The DOJ and 16 attorneys general filed an antitrust lawsuit accusing Apple of maintaining an illegal smartphone monopoly.

The Justice Department, joined by 16 state and district attorneys general, brought a civil antitrust action claiming that Apple illegally preserved its dominance in smartphone markets. The assertion is part of ongoing litigation and does not represent a final judicial determination.

Office of Public Affairs | Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks on Lawsuit Against Apple for Monopolizing Smartphone Markets | United States Department of Justice
Source: justice.gov

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified September 2, 2026

The Justice Department announced that 16 state and district attorneys general joined its civil antitrust action against Apple.
The complaint alleged that Apple held, or tried to obtain, monopoly power in smartphone markets in violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Act.
A federal judge subsequently denied Apple’s request to throw out the case, permitting the litigation to continue. The decision did not conclude that Apple had breached antitrust law.

The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

The Justice Department filed suit against Apple, alleging that the company monopolized or sought to monopolize smartphone markets in breach of Section 2 of the Sherman Act. According to the department, Apple maintained its position through practices that limited competitive opportunities, rather than through competition based solely on the merits.justice.gov justice.gov