Megacity Dispatch: Apple vs. DOJ – Monopoly or Masterpiece?

When is a monopoly not a monopoly? When it’s “just common sense,” apparently.

Apple made its case in a New Jersey courtroom this week, urging a federal judge to dismiss the Department of Justice’s antitrust lawsuit against it. The DOJ and over a dozen states argue that Apple maintains an illegal stranglehold on the smartphone market, jacking up prices and locking users into its walled garden. Key accusations include degraded messaging between iPhones and Androids, and kneecapping third-party smartwatch compatibility.

Apple, however, isn’t buying it. The tech titan called the claims speculative, downplayed its market power, and painted itself as David facing down global Goliaths. It even went so far as to frame its accusers—big banks, gaming giants, and social media titans—as well-capitalized whiners rather than victims.

What’s next: US District Court Judge Julien Xavier Neals is weighing whether the case can proceed or whether some—or all—of the DOJ’s claims get axed. He’s set to decide by January.

The wildcard: As the gears of justice grind on, a new administration looms. With Trump returning to the Megacity throne, Apple might hope for a policy shift. But Big Tech has long been in Trump’s crosshairs, and his DOJ didn’t hesitate to target tech giants during his first term. Apple shouldn’t bet on a free pass.

In the sprawling maze of Megacity’s power plays, Apple’s dominance feels more like a feature than a bug. But as the DOJ sharpens its blades, the line between innovation and exploitation grows thinner. It’s just business… or is it?

#techwar #megacity #machinestates #apple