Apple is currently facing an antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which accuses the tech giant of illegally controlling the smartphone market.

The lawsuit, initiated in March 2024, centers on Apple's restrictions and fees imposed on app developers, as well as barriers to third-party devices and services.

At this preliminary stage, the DOJ only needs to demonstrate that its claims are plausible for the case to advance.

U.S. District Court Judge Julien Xavier Neals is expected to make a ruling on whether the case will proceed or if any claims will be dismissed by January 2025.

Despite changes in the political landscape, Apple's situation remains precarious, as past administrations have shown a willingness to pursue antitrust actions against Big Tech.

This case is part of a larger bipartisan effort targeting major tech companies, with similar antitrust issues also affecting Google, Meta, and Amazon.

Analysts note that while some claims in the DOJ's lawsuit may be questionable, they bear resemblance to charges Apple faced in the EU, where it was found guilty.

The DOJ's lawsuit outlines five specific instances of alleged anticompetitive behavior, including poor message quality between iPhones and Android devices and restrictions on third-party smartwatch functionality.

Apple has characterized the developers claiming harm in the lawsuit as well-capitalized entities, including major social media platforms and global gaming companies.

Critics have described the DOJ's 88-page lawsuit as overly broad, incorporating various past complaints against Apple, some of which had not been previously raised.

Apple argues that competition from companies like Samsung and Google constrains its iPhone business, a point it may emphasize during the trial.

Justice Department attorney Jonathan Lasken has criticized Apple's practices, asserting that they hinder fair competition in the market.