Competition Bureau Closes Apple Canada’s iPhone Investigation

Apple Canada’s deals with wireless carriers weren’t anti-competitive, the Competition Bureau has concluded after analyzing data gathered during the two-year investigation. As a result, the Bureau has closed the case, having found insufficient evidence to show that Apple’s contract terms contravene the Competition Act, the antitrust body has announced today.

The investigation was launched based on allegations that Apple’s contracts impose obligations on the Canadian carriers relating to the sale and marketing of the iPhone in the country. The antitrust body took this matter under its loop under the abuse of dominance position (section 79) of the Competition Act. However, after examining the requested data from Apple and carriers, the Bureau has not found sufficient evidence to suggest that Apple has lessened or prevented competition in the market.

Since the iPhone hit the Canadian market in 2008, the growth of smartphone usage has been explosive, and, as of 2015, 73% of Canadians aged 18 and over owned one. That compares to the 24% recorded in 2010.

Although the antitrust body’s inquiry has been discontinued, the Bureau will not hesitate to take “appropriate action” if new and compelling evidence comes to light, the statement reads.