Apple and the US Justice Department are in early discussions to settle a 2024 antitrust lawsuit, Bloomberg reported Friday. The discussions are active but no guarantee exists that the two sides will reach an agreement, and no trial date has been set. Apple has made multiple offers this year to resolve the case, which was filed during the Biden administration and alleges the company harmed competitors, software developers, and consumers by blocking super apps, discouraging outside messaging solutions, cloud streaming apps, rival digital wallets, and limiting smartwatch competition. The Justice Department under the Trump administration has worked to settle multiple antitrust cases, with the number three official Stanley Woodward advocating settlements to reduce taxpayer costs and provide faster relief. Apple has already addressed many complaints by introducing a mini apps program, opening its Messages app to the RCS system, permitting cloud-streaming apps, and opening the iPhone payment chip to third-party apps.
Apple Inc.Early settlement talks could resolve antitrust lawsuit, reducing legal risk and cost.