The European Commission has launched an investigation whether Apple uses anti-competitive methods in its iPhone sale agreements with mobile network operators (MNOs).
Financial Times has reported that the commission has sent a nine-page questionnaire to the European Union (EU) MNOs on distribution terms that might favour Apple by ensuring no rival can secure a better sales deal.
According to the news paper, the questionnaire states that the commission has information indicating that Apple and MNOs have finalised distribution agreements which may potentially lead to the foreclosure of other smartphone manufacturers from the markets.
"There are also indications that certain technical functions are disabled on certain Apple products in certain countries in the EU/EEA. If the existence of such behaviour were to be confirmed, it might constitute an infringement of [antitrust law]".
Apple’s technical restrictions that stop the iPhone 5 being used on 4G networks in Europe will also be investigated.
All the network operators have been asked to reply until 17 June this year.
Earlier this month, a US senate alleged that Apple has used a complex web of offshore entities including three foreign subsidiaries to dodge taxes in the country.
