A group of 48 China-based iOS developers has filed an antitrust complaint against Apple over its App Store commission fees, raising fresh pressure on the company’s app business in one of its biggest markets.
According to the South China Morning Post, the developers sent an open letter to China’s State Administration for Market Regulation, asking officials to investigate Apple for allegedly using its market position to charge “unfair and excessively high” fees from local developers.
Apple currently charges a 25% commission on paid apps and in-app purchases in China, after cutting the rate from 30% in March. The company also lowered the fee for subscription renewals and qualified developers in its Small Business and Mini Apps Partner programs from 15% to 12%.
Developers want more options
The Chinese developer group argues that Apple has not offered the same level of flexibility in China that it has started offering in other markets. Apple recently adjusted its App Store rules in Brazil and Japan, while the European Union already requires the company to allow third-party app marketplaces under the Digital Markets Act.
The developers said third-party app stores and flexible payment options in China would reduce Apple’s effective commission rate to as low as 5%.
Apple has faced App Store challenges in China before, including complaints in 2017 and 2021. The latest complaint adds to wider global scrutiny as regulators continue to examine Apple’s control over iOS app distribution and payments.
