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European authorities examining how the Apple iPhone is being sold

By Alan Friedman

Published: May 27, 2013, 3:33 AM

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According to a published report, documents seen by the Financial Times show that the European Commission is investigating whether Apple is using anti-competitive sales tactics which are pushing rival smartphones out of the European market. A questionnaire sent to European carriers seems to suggest that the Commission is investigating whether Apple's distribution system guarantees that no other phone gives a better deal to the carriers than the iPhone. Mobile operators have been complaining about Apple's actions privately, leading to a preliminary look at the situation.

Ironically, the growing popularity of the Samsung Galaxy S4 might hurt the EC's chances of starting a probe. Before a formal investigation takes place, the EC would have to show that Apple is dominant in the European market, something that is harder to do these days thanks to the Samsung Galaxy S4 and its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S III. The newer model sold over 10 million units globally in less than a month. Apple says that its contracts meet all EU laws.

source: Reuters

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Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.

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