Apple could be the next big tech company to face antitrust charges in the U.S.

According to foreign media reports, Apple may soon become the subject of a federal antitrust lawsuit. New York Times. The publication said the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into Apple and its efforts to lock customers into its ecosystem is in “advanced stages.”

The Justice Department’s investigation focuses on how Apple prevented competitors from using iMessage and how the Apple Watch performed better when used with an iPhone compared to watches from other brands. era Report. Additionally, investigators are reportedly looking into how Apple blocked other financial providers from using iPhone-specific payment services.

Sources told the Justice Department that the investigation has not been finalized and that senior Justice Department officials are still reviewing the findings. era. Apple reportedly met with the DOJ “numerous times” as recently as December, but it has yet to hold a final meeting with the agency to defend its practices.According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the Department of Justice may file a lawsuit against Apple as soon as the first half of 2024 era.

edge Apple was contacted for comment but did not immediately receive a response.