Skip to main content

No Apple sneak peek for Samsung, rules judge

steve-jobs-holding-iphone-4-smile
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The drama between Apple and Samsung has continued, with Apple winning the latest round. Reuters reports that a U.S. judge has rejected Samsung’s request to see Apple’s unreleased iPhone and iPad, which the Korean company claimed would be “highly relevant” to its defense.

Recommended Videos

“Common sense suggests that allegations of copying are necessarily directed at Apple’s existing products, to which Samsung has access and could potentially mimic and not at Apple’s unreleased, inaccessible, next generation products,” wrote U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh.

Confused? Perhaps you missed a few rounds. In April, Apple sued Samsung claiming that it had been blatantly attempting to copy the iPhone and iPad, citing specific things like the shape and styling of its devices to the square icons with rounded edges and tray of four icons lining the bottom of its Android phones. Apple believes that Samsung is deliberately trying to confuse consumers and trick potential iPhone users into buying their product instead. Naturally, Samsung disagreed and launched a countersuit against Apple, citing 10 wireless patent infringements. Then Apple took it up a notch, requesting that a judge give it access to the then unreleased Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9,  and Samsung Galaxy S II. After a  judge granted this request, Samsung shot back with a demand that Apple hand over its upcoming products too.

We imagine the frivolous bickering will continue.

Jeffrey Van Camp
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…
It’s time for Apple, Samsung and Google to solve the eSIM problem
Nano SIM card in SIM card tray from iPhone 14 Pro Max.

When Apple launched the new iPhone 16e on Wednesday, the Apple Store in every region displayed one thing under connectivity: eSIM. There was no mention of a physical SIM, and I had a waking nightmare that Apple had quietly pulled the plug, and every iPhone 16e globally would be sold as an eSIM-only model.

A quick search — and a look at the photos — confirmed that this hadn’t happened, but my reaction kickstarted a thought about eSIMs, their promise (and what we were promised), and the current state of eSIMs globally. I’ve been traveling for the past month, and eSIMs are an absolute mess. The potential was immense, but it goes against carriers’ interests to make it any easier, but there is a solution.

Read more
I tested the Galaxy S25 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro cameras, this one wins
Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 Pro

Smartphones have been getting bigger for years, but as they’ve done so, a new realm of smaller phones has launched to cater to those who want something more pocket-friendly. By small, I don’t mean Mini — although I’d love Mini phones to make a comeback — but rather, more friendly when using them with one hand.

Both Samsung and Apple have helped pioneer this trend, by ensuring there’s a smartphone that’s the perfect size for any needs. Yet, they’ve taken different approaches to doing so, as part of differing strategies on what the ideal smartphone lineup should look like.

Read more
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16
Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Apple iPhone 16.

There is little doubt that Apple and Samsung are the biggest rivals in the flagship smartphone market. Each February and September, both companies unveil new smartphones to outdo each other. This year, Samsung's Galaxy S25 is set to launch following the release of September's iPhone 16.

While the Galaxy S25 features few design changes compared to last year's Galaxy S24, Samsung has incorporated many new technologies and software improvements, making it an AI-focused smartphone ready for the spotlight. With the second generation of Galaxy AI and the Gemini system at its core, the Galaxy S25 aims to usher in a new era of AI-driven smartphones.

Read more