Federal Judge Allows Antitrust Case to Proceed
A U.S. federal judge has denied Apple Inc.'s motion to dismiss a sweeping antitrust lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ), marking a major legal setback for the iPhone maker. The DOJ alleges that Apple maintains an unlawful monopoly in the smartphone market through a series of anti-competitive practices designed to block innovation and stifle rivals.

DOJ Accuses Apple of Stifling Competition
The lawsuit, first filed in March 2024, accuses Apple of using its control over the iOS ecosystem to lock users in and prevent competitors from gaining traction. The DOJ argues that Apple’s restrictions on cloud gaming, third-party messaging apps, and digital wallets undermine competition and consumer choice—ultimately harming innovation in the smartphone industry.

Judge Finds Enough Evidence for Case to Move Forward
In the ruling, the judge stated that the Justice Department presented sufficient evidence that, if proven true, could demonstrate monopolistic behavior. This means the case will now enter the discovery phase, where internal Apple communications and corporate practices will be closely examined.

Apple Denies Allegations, Vows to Defend Itself
Apple has strongly denied the allegations, asserting that its practices promote user security, privacy, and a superior user experience. The company expressed disappointment in the court's decision and reaffirmed its commitment to defending its ecosystem against what it sees as a mischaracterization of its business model.

Broader Implications for Big Tech Regulation
This case could have far-reaching consequences beyond Apple. As part of a broader crackdown on Big Tech, the DOJ's pursuit of Apple underscores growing government concern over corporate dominance in the digital economy. If successful, the lawsuit could force Apple to make significant changes to how it manages its App Store and iOS ecosystem.

What’s Next in the Legal Battle?
With the dismissal denied, the case is expected to proceed into trial preparation, with discovery likely to unveil more about Apple’s internal operations. Legal analysts say a trial could take place in 2025 unless a settlement is reached beforehand. The outcome could reshape how mobile platforms operate in the U.S. and possibly influence global tech regulation efforts.