolutionizing the smartphone market to stalling its advancement.

This shift has smothered an entire industry — from users to app developers to the next generation of innovators.

Apple’s anticompetitive conduct must stop. Sixteen other Attorneys General agree — and have joined us in bringing this suit against Apple.

I want to thank the women and men of the Antitrust Division for their commitment to promoting competition and protecting consumers and workers in all their work. And I want to thank Assistant Attorney General Kanter for his leadership.

Their work makes clear that:

No matter how powerful — no matter how prominent — no matter how popular — no company is above the law.

Through today’s action, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to that principle.

With that, I’ll hand it off to Acting Associate Attorney General Mizer.