Chinese App Developers File Antitrust Complaint Against Apple Over App Store Fees

SHANGHAI, Jun 23: A group of 48 Chinese app developers has filed an antitrust complaint against Apple, accusing the U.S. technology company of abusing its dominant position in China’s iOS app market and imposing unfair commission fees, according to the South China Morning Post.

The developers submitted an open letter to China’s market regulator, calling for an investigation into Apple’s App Store commission structure and urging authorities to penalize the company for what they described as excessive charges on local developers.

In the complaint, the developers alleged that Apple has failed to honor a commitment to offer the lowest commission rates in the Chinese market, despite earning substantial revenue from China’s large base of smartphone users and app creators.

They argued that Apple’s control over app distribution on iOS devices enables the company to impose “unfair and excessively high” costs, placing a heavy burden on smaller developers and limiting competition.

The complaint was published Monday on the WeChat blog of developer Tian Junwei, one of the signatories, the report said.

Apple typically charges commissions of up to 30% on digital purchases and subscriptions made through the App Store, though it has introduced lower rates for some small businesses and certain subscription services in selected markets.

The complaint comes as Apple faces growing regulatory scrutiny around the world over its App Store practices. Authorities in the European Union, the United States and several Asian markets have been examining whether the company’s policies unfairly restrict competition.

Apple and China’s market regulator did not immediately comment on the complaint.