In an epoch-shaping showdown that carries far-reaching implications for the future of the internet, technology behemoth Apple finds itself head to head with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) once again.

Apple's storied history with the DOJ has seen the Cupertino-born company take both offensive and defensive positions against the American legal institution, yielding significant impact on the competitive balance within the technology market. The present scenario, slender on detail as yet, suggests high-stakes legal gymnastics are certainly afoot.

The US DOJ may be considering the possibility of calling for significant alterations in Apple's business operations. This potential shift in the DOJ's stance could be the harbinger of new directives for one of Silicon Valley's most influential players.

A key concern here, as the DOJ potentially squares off against Apple, is the prospect of an antitrust lawsuit borrowing from the ongoing case between Google and the DOJ. Google, the custodian of the world's most prevalent operating system, Android, currently finds itself embroiled in a lawsuit that encompasses its allegedly monopolistic business practices.

If the DOJ adopts the same approach to Apple – the manufacturer of the world’s second most popular operating system, iOS – the legal, strategic, and financial implications could be enormous. Apple, for its part, has always prized control over both its hardware and its software, and any DOJ-led intervention could force a considerable deviation from this path.

Apple's business model, which is largely based on keeping its hardware and software intertwined, could also be in the sights of the DOJ. Apple has previously faced scrutiny over this model, which prevents competitors from distributing their apps on its devices without going through the App Store, for which Apple charges a commission.

The weight of this potential legal development cannot be underestimated; the fallout has the potential to completely reconfigure the landscape of both Apple and the broader technology industry. It's a matter both Wall Street and Silicon Valley will be eyeing keenly in the coming weeks and months.

Despite the potential for significant ramifications, Apple has shown its resilience long before, having emerged victorious from multiple legal battles with the DOJ. This resilience may showcase itself yet again if the Department of Justice does indeed lean towards a lawsuit.

As details continue to emerge, the common cause becomes clear - ensuring a fair, competitive market across the vast expanses of the technology world. As Apple and the DOJ potentially brace for another encounter, the ripples will undoubtedly be far-reaching and the outcomes watched by all corners of the globe. One thing is certain - the stakes have never been higher for the future of the internet, and for Apple, the challenge has never been greater.