Apple has been attempting to evade an antitrust lawsuit initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), but their appeal has been unsuccessful. Recently, a judge ruled that Apple must face the allegations, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle. The DOJ asserts that Apple’s practices restrict competition in the smartphone market, particularly through its “walled garden” approach to app software.

The appeal process began over six months ago, towards the end of November when Apple sought to dismiss the lawsuit. However, U.S. District Judge Julien Neals of New Jersey denied this appeal, ensuring the case will progress to trial. Apple’s response to the ruling has been firm, stating, “We believe this lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law, and we will continue to vigorously fight it in court.”

The origins of this lawsuit trace back to March 2024, when the DOJ, along with several states, accused Apple of creating a monopoly on app software.

These claims are reminiscent of accusations the company is facing in Europe. The lawsuit highlights issues such as Apple’s restrictions on developers and fees, which the DOJ argues violate antitrust laws. In typical fashion, Apple swiftly denied these allegations.

At this point, it remains unclear when the trial will officially commence. Projections indicate that we may not see the trial start until 2028 or even later. Such lengthy timelines are not uncommon in legal proceedings.

Following this ruling, both Apple and the DOJ will engage in the exchange of documents, expert testimonies, and depositions before moving on to the trial phase, which will ultimately determine the outcome of this case.