Apple loses bid to dismiss DOJ's lawsuit alleging iPhone maker operating an illegal monopoly

Core Viewpoint - Apple is facing a lawsuit from the Justice Department accusing it of unlawfully dominating the US smartphone market through restrictions on third-party app and device developers [1][4]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - A judge has denied Apple's motion to dismiss the lawsuit, allowing the case to proceed [1][5]. - The lawsuit, filed in March 2024, focuses on Apple's restrictions and fees imposed on app developers, as well as technical barriers to third-party devices and services [3][4]. - The DOJ, along with several states, claims that Apple's practices destroy competition and seeks to block these actions [4]. Group 2: Market Context - Sales of smartphones, particularly Apple's iPhone, totaled $201 billion in 2024, indicating the significant market presence of the company [3]. - Apple introduced a new budget model iPhone in February 2024, priced at $170 more than its predecessor, which may reflect its strategy to maintain market dominance [3]. Group 3: Apple's Defense - Apple argues that its limitations on third-party developers' access to its technology are reasonable and that sharing technology with competitors would hinder innovation [4][7]. - This case is part of a broader trend of antitrust actions against major tech companies initiated during both the Biden and Trump administrations [4].