cross-posted from: https://exploding-heads.com/post/82687

Apple’s policies governing its App Store have been a target for critics and government regulators around the globe, who have looked at whether its power over pricing and distribution of outside software on its mobile devices harms competition. The Justice Department’s investigation is broader than the App Store, though, and is looking at whether Apple has used its operating system to favor its own products, including hardware, said people familiar with the investigation. By locking down access to iOS, Apple makes the iPhone stickier and discourages users from switching to Android phones.