Apple urges federal judge for early dismissal in US antitrust lawsuit

Apple Inc. argued in federal court that a US judge should dismiss the Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit at an early stage because it failed to state how the iPhone maker’s alleged monopoly has harmed any consumers or developers.

The suit accuses the iPhone maker of violating antitrust laws by blocking rivals from accessing hardware and software features on its popular devices. It claims Apple has used its power over app distribution and the iPhone’s features to thwart innovations that would have made it easier for consumers to switch phones.