U.S. DOJ’s Antitrust Lawsuit Against Apple Moves Ahead Successfully

Apple’s motion to dismiss the antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice has been denied, signaling the start of a trial that could significantly impact the company’s operations. This legal battle originated from a 2019 investigation prompted by Spotify’s complaints about Apple’s practices.

After several years of investigations and threats, the DOJ formally filed a comprehensive antitrust lawsuit against Apple in 2024. The lawsuit has faced challenges from the outset, including the recusal of the original judge and the appointment of U.S. District Judge Julien Neals.

Apple requested a swift dismissal of the case, but over a year later, the court has ruled against that request, meaning Apple must prepare for trial. The accusations suggest that Apple has created technical barriers to competition across its services and devices, potentially affecting everything from the Apple Watch to Apple Wallet.

The DOJ asserts that Apple’s practices have stifled competition, citing issues such as the prevention of “super apps,” restrictions on game streaming services, and limitations on cross-platform messaging. Judgments in previous cases have concluded that Apple’s commission structure is legal, but some of its anti-steering practices remain under scrutiny.

For example, the lawsuit argues that Apple does not permit apps like WeChat to operate with the same latitude outside of China, limiting competition. As the trial looms, the DOJ is expected to present a more detailed set of arguments.

Meanwhile, Apple’s past updates, such as the introduction of RCS in its messaging app, have attempted to address some concerns raised by competitors. Despite these developments, the antitrust case is set to proceed, possibly dragging on for years and likely leading to further appeals.

The DOJ’s demands challenge Apple’s current approach to its proprietary technology, calling for greater openness before products are fully developed. The unfolding case emphasizes the growing pressure from both political parties to address antitrust issues in the tech industry, making it clear that Apple’s legal challenges are far from over.