A person holds a smartphone in front of the words “Available in the App Store” and the Apple logo.
Pavlo Gonchar | Images SOUP | LightRocket via Getty Images
LONDON – The UK competition regulator launched an antitrust investigation into Apple on Thursday.
The competition and markets authority said it would investigate Apple’s complaints from software developers about the tech giant’s App Store.
Apple allows developers to launch iPhone and iPad applications only through its iOS smartphone platform. The company has a rigorous approval process for iOS apps and has been criticized for a 30% fee it charges for in-app transactions.
“Millions of us use apps every day to check the weather, play a game or order a meal,” said Andrea Coscelli, CMA’s executive director.
“Complaints that Apple uses its market position to establish unfair conditions or that may restrict competition and choice – potentially causing the loss of customers when buying and using applications – require close scrutiny.
The UK competition probe on Apple follows similar moves from the European Union. Last year, the EU Commission launched antitrust investigations into Apple App Store rules and its Apple Pay mobile wallet. The CMA said it would continue to work closely with the EU and other regulators, despite the fact that Britain officially left the bloc last year.
An Apple spokesman said the company would work with the CMA to address its concerns.
“We believe in thriving and competitive markets where any great idea can flourish,” the spokesman said.
“The App Store has been a successful engine for app developers, in part because of the rigorous standards we have – applied fairly and equally to all developers – to protect customers from malware and prevent data collection without their consent. their agreement. “
Clampdown Big Tech
Large US technology companies are facing increased antitrust control by regulators around the world. The EU is trying to curb Big Tech through digital and service market reforms. Meanwhile, the UK has its own plans to introduce new digital rules.
Epic Games, the creator of the popular video game Fortnite, has been particularly vocal in its criticism of Apple. Epic claims that the rules on the App Store of the iPhone manufacturer are anti-competitive and questioned in particular the 30% discount that Apple takes from developers for in-app purchases.