A US federal judge has rejected Apple’s bid to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), accusing the tech giant of unlawfully dominating the US smartphone market. Here’s a breakdown¹ ²:
- Allegations: The DOJ alleges Apple uses restrictions on third-party app and device developers to prevent users from switching to competitors, thereby unlawfully dominating the market.
- Judge’s Decision: US District Judge Julien Neals denied Apple’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, allowing the case to proceed.
- Potential Consequences: The decision could lead to a years-long fight for Apple against enforcers’ attempts to lower barriers to competition with Apple’s iPhone.
- Apple’s Response: An Apple spokesperson stated the company believes the lawsuit is wrong on the facts and law and will continue to vigorously fight it in court.
- DOJ’s Stance: The DOJ, along with several states and Washington, D.C., argues Apple’s practices destroy competition and should be blocked from continuing them.
This case is part of a series of US antitrust cases against Big Tech companies, and its outcome could have significant implications for the industry.