US DOJ Antitrust Case Against Apple Proceeds After Dismissal Denied

A federal judge has denied Apple's motion to dismiss the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust lawsuit accusing Apple of unlawfully monopolizing the U.S. smartphone market. The case alleges that Apple restricts third-party app and device developers, limiting competition and locking consumers into its ecosystem through contractual rules and technical barriers. The judge ruled that the DOJ's allegations sufficiently demonstrate Apple's intent to monopolize and that the case will proceed, potentially leading to a lengthy legal battle extending to 2028 or later. Apple argues that it faces competition from companies like Samsung and Google and that its restrictions are reasonable to protect innovation. The lawsuit, filed in March 2024, targets Apple's fees and restrictions on app developers and technical obstacles to rival devices and services, including smart watches and digital wallets. This case is part of a broader series of antitrust actions against major tech companies under recent administrations.