Story perspectives

Apple, DOJ Near Settlement Over Antitrust Super-App Claims

7/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Apple and the U.S. Department of Justice have entered settlement talks over the DOJ’s 2024 antitrust suit.
The complaint alleges Apple blocks “super apps,” cloud-streaming games, third-party messaging, smartwatches and digital wallets.
Apple added RCS, a Mini Apps program and broader NFC for third-party payment apps.
DOJ antitrust official Stanley Woodward backs the settlement to clear the case before trial before John Ternus becomes CEO in September.

History

Historical Context

In May 1998 the DOJ and 20 states sued Microsoft for illegally tying Internet Explorer to Windows. Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson’s trial produced a 2001 settlement that required API sharing and let OEMs install non-Microsoft software, ending the breakup push. The case set a benchmark for later platform antitrust actions, influencing the DOJ’s 2024 suit against Apple.

1 of 2

Story summary

Apple and the U.S. Department of Justice have entered settlement talks over the DOJ’s 2024 antitrust suit.
The complaint alleges Apple blocks “super apps,” cloud-streaming games, third-party messaging, smartwatches and digital wallets.
Apple added RCS, a Mini Apps program and broader NFC for third-party payment apps.
DOJ antitrust official Stanley Woodward backs the settlement to clear the case before trial before John Ternus becomes CEO in September.

1 / 2