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Judge Allows DOJ’s Antitrust Case Against Apple to Proceed

By  |  July 2, 2025

A federal judge has ruled that Apple must face a high-profile antitrust lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, rejecting the company’s attempt to have the case dismissed. The decision could mark the beginning of a lengthy legal battle over Apple’s grip on the smartphone market.

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    According to USA Today, U.S. District Judge Julien Neals in Newark, New Jersey declined Apple’s motion to dismiss the case, which alleges that the tech giant unlawfully maintains dominance in the U.S. smartphone market. The DOJ claims Apple’s restrictions on third-party developers and competing devices make it difficult for consumers to switch away from the iPhone, ultimately harming competition.

    The lawsuit, filed in March 2024, argues that Apple imposes excessive limitations and fees on app developers while creating technical hurdles for rival services and devices—including smartwatches, messaging apps, and digital wallets—that could otherwise compete with Apple’s offerings. Per USA Today, the DOJ and more than a dozen states contend these practices allow Apple to preserve its market power at the expense of innovation and consumer choice.

    Related: Apple’s Attempt to Dismiss Antitrust Lawsuit Fails, Case Moves Forward

    Apple, for its part, maintains that its practices are both legal and beneficial to consumers. A company spokesperson said Apple believes the DOJ’s case is flawed “on the facts and the law” and that it intends to vigorously contest the claims in court.

    The ruling keeps the case alive amid broader efforts by U.S. regulators to rein in Big Tech’s market influence. As USA Today notes, this lawsuit is part of a larger wave of antitrust actions brought against major technology companies under both the Biden and Trump administrations.

    In the midst of the legal proceedings, Apple continues to see strong performance in the smartphone market. The company reported $201 billion in iPhone sales in 2024 and recently released a new budget model featuring upgraded capabilities.

    Source: USA Today