European authorities examining how the Apple iPhone is being sold

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