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Judge Neals Rejects Apple’s Bid to Dismiss DOJ Antitrust Suit

Propelling the case into discovery, the ruling requires Apple to file an answer, triggering evidence exchanges ahead of a trial expected by 2028.

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Julien Neals denied Apple’s motion to dismiss the Justice Department’s complaint, allowing monopoly allegations to proceed.
  • The decision moves the lawsuit into discovery, with Apple set to answer the complaint and both sides exchanging documents and depositions.
  • The DOJ alleges Apple uses App Store fees and technical barriers to lock users into its ecosystem and suppress competition.
  • According to the complaint, Apple controls about 65% of the U.S. smartphone market and 70% of the premium segment, underscoring its market power.
  • Apple asserts its ecosystem rules protect user security and innovation and vows to fight the suit, which forms part of a broader antitrust push against major tech firms.