The US Department of Justice is in settlement negotiations over its antitrust lawsuit against Apple, but some app developers fear the deal may not go far enough to curb anticompetitive behaviour, The Information reported on Friday.
According to The Information’s Aaron Tilley, officials have indicated they prefer a settlement over continued litigation. PayPal and Epic Games have raised their concerns directly with DOJ officials, the report said. The DOJ has asked developers for a list of ways to improve iPhone interoperability with other devices, MacRumors and 9to5Mac reported. Apple previously offered concessions on interoperability in an earlier effort to head off the lawsuit, MacRumors noted.
9to5Mac reported that some involved in the talks expected a resolution sooner, but the process could be delayed by the pending Senate confirmation of Adam Candeub, the nominee to lead the DOJ’s antitrust division.
The DOJ filed the lawsuit in March 2024, accusing Apple of illegally monopolising the US smartphone market. Since then, Apple has added RCS support and expanded NFC access with iOS 18 and 18.1. Bloomberg reported in July 2026 that the two sides were in early discussions.
Specific terms of any potential settlement remain unknown, and it is unclear whether Apple will agree to the DOJ’s proposed interoperability requirements.