As reported by Reuters, a U.S. appeals court is currently weighing whether to revive a massive class action lawsuit that accuses Apple of maintaining an illegal monopoly. On December 18, 2025, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments to determine if a previously dismissed lawsuit should be allowed to move forward. The plaintiffs argue that Apple’s control over the iOS ecosystem allows it to charge supracompetitive prices. By mandating a 30% commission on most sales, critics claim Apple is unfairly inflating costs for everyday consumers.
Apple has long argued that it does not sell apps directly to consumers; instead, it provides a marketplace for developers. Under a specific legal precedent known as the Illinois Brick doctrine, only direct purchasers can sue for antitrust damages. Apple contends that because developers set the prices, consumers are “indirect purchasers” who lack the right to sue the platform holder.
However, lawyers representing the consumers argue that this perspective is outdated in the digital age. They claim that because Apple processes every transaction and strictly controls the storefront, the relationship is direct enough to warrant a class action. If the appeals court agrees with the consumers, it could open the floodgates for a trial that seeks billions of dollars in damages for overcharged users.
Regulators around the world are already pressuring the company to allow third-party app stores and alternative payment methods. A revival of this specific lawsuit would add significant domestic pressure on Apple to justify its “walled garden” business model in front of a jury.
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