Author: Jamie Welch, Senior Editor

Apple may face some of the same investigation by the FTC or DOJ that has previously been reserved for the likes of companies like Microsoft. In the past Apple has been protected by these governmental agencies, but now it might be Apple who is going to be investigated. It seems that there is some question if Apple can restrict app developers in using only Apple tools to develop apps. It seems that regulators are now trying to figure out which agency should handle the investigation. One article states: An inquiry doesn’t necessarily mean action will be taken against Apple, which argues the rule is in place to ensure the quality of the apps it sells to customers. Typically, regulators initiate inquiries to determine whether a full-fledged investigation ought to be launched. If the inquiry escalates to an investigation, the agency handling the matter would issue Apple a subpoena seeking information about the policy. Officials at both the Justice Department and FTC declined comment. Apple did not return calls seeking comment. The threat of Apple being the subject of an investigation would be a remarkable turnabout for a company that has long seen itself as being outside the establishment, and one that has egged on antitrust officials to blunt the momentum of larger...