AOC says Congress should break up Apple amid looming price increases

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says Congress should break up companies like Apple amid reports the tech giant may raise prices due to AI-driven chip supply strain.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez believes Congress should break up companies like Apple due to potential price increases on phones and laptops. The price hike is reportedly caused by a strain in the supply of AI-driven chips, which could lead to a significant increase in costs for consumers. Apple's potential price increase is estimated to be around 10-15% for some of its products. The company's decision to raise prices would affect its upcoming product releases, including the new iPhone and MacBook models.

The potential breakup of Apple would directly affect the price consumers pay for their products. If Apple raises its prices, consumers can expect to pay around $100 to $200 more for the new iPhone models. This price increase would be a significant burden for many households, especially those who rely on Apple products for work or education. The price hike would also impact the resale value of older Apple devices.

The call to break up Apple is not a new phenomenon, as the company has faced antitrust scrutiny in the past. In 2020, the House Judiciary Committee launched an investigation into Apple's business practices, citing concerns over its dominance in the tech industry. Insiders know that Apple's control over its app store and strict guidelines for developers have raised concerns among regulators. The company's history of acquiring smaller startups has also contributed to its growing market share.

The House Judiciary Committee is expected to review Rep. Ocasio-Cortez's proposal to break up Apple in the coming weeks. A decision on the matter is expected by the end of the quarter, with some analysts predicting that the committee will launch a formal investigation into Apple's business practices. Interestingly, Apple's CEO has been quietly meeting with regulators to discuss potential changes to the company's app store policies, which could potentially alleviate some of the concerns surrounding its market dominance.