Apple is officially heading to trial after a U.S.
federal judge refused to dismiss the Department of Justice’s antitrust lawsuit. Filed in 2024, the case accuses Apple of abusing its market dominance by restricting how competitors interact with its ecosystem, raising serious concerns about consumer choice and developer freedom.
The lawsuit stems from long-standing complaints by companies like Spotify, which argue Apple’s control over iPhones, apps, and services like Messages and the Apple Watch creates an uneven playing field. Judge Julien Neals ruled the case could proceed, rejecting Apple’s claim that the accusations were too vague to litigate.
This trial could shed light on Apple’s tightly managed digital environment-covering areas like app distribution, game streaming limitations, NFC payment access, and smartwatch compatibility. While Apple says its policies are built around user privacy and security, regulators believe these same policies stifle innovation and competition.
One example involves Apple’s belated adoption of RCS messaging and the upcoming iOS 18.2 feature that allows users to set third-party messaging apps as default. These changes, however, only followed years of pressure from industry rivals and lawmakers.
Similarly, Apple has only recently opened up its NFC technology, enabling services like Square to process tap-to-pay transactions. Still, the DOJ may argue that Apple needs to go further-letting users choose their default payment platform, as mandated in the EU.
Wearable tech companies are also frustrated. Although third-party smartwatches can connect to iPhones, developers say Apple Watch enjoys a level of integration they can’t match. These discrepancies are expected to be a central focus in court.
The suit also addresses Apple’s policies against “super apps”-apps combining chat, shopping, banking, and more-citing restrictions that have blocked such apps from launching in the U.S., unlike China’s WeChat.
Apple, standing firm, argues the lawsuit misrepresents facts and legal standards. A spokesperson reiterated the company’s intention to contest the case. Meanwhile, the DOJ has stayed silent on media inquiries, letting the legal proceedings speak for themselves.
Despite recent updates from Apple, the trial is moving ahead. Legal experts predict a drawn-out battle, likely to span several years and include appeals. Regardless of the final outcome, it’s clear Apple’s business practices are now under intense scrutiny from regulators determined to reshape digital competition in the U.S.