Apple Faces Multiple Antitrust Lawsuits Over App Store

A U.S. federal judge has denied Apple’s motion to dismiss the Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit, enabling the case—alleging Apple monopolizes the smartphone market and restricts third-party developers and devices—to proceed toward a possible 2027 trial. Concurrently, Swiss privacy-focused company Proton has filed a class-action suit in California, joining other developers in accusing Apple of unlawfully monopolizing iPhone app distribution and payment processing. Both lawsuits challenge Apple’s enforcement of exclusive app store access, high commissions, and technical barriers that critics say harm competition and consumer choice. Proton seeks court orders to mandate alternative app stores and payment processors on iOS, along with monetary damages for developers. Apple argues its restrictions are vital for user security and innovation, while opponents claim they inflate prices and stifle market competition. The outcomes of these legal battles could force major changes to Apple’s app distribution and payment systems globally.