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Chinese consumers file antitrust complaint accusing Apple of monopolizing app market

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A group of 55 Chinese iPhone and iPad users has filed an antitrust complaint with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) against Apple (AAPL.O), alleging the company is abusing its market dominance through restrictive App Store practices and excessive commissions.

The complaint, led by lawyer Wang Qiongfei, accuses Apple of monopolizing iOS app distribution in China by forcing developers and consumers to use its proprietary In-App Purchase (IAP) system and charging up to 30% commissions on digital transactions.

The filing claims Apple’s restrictions on alternative app stores and payment systems violate China’s Anti-Monopoly Law, especially as the company has allowed more flexibility in the United States and European Union following regulatory pressure.

Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

This is Wang’s second legal challenge against the tech giant. A previous lawsuit filed in 2021 was dismissed by a Shanghai court last year. The lawyer has appealed that ruling to the Supreme People’s Court, which heard arguments in December but has yet to issue a decision.

Wang said he expects the new administrative complaint to move more swiftly through regulators than the prior civil case.

The filing comes amid rising U.S.–China trade and tech tensions, with Beijing increasing scrutiny of American companies. Earlier this year, China launched antitrust probes into other U.S. tech firms, including Qualcomm, over its acquisition of Israeli company Autotalks.

UK Regulator Greenlights Private Share Trading Platform PISCES to Launch This Year

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Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has finalized rules for a new private share trading platform called the Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System (PISCES), with trading expected to start later this year through a regulatory “sandbox.” The platform aims to facilitate trading of shares in private companies, helping early investors and employees to sell shares and new investors to fund growing businesses.

PISCES will operate by enabling intermittent trading events where private company owners can offer shares at set prices to new investors. This model is designed to bridge the gap for small and early-stage firms that may not be ready for a full initial public offering (IPO) but want to access capital markets and gain investor visibility.

Simon Walls, FCA’s executive director of markets, highlighted that PISCES will give investors greater access and confidence to invest in promising companies, while also allowing early backers and employees liquidity options. The UK Treasury’s Economic Secretary Emma Reynolds welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its role in strengthening capital markets and supporting economic growth.

Operators interested in running PISCES platforms, such as the London Stock Exchange, must apply for FCA approval. The regulator has adapted final rules based on market feedback, including a 25% threshold for major shareholder identification, eased disclosure requirements, and increased control for companies over their investor base.

While some industry players, including bankers, have expressed concerns about potential revenue impacts and competition with existing markets like the Main Market and AIM, legal experts view PISCES as an innovative step to invigorate UK capital markets.

The FCA will continue testing the platform under the sandbox regime before establishing a permanent regulatory framework by 2030.

China Considers Investigating Apple’s App Store Policies

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China’s antitrust regulator is reportedly preparing to investigate Apple’s business practices, specifically focusing on its App Store policies and fees. According to Bloomberg News, the investigation would examine Apple’s commission on in-app purchases, which can reach up to 30%, as well as restrictions on external payment services and alternative app stores. This move comes shortly after China imposed tariffs on U.S. goods, including products from companies like Google, as tensions between the two countries escalate.

Shares of Apple dropped 2.6% in U.S. premarket trading following the news. Discussions between Chinese regulators and Apple executives, as well as app developers, have reportedly been ongoing since last year.

This potential probe mirrors similar actions against other U.S. companies, including Google, which is also under scrutiny by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation. Apple has not yet commented on the situation.