Apple is seeking access to internal Samsung records in South Korea as it builds its defense in the U.S. antitrust case filed by the Department of Justice and several states. The request comes during discovery, when both sides gather documents and evidence for the next stage of the case. Apple says Samsung’s records may help show how competitive the smartphone, smartwatch, and app distribution markets are.
The U.S. Department of Justice and a group of states sued Apple in March 2024. The case accuses Apple of limiting competition through its App Store rules, developer restrictions, and control over key iPhone features. The lawsuit focuses on whether Apple’s conduct makes it harder for rivals to compete in smartphones and related services.
Apple later tried to have the case dismissed. However, that effort did not end the lawsuit, and the case moved forward into discovery. At this stage, both sides are collecting records, internal documents, and market data to support their legal arguments.
Apple has now asked the court to issue a formal request under the Hague Evidence Convention. That process would allow Apple to seek records from Samsung Electronics in South Korea. Apple says it wants internal business reports, market analyses, and data tied to Samsung’s smartphone, smartwatch, and app store operations.
Apple argues that Samsung’s records could help answer a central issue in the case. The government claims Apple’s policies reduce competition and make it harder for users to switch from iPhone to Android. Apple disputes that position and says Samsung’s data may help show how the market works in practice.
According to the filing, Apple believes Samsung’s internal materials may show how often users move between platforms. The company also says the records could help explain how smartphone and smartwatch competition functions across the broader market. Apple is using that point to support its defense against the government’s claims.
Apple also says the request is limited and targeted. In the filing, the company argues that the requested evidence is “important to the litigation” and that the request is “reasonably specific and tailored.” Apple further says there are no practical alternatives for obtaining the same information from another source.
Before turning to the Korean process, Apple had already sought the documents from Samsung Electronics America. That effort did not produce the records Apple wanted. Samsung’s U.S. arm objected and said the requested materials are held by the parent company in South Korea.
That response led Apple to ask the court for a Hague Evidence Convention request. Apple is now trying to reach the records through an international legal channel rather than through Samsung’s U.S. subsidiary. The filing states that the sought documents are in the “sole possession, custody, or control” of Samsung Electronics in South Korea.
Apple also argues that issuing the request would support U.S. legal interests and would not conflict with South Korea’s interests. Even so, the process remains subject to review outside the United States.
Even if the U.S. court approves Apple’s request, that does not mean the company will automatically receive the records. South Korean authorities would still need to review the request under local procedures. That review would determine whether the request can be carried out in South Korea.
Samsung could also object to the request under Korean law. As a result, Apple’s filing is only one step in a longer process. The court order would open the path for the request, but it would not guarantee access to the materials Apple is seeking.