Apple will proceed to trial following a ruling from a federal judge regarding a lawsuit from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) that accuses the company of illegally dominating the smartphone market in the United States.
In a decision issued on Monday, US District Judge Julien Neals in Newark, New Jersey, rejected Apple’s request to dismiss the lawsuit. The case alleges that Apple employs restrictive practices towards third-party app and device developers, effectively discouraging users from migrating to competing products and reinforcing its market dominance.
This ruling paves the way for an extensive legal battle that could potentially extend for several years as Apple contends with efforts by regulators to dismantle what they perceive as anticompetitive barriers related to its iPhone.
An Apple spokesperson asserted that the company disagrees with the allegations made in the lawsuit, maintaining that it will vigorously defend its position in court.
The DOJ opted not to provide any comments when reached for further information.
In 2024, Apple recorded sales of $201 billion (approximately Rs. 17,19,518 crore) for its iPhones, which remain the most popular smartphones globally. Earlier this year, the company launched a new budget-friendly iPhone model priced at $170 more than the previous generation, showcasing enhanced features.
The lawsuit, initially filed in March 2024, zeroes in on Apple’s policies concerning fees imposed on app developers, as well as their technical limitations that hinder third-party devices and services—such as smartwatches, digital wallets, and messaging applications—from competing with Apple’s proprietary offerings.
The DOJ, joined by several states and Washington, DC, argues that Apple’s business practices undermine competition, urging that the company should be prohibited from continuing them.
Apple contends that its restrictions on third-party developers are rational and necessary, arguing that forcing the company to share its technology with rivals would stifle innovation.
This case is part of a broader wave of antitrust actions targeting major technology firms launched during both the Biden and initial Trump administrations.
Other tech giants, including Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, and Amazon.com, are also facing legal challenges from antitrust regulators for allegedly maintaining monopolistic practices, while Alphabet has been subjected to two similar lawsuits.
© Thomson Reuters 2025
