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Apple Rebuts DOJ Antitrust Claims as Case Enters Discovery

Apple warns that upholding the DOJ’s theory could give regulators broad power to dictate product design.

Overview

  • On July 29, Apple filed its formal answer to the Justice Department’s March 2024 antitrust complaint, rejecting claims of a smartphone monopoly.
  • The company disputes the DOJ’s five focal points—super apps, cloud streaming games, third-party messaging, smartwatches, and digital wallets—as mischaracterizations of its policies.
  • Apple argues its app guidelines and hardware controls are designed to protect user privacy and security without stifling competition.
  • The filing asserts that the lawsuit, if upheld, would reduce consumer choice and set a dangerous precedent for government-mandated technology design.
  • With its answer submitted, the case advances into the discovery phase, initiating evidence exchanges in what is expected to be years-long litigation.