A California federal court has ruled against a proposed class action suit that accused Apple of preventing iOS developers from using competing technology.
Background
In January 2024, Apple stopped requiring all iOS browsers to use its WebKit technology within the European Union. That same month, three California residents filed a lawsuit against Apple, challenging its App Store practices, including the mandatory use of WebKit.
The Lawsuit
According to Reuters, the plaintiffs claimed that Apple's "closed ecosystem of apps and services" stifled competition and increased costs for consumers. The filing argued that the cost of developing an alternative to Apple or Google's app platforms was prohibitively high. It further claimed that requiring iOS browser developers to use WebKit limited competition and added costs for consumers.
The plaintiffs suggested that if developers were not required to use WebKit, they could develop a single version of their apps for both iPhone and Android, reducing development costs and consumer prices.
The lawsuit also accused Apple of blocking the use of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) to prevent them from replacing native App Store apps. The filing stated, "Apple used contractual restraints on its iOS ecosystem to exclude the introduction of cross-platform PWAs on iPhones."
Recent Developments
In February 2024, Apple announced that PWAs would no longer be allowed in the EU, but reversed this decision in March 2024.
Court Ruling
US District Judge Richard Seeborg in San Francisco ruled that the plaintiffs did not have the required legal standing to pursue the case. This decision was influenced by Apple's argument against the claim of artificially inflating prices. Apple contended in June that its prices were competitive due to "fierce competition" from its rivals.
Judge Seeborg stated that Apple's argument cast doubt on whether the plaintiffs were the appropriate class of individuals to bring the case. The plaintiffs have been given 30 days to submit an amended lawsuit. Neither their lawyers nor Apple have commented on the ruling.
Implications
While this case may seem minor, it sets a precedent that Apple can reference in other legal battles. The defeat of this particular filing may benefit Apple, especially as it faces accusations of forming a duopoly with Google. Apple's successful argument that it faces "fierce competition" could be significant in its ongoing legal case with the Department of Justice, which argues that Apple has become a monopoly.
