Apple has filed a motion to dismiss its ongoing lawsuit with the United States Department of Justice (DoJ), a common procedure in legal disputes. In this motion, Apple contends that the government’s accusations do not establish anticompetitive behavior, detrimental effects for consumers, or that Apple wields monopoly power in the U.S. smartphone market.
To succeed in its antitrust claim, the government must prove all three allegations. The DoJ’s lawsuit centers on allegations regarding third-party access to Apple services.
Apple argues that there is established legal precedent allowing companies to dictate the terms of their third-party relationships. Moreover, it claims that the DoJ is forcing Apple to divert resources to develop tools for large competitors, which could inhibit innovation.
An example cited by the DoJ is the suggestion that Apple should create an iMessage app for Android devices. iMessage serves as Apple’s distinctive messaging service, designed to set the iPhone apart in a competitive market.
The DoJ argues that companies should be liable for not investing in making proprietary products available on rival platforms. However, Apple counterclaims that the DoJ has failed to illustrate how its practices regarding “super apps,” cloud streaming, and other products harm consumers or limit choices.
Apple further asserts that claims of it being a monopolist are unfounded due to competition from players like Google and Samsung. The government’s comparison of Apple to Microsoft is flawed, as Microsoft’s market share was substantially higher at the time of its antitrust case.
Apple cautions that the DoJ’s approach could result in excessive court oversight over product design. The motion to dismiss restricts the extent of Apple’s rebuttal, as allegations by the DoJ are accepted as true at this stage.
Following the filing of Apple’s motion, the government has until September 12 to respond. Apple will then submit a rebuttal by October 10, with a court ruling anticipated in late 2024 or early 2025.
If the case advances, a lengthy discovery phase could precede a trial potentially set for 2028 or beyond.
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