US Judge Dismisses Apple Antitrust Claims in App Store Case

Apple is responding robustly to the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust lawsuit, which accuses the company of monopolistic practices related to its App Store policies and hardware ecosystem. The DOJ lawsuit highlights five core issues, including Apple's restrictions on super apps, cloud gaming, third-party messaging, smartwatch compatibility, and digital wallet functionality. Apple argues that its practices protect consumer privacy, security, and innovation, claiming the lawsuit threatens competition and consumer choice by potentially allowing unchecked government control over tech product designs. A U.S. federal judge recently dismissed a separate antitrust claim by an app developer, ruling that Apple’s App Store decisions do not cause the type of market-wide harm antitrust laws seek to prevent. Apple maintains that its policies balance user needs and intellectual property protections without harming competition or consumers. The company is also facing similar antitrust scrutiny in other regions, including Europe, underscoring ongoing global regulatory challenges.