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Proton Files Antitrust Suit Against Apple’s App Store Monopoly

Proton aims to dismantle Apple’s exclusive App Store control to allow alternative distribution of apps on iPhones.

Overview

  • The Swiss company lodged its complaint on June 30 in the Northern District of California, accusing Apple of monopolizing iOS app distribution and in-app payment processing markets.
  • Proton seeks injunctive relief to mandate support for third-party app stores and alternative payment processors on iOS devices.
  • In its filing, Proton describes Apple’s App Store fees as “artificial and arbitrary” tariffs that skew competition.
  • The lawsuit highlights how Apple’s single distribution channel enables censorship by enforcing local removal requests in markets such as Russia and China.
  • Any monetary damages awarded will be donated to pro-democracy and human-rights organizations as the case moves through U.S. courts.