The House Judiciary Committee has launched an antitrust investigation into Apple and its anti-competitive behavior. Part of the probe focuses on the iPhone maker's repair monopoly.
Apple To Submit Internal Communications From Top Executives
Apple has long held the monopoly for repairs on its devices, albeit it has recently taken steps to loosen the restrictions.
In a letter, the committee asked Apple to submit all internal communications from its top 14 executives, including Tim Cook, as part of the investigation that would look at the company's restrictions on third-party repairs, among others.
Congress wants to know about the rules that Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) need to comply, which include those that restrict or prohibit them from making specific repairs.
Congress will also look into Apple's December 2017 decision to offer discounted iPhone battery replacements, and its "Independent Repair Provider Program."
Anticompetitive Behavior
Apple has faced significant criticism about the manner it handles iPhone repairs. It discouraged customers from availing the services of third-party repair companies by making its devices less functional after they have been fixed.
Apple refused to sell parts to repair shops that are not authorized by the company. Apple has also lobbied heavily against the right to repair legislation, which would require it and other electronic companies to make their parts and tools available for the general public.
It has likewise sued independent repair companies for using refurbished and aftermarket parts.
Independent repair companies said Apple engaged in anticompetitive behavior and consumers complained they get to spend more because of these policies, having to shell out more for Apple's basic repairs.
"Apple's actions in these matters ultimately harm consumers by giving them less choice on where to purchase and repair their devices-with less choice comes higher cost, and a higher likelihood of un-repaired devices sent to landfills," wrote Whitson Gordon on Ifixit, an advocate of the right to repair, which also supplies tools and parts necessary to repair Apple products.
"Discounted batteries didn't harm consumers, but the core issue-Apple throttling devices with batteries that were only a year old-certainly did."
Changes On The Horizon
Last month, Apple started to sell iPhone parts to some independent repair companies although it still does not sell the parts directly to customers.
The investigations by Congress nonetheless offer hope the company's monopoly of the repair market could soon be dissipated.
