A New Jersey judge has ruled that Apple (AAPL) must face a U.S. Department of Justice antitrust lawsuit, determining that the company unlawfully monopolizes the smartphone market through restrictions on third-party apps and devices. The case targets Apple’s app store policies and device interoperability, potentially leading to extensive litigation.
In 2024, Apple generated $201 billion in iPhone sales, with its upcoming budget iPhone launch in February underscoring the stakes involved in this legal challenge. The DOJ’s allegations assert that Apple blocks competition in critical areas such as apps and messaging, while Apple claims its policies are essential for security and innovation.
This lawsuit adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech, joining similar cases against Meta, Amazon, and Google, and could force significant changes to how Apple’s App Store operates and how it certifies devices, ultimately affecting the company’s market power and revenue generation.
