Moreover , the class-action suit also alleges an illegal monopoly over the iPhone App Store , which the court ruled substantial enough to move forward . Apple signed a 10 - year deal with AT & T for carrier exclusivity back in 2007 , court documents show . Lawsuit claims that Apple and AT & T exerted a monopoly over iPhone service . But the iPhone could possibly still appear on another carrier before launch .
Apple signed a 10 - year deal with AT & T for carrier exclusivity back in 2007 , court documents show . Lawsuit claims that Apple and AT & T exerted a monopoly over iPhone service . But the iPhone could possibly still appear on another carrier before launch .