Apple probed by Competition Bureau for iPhone carrier deals

Canada's competition watchdog is looking into allegations that smartphone maker Apple puts clauses into the wording of its contracts with Canadian wireless carriers that stifle competition.

Canada's Competition Bureau said Thursday it is probing the company's contracts that relate to the supply of iPhones sold in Canada. Spokesman Greg Scott says the bureau has sought a court order this week to force Apple to hand over its records relating to the investigation.

The wildly popular iPhone is currently available on a number of different carriers in Canada, but when the first iteration of the device was launched, Rogers was for a time the exclusive supplier.

The bureau added, however, that so far it has no evidence that Apple has contravened any rules and that it has not filed any application with the Competition Tribunal or any other court to seek remedies for any alleged anti-competitive conduct.

“Should evidence indicate that the Competition Act has been contravened, the Commissioner will take appropriate action,” Scott said in an email.