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, according to a report from The New York Times. 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 Times 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 Times. 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 Times.

The Verge reached out to Apple with a request for comment but didn’t immediately hear back.