Apple Rebuts DOJ Antitrust Lawsuit Over iPhone Ecosystem

Apple has issued a detailed rebuttal to the US Department of Justice's antitrust lawsuit, which accuses the company of maintaining a smartphone monopoly and engaging in anticompetitive practices related to the App Store, smartwatches, messaging apps, cloud gaming, and digital wallets. In its court filings, Apple denies the DOJ’s allegations, claiming the government misunderstands its technology and that many restrictions do not exist or have been addressed. Apple asserts that super apps, cloud gaming, and third-party messaging apps are available on its platform, while third-party smartwatches and digital wallets benefit from ongoing improvements and security measures. The company maintains its practices are aimed at enhancing user experience, privacy, and security, rather than suppressing competition. Apple argues that a DOJ victory would reduce consumer choice, erode competition, and grant regulators excessive influence over tech product design. The lawsuit's outcome could significantly affect how much control technology companies maintain over their platforms.