China Considers Investigating Apple’s App Store Policies
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.