Apple might be the next Big Tech company facing antitrust charges in the US

Apple could soon be the subject of a federal antitrust lawsuit, . The publication says that the US Department of Justice (DOJ) is in the “late stages” of an investigation into Apple and its moves to keep customers locked into its ecosystem. The DOJ’s investigation is looking at how Apple blocks rivals from using iMessage as well as how the Apple Watch works better when used with the iPhone when compared to watches from other brands, the reports.

Additionally, investigators are reportedly examining how Apple prevents other financial providers from using iPhone specific payment services. The investigation isn’t set in stone just yet, as senior DOJ officials are still reviewing the investigation’s results, sources tell the . Apple reportedly met with the DOJ “multiple times” as recently as December, but it still hasn’t held a final meeting with the agency where it will have to defend its practices.

The DOJ could file its lawsuit against Apple as soon as the first half of 2024, according to the . reached out to Apple with a request for comment but didn’t immediately hear back. In February of last year, the DOJ was in the process of escalating its investigation into Apple. The iPhone maker has drawn antitrust scrutiny several times in the recent past, including when it the made by Beeper late last year.

Apple isn’t the only Big Tech company dealing with antitrust concerns right now. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against Amazon last year, and in December to settle antitrust charges. from the FTC over its deal to acquire Activision Blizzard. /.