Apple Sued For Alleged Monopoly Of Crypto Application On IOS

Apple is being sued by customers due to the monopoly of crypto service applications in the app store. (Photo; Doc. Techtimes)

JAKARTA - Apple, a leading technology company in the world, is facing lawsuits from a number of customers using peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps such as Venmo and Cash App. They accuse Apple of conspiring with PayPal Venmo and Block's Cash App to limit the use of crypto technology in the iOS payment app.

The class action lawsuit filed in the California District Court on November 17 states that Apple has made anti-competitive agreements with the two payment platforms. As a result, users cannot take advantage of decentralized cryptocurrency technology, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, in their payment apps. This causes an increase in costs and rates for users.

The plaintiffs claim that Apple has manipulated technology and contracts to control all apps running on iPhone and iPad. Apple is said to be forcing new iOS P2P payment apps not to include crypto features if they want to enter the App Store. Thus, Apple violates consumer rights to choose the payment method they want.

The plaintiffs demanded compensation for the losses they suffered due to Apple's unlawful behavior. They also provide a background regarding the development of P2P payment applications and decentralized crypto technology in the lawsuit containing the 58 pages.

This lawsuit is not the first to threaten Apple with crypto technology. In April, Apple was found guilty by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal for violating California's business competition laws. Apple prohibits apps from offering payment solutions other than those provided by Apple. In fact, Apple cut 30% of transaction revenues made through its app.

Apple's policy also hinders crypto companies that want to provide services to iOS users. For example, Apple removed the Damus social media app that supports Bitcoin from the App Store for violating the rules.

This app allows content creators to get tips in Bitcoin via the Lightning Network. However, Apple does not allow developers to sell additional content in the app except through Apple. In October, MetaMask's Ethereum wallet was also removed from the App Store before it was finally returned.