Apple might be in trouble with the DOJ because of AirTags

Apple may be in hot water with the US Department of Justice over potential antitrust issues, this time related to AirTags and other hardware. Rumor has it that DOJ lawyers are gearing up to file a complaint against the tech giant, although nothing is set in stone just yet.

Investigation and Focus
Back in 2019, the DOJ started looking into Apple as part of a broader antitrust investigation into Big Tech. Initially, they honed in on Apple’s tight grip on the App Store and payment system for developers. Now, it seems like they might be digging deeper into the accusations from tracking device company Tile against Apple’s AirTags.

AirTags Technology and Allegations
AirTags boast ultra-wideband technology and link up with Apple’s Find My network for precise tracking, outshining Tile’s Bluetooth trackers. Tile has cried foul, claiming that Apple intentionally hindered Tile’s access on iOS devices by limiting its use of the Find My network. Although Apple eventually opened up the Find My network to third-party devices last year, the terms were so strict that companies like Tile would have to ditch their own software ecosystems in favor of Apple’s – a deal Tile wasn’t willing to make.

We’ve reached out to Apple and the DOJ for comments, so stay tuned for updates as the story unfolds.