# Apple Rejects DOJ's Appeal in Antitrust Case Apple finds DOJ's objection to document request unsuccessful at every level. - **Source:** [9to5Mac](https://brifing.si/source/59447403-ce5b-427c-8132-8614f549929a) - **Published:** 2026-08-18 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e8ad01dc-4dfd-48bd-a1bd-4032955722ad ## The Antitrust Case Between Apple and DOJ Apple secured the right to request documents from 14 federal agencies to strengthen its defense against the antitrust lawsuit filed by the DOJ in March 2024. These documents aim to show that Apple's products were chosen for their privacy features. This could prove DOJ's claims unjustified. ## DOJ's Objection and Special Master DOJ objected to Apple's document request, asking special master Jose Linares to reconsider his decision. Special masters are appointed to facilitate the discovery process in complex cases. Linares had approved Apple's request, but DOJ claims the decision was based on incorrect legal standards. ## DOJ's Legal Arguments DOJ argues that Apple's document request would impose an undue burden on federal agencies and that the documents have limited relevance to the case. DOJ submitted 13 new declarations, claiming agencies are not ordinary consumers and the documents have limited relevance. ## Apple's Counterarguments Apple stated that DOJ's objection fails at every level. The company argues that the special master correctly applied legal standards and that DOJ's new evidence is invalid. Apple requests the objection be denied. ## Role of the Special Master and Process Special master Jose Linares oversees the discovery process in the case. According to the timeline set on August 4, Linares will not permit further arguments from the parties. He will decide whether to uphold or reconsider his original decision. ## Apple's Reference to Past Cases Apple referenced past cases to refute DOJ's objection. The company argues that the special master correctly applied legal standards for document requests from federal agencies and that DOJ's arguments are invalid. ## Consequences of DOJ's Objection If DOJ's objection is accepted, Apple's document request could be denied, weakening its defense. However, Apple argues that the objection fails at every level and should be denied. The decision rests with special master Linares. ## Current Status and Expectations in the Case The antitrust case between Apple and DOJ represents a significant legal battle in the tech industry. The decision could impact companies' rights to request documents from federal agencies. The outcome will be a strategic turning point for both Apple and DOJ. ## Sources covering this story - https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/17/apple-dojs-latest-challenge-in-antitrust-case-fails-at-every-level/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._