Apple’s Monopoly Fight Hits a Wall as Samsung Refuses to Help

Apple is currently fighting one of the biggest legal battles in its history, and it just got a reality check. Back in 2024, the US Department of Justice (DOJ), alongside 16 states, sued Apple for allegedly monopolizing the smartphone market. The lawsuit claims Apple uses restrictions and ecosystem control to limit competition and keep users locked into the iPhone. And now, in the middle of that fight, Apple reportedly asked Samsung for help.

Apple tried to use Samsung in its defense, and Samsung refused to cooperate

Apple wanted data from Samsung US, specifically about how users switch between iPhones and Android. If users can easily switch platforms, then Apple’s monopoly case becomes weaker. It’s actually a smart legal move, just not one Samsung was willing to support. 

Samsung US reportedly declined to provide the data. And honestly, that was predictable. These two companies aren’t just competitors. They’ve spent years fighting across smartphones, ecosystems, and even courtrooms. Samsung US claimed that only Samsung Korea has this data, and now, Apple needs to turn to the head of Samsung in Korea.

Why Apple needs this argument

The DOJ’s case is built around one core idea, which is that Apple controls the ecosystem in a way that limits competition. According to the lawsuit, Apple restricts third-party apps and services, makes it harder for competitors (like smartwatches or messaging apps) to work properly, and increases “ecosystem switching costs” to keep users locked in. So Apple’s defense is the opposite. The users can leave at any time. And that’s why Samsung’s data would’ve helped them.

Court cases like this usually take years until a final verdict. Apple’s case is already two years old, and Apple asking Samsung for help shows that the DOJ case is serious enough. If anything, a weaker Apple position could benefit Android as a whole. But this monopoly case could reshape how smartphones, apps, and ecosystems work in the future. And if Apple loses, the entire industry could change.