Federal regulators plan to examine whether Apple Inc. is violating antitrust rules by requiring software developers to use Apple programming tools to create applications for the iPhone and iPad.
A person with knowledge of the inquiry tells The Associated Press that officials at the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission are sorting out which agency will examine Apple's policy. The policy could prevent developers from using outside tools such as those from Adobe Systems Inc. to design apps for Apple's devices.
The person with knowledge of the inquiry, who was not authorized to speak publicly, noted that it is in a preliminary stage. The government regularly scrutinizes corporate conduct without taking action.
Apple did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
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