Apple’s Grip on the App Store Under Fire

In a significant blow to Apple, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has denied the company’s bid to block a class-action lawsuit accusing it of monopolizing the iPhone app market. The lawsuit, filed in 2011, alleges that Apple violated antitrust laws by restricting how users download apps and potentially inflating prices for tens of millions of customers.

The App Store, a cornerstone of Apple’s iPhone ecosystem

The lawsuit, certified in February by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, allows consumers who spent $10 or more on the App Store since 2008 to join the case and potentially seek billions in damages. Apple argued against the certification, claiming it unfairly includes at least 10 million App Store accounts without sufficient evidence of harm. However, the appeals court denied Apple’s request for a pretrial appeal without a hearing, siding with lawyers for the plaintiffs who believe Judge Rogers’ decision was fair.

“Apple’s attempt to block the lawsuit is a clear indication of their fear of being held accountable for their monopolistic practices.” - Plaintiff’s lawyer

The ruling follows a similar class-action lawsuit against Google, which the 9th Circuit initially agreed to review before the trial judge reversed his decision to approve the class. Apple attempted to draw parallels between the two cases, but it was ultimately unsuccessful.

A courtroom, where the fate of Apple’s App Store practices will be decided

The plaintiffs have expressed frustration with delays caused by what they call Apple’s “scorched-earth” litigation tactics. Both parties have suggested a possible trial date sometime in 2026. It’s important to note that this lawsuit is separate from the one filed by the U.S. Department of Justice in March, which accuses Apple of monopolizing the entire smartphone market. Apple has denied all allegations and plans to fight both lawsuits.

Apple’s headquarters, where the company’s legal team is working to defend its App Store practices

The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for Apple’s business model and the entire tech industry. As the case moves forward, one thing is certain: the world will be watching as Apple’s grip on the App Store is put to the test.