The US Justice Department is going after Apple in a landmark antitrust lawsuit. If you're hearing cheering from Cary, NC, that's because this is pretty similar to Epic Games' 2020 lawsuit. It accuses Apple of anticompetitive practices to maintain its position in the smartphone market, citing both App Store policy and third-party access to iPhone hardware as primary concerns. Here's what the Feds say Apple is doing wrong, along with Apple's explanation that it's all part of its "magical experience":

Thursday’s suit claims Apple has illegally monopolized smartphone markets by using a complex web of contractual terms that harm everything from text messaging to mobile payments. Among other things, the DOJ says, Apple has used its control over iOS, the iPhone operating system, to block innovative new apps and cloud streaming services from the public; degrade how Android messages appear on iPhones; restricted how competing smartwatches can work with iPhones; and hindered rival payment solutions.

“By stifling these technologies, and many others,” Thursday’s complaint says, “Apple reinforces the moat around its smartphone monopoly not by making its products more attractive to users, but by discouraging innovation that threatens Apple’s smartphone monopoly.”

Apple, in a statement, said the lawsuit would hinder its ability to make the compelling and consumer-friendly technology that have made the company one of the most valuable in the world.

“At Apple, we innovate every day to make technology people love – designing products that work seamlessly together, protect people’s privacy and security, and create a magical experience for our users,” the company said in its statement. “This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets.”