Apple Fails to Get DOJ Antitrust Suit Dismissed, Case Moving Forward

Apple has failed to have its antitrust lawsuit brought on by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed in court. Appealing to U.S. District Judge Julien Neals, the motion was dismissed, according to a recent report from Reuters.

Apple began its appeal to the court in August of last year following the lawsuit’s filing in March 2024. The iPhone maker believed that the DOJ’s filed complaint regarding antitrust practices did not demonstrate adequate examples of anticompetitive practices. Apple argues that it does not have a monopoly on the smartphone market in the US, nor does its business harm consumers.

“To the extent Apple argues it can limit access to its ‘own proprietary technology available to third parties,’ the court finds this contention is a factual dispute that must be resolved through discovery,” Neals says.

While an attempt was made to dismiss the motion, U.S. District Judge Julien Neals determined that the case will move forward. However, as the report states, Apple continues to believe the lawsuit was filed under false pretences and will continue to fight it in court.

The DOJ argues that Apple has a strong monopoly on the US smartphone market. The government body claims Apple restricts third-party access to company services. The case also claims that Apple’s consumers are locked into the company’s ecosystem. The DOJ has not provided a comment regarding Apple’s attempt at an appeal.

Although the case will be moving forward, there’s still a lot of road ahead before it hits trial. The discovery period is due to commence, where Apple and the DOJ will compile and provide suitable documents, depositions, and testimony.