What the DOJ lawsuit against Apple could mean for consumers

The US Justice Department and more than a dozen states filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple on Thursday, accusing the company of monopolizing the smartphone market.

The lawsuit alleges Apple kept prices and fees high and restricted developers of apps, products and services used on the iPhone that could otherwise lower costs.

Apple issued a statement saying the lawsuit threatens the company's ability to provide innovative technology and could set a "dangerous precedent." A spokesman for Apple said in the statement that the lawsuit was "wrong on the facts and the law" and that Apple would "vigorously defend against it."

More:Justice Department sues Apple for allegedly monopolizing the smartphone market

But what does all of this mean for consumers? Here's a look at Apple's response to new regulations abroad, what changed and similar recent lawsuits.

Apple made changes in EU

Apple recently made sweeping changes to its operating systems in the European Union, making them more open to comply with EU regulations and the Digital Markets Act.

In response to the DMA, Apple said its updates and changes would offer consumers more flexibility, alternative app marketplaces and give developers the opportunity to link out for users to complete purchases of digital goods or services.

The changes would also make room for alternative browser engines and contactless payments, meaning it would allow users to select a third-party contactless payment app — or an alternative app marketplace — as their default.

Apple introduced those changes with the iOS 17.4 update in the EU.

What it could mean for iPhone users

Here's what iPhone users could see if Apple loses the lawsuit or makes changes similar to those made in the EU:

• App Store flexibility may mean better user experience and service, with more developers submitting apps
• More options for using third-party smart watches
• More contactless payment options
• Expanded browser options

Similar scrutiny

Both Apple and Google have been scrutinized and faced lawsuits over how they treat developers.

Google lost an antitrust lawsuit brought by Epic Games, best known as the maker of Fortnite, over barriers to the Android app store. Apple also faced a similar suit in 2020 brought by Epic, in which a federal judge ruled Apple had to let developers use payment options outside of Apple’s app store.

More:Facebook owner, Microsoft, X and Match side with Epic Games in Apple lawsuit

Sumit Sharma, senior researcher for tech competition at Consumer Reports, released a statement praising the lawsuit.

"Apple has been an outlier in its willingness to make changes to products and services to the benefit of consumers and developers," Sharma said. "We’ve seen Apple limit access to hardware and software for competing services and products like smartwatches and contactless payments, and that’s harmed innovation and competition."

Sharma also wrote an Opinion column for USA TODAY in 2021 about Apple, Google and the need for fair rules.