Apple's Legal Maze: Antitrust Case Advances Amid Competition Concerns

A US federal judge has decided not to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit brought by the Justice Department against Apple, enabling the case to move forward. The suit accuses Apple of setting up an unlawful monopoly around its iPhone, iPad, and other products by creating artificial barriers that fend off competition.

US District Judge Xavier Neals from New Jersey determined there is sufficient evidence that Apple's market practices, dubbed a 'walled garden', could be harming consumers and competitors by limiting market access and inflating prices. The case, now in progress, was initially filed over 15 months ago and could see a trial unfold in 2027.

As Apple battles to overturn the lawsuit, claiming misunderstanding of market boundaries, it simultaneously deals with other legal challenges, including restrictions on in-app transaction fees and potential loss of a lucrative deal with Google. Another federal suit in Washington challenges Apple's agreement with Google as an illegal monopoly in search.

(With inputs from agencies.)