Apple has responded to a U.S. antitrust lawsuit by asserting that it is not a monopolist and faces intense competition in the ever-evolving tech sector. In a letter to a federal judge, the tech giant previewed its planned dismissal motion, arguing that the government failed to define the relevant market where Apple allegedly holds a monopoly.

The Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple in March, accusing the company of engaging in anticompetitive practices by restricting access to its platform and making design decisions that "lock in" users to purchasing iPhones. However, Apple refutes these claims, stating that its decisions regarding third-party access to its proprietary platform are unilateral and aimed at providing users with a curated, secure, and reliable experience.

Apple argues that the government's case fails to properly define the relevant market or establish that Apple has monopoly power in it. The company claims that its alleged anticompetitive conduct occurred in separate markets, such as its policies around digital wallets, which have their own competitive dynamics. Apple contends that the Supreme Court has made it clear that a firm's decisions about the terms on which it chooses to deal with third parties do not constitute exclusionary conduct.

Furthermore, Apple rebuts the DOJ's claim that it has a monopoly in the smartphone market, asserting that it faces fierce competition from Google and Samsung. The tech giant argues that the U.S. government has not made a factual link to show that smartphone buyers are being cornered by Apple's design decisions, as those unhappy with Apple's limitations have the option to switch to competitor platforms.

Apple's response to the antitrust lawsuit highlights the company's stance that it operates in a highly competitive tech industry and that its decisions are aimed at providing a secure and reliable experience for its users. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the tech industry and the ongoing debate surrounding the power and influence of Big Tech companies.