8 ABR. 2025 · The Department of Justice (DOJ) and a coalition of states continue to pursue their civil antitrust lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the company has monopolized the smartphone market through various restrictive practices.
### Recent Developments
As of June 11, 2024, four additional states - Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington - have joined the lawsuit, bringing the total number of state plaintiffs to nineteen, along with the District of Columbia and the DOJ. This expansion underscores the growing concern among state and federal authorities about Apple's market dominance[1].
### Key Allegations
The DOJ alleges that Apple has maintained its monopoly power in the smartphone market by violating federal antitrust law. Specifically, the lawsuit claims that Apple has imposed contractual restrictions on developers, denied access to important technologies, and undermined apps, products, and services that could reduce consumer dependence on iPhones. For instance, Apple is accused of blocking "super" apps, suppressing mobile cloud streaming services, excluding cross-platform messaging apps, and limiting the functionality of non-Apple smartwatches and third-party digital wallets[3][5].
### DOJ Statements
Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the DOJ’s Antitrust Division emphasized the importance of restoring competition in the smartphone market. "We look forward to litigating this important case alongside our state partners to deliver the benefits of competition to consumers, app developers, accessory makers, and the American public," Kanter said[1].
### Apple's Response
Apple has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that the lawsuit threatens the principles that make its products unique. The company argued that if the lawsuit is successful, it would hinder their ability to create integrated technology where hardware, software, and services intersect. Apple also claimed that the lawsuit would set a dangerous precedent, allowing the government to heavily influence the design of technology products[1].
### Legal Proceedings
The case is currently being heard in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, with Judge Julien Neals presiding after Judge Michael E. Farbiarz recused himself in April 2024. Apple filed a motion to dismiss the case on August 1, 2024, which is pending review[4].
### Ramifications and Industry Impact
The lawsuit is part of a broader effort by the Biden Administration to regulate big tech companies. If successful, it could have significant ramifications for the tech industry, potentially opening up more opportunities for competition and innovation. The case is drawing parallels with the historic antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft in the late 1990s, which also involved allegations of monopolistic practices[3][4].
### Projected Outcome
Given the complexity and the high stakes involved, the lawsuit is expected to take multiple years to resolve. Apple is anticipated to hire hundreds of lawyers to defend its position, indicating a protracted and costly legal battle ahead[3].
In summary, the DOJ's lawsuit against Apple remains a critical and ongoing issue, with significant implications for competition, innovation, and consumer choice in the tech industry. As the case progresses, it will be closely watched for its potential to reshape the market dynamics and regulatory landscape.