A person has a smartphone in front of the words “Available in the App Store” and the Apple logo.
Pavlo Gonchar | Images SOUP | LightRocket using Getty Images
LONDON – UK competition regulator launched an antitrust investigation into Apple on Thursday.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it would investigate Apple over software developers’ complaints about the tech giant’s App Store.
Apple only allows developers to launch apps for iPhone and iPad through its iOS smartphone platform. The company has a rigorous approval process for iOS apps and has faced criticism over a 30% fee it charges for transactions from the app.
“Millions of us use apps every day to check the weather, play a game or order a takeaway meal,” said Andrea Coscelli, chief executive of the CMA.
“Complaints that Apple uses its market position to establish conditions that are unfair or that may restrict competition and choice, which can cause customers to lose when buying and using apps, warrant careful examination.”
The British competition probe on Apple follows similar moves by the European Union. Last year, the EU Commission launched antitrust investigations into Apple’s App Store rules and its Apple Pay mobile wallet. The CMA said it would continue to coordinate closely with the EU and other regulators, although Britain formally 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 stringent standards we have applied fairly and equitably to all developers, to protect customers from malware and prevent overflowing data collection without your consent “.
Big Tech clampdown
Large U.S. technology companies face growing antitrust control from regulators around the world. The EU wants to fight big technologies with digital market reforms and comprehensive services. Meanwhile, the UK has its own plans to introduce new digital rules.
Epic Games, creator of the popular video game Fortnite, has been particularly vocal in its criticism of Apple. Epic claims that the rules of the iPhone manufacturer’s App Store are anti-competitive and that, in particular, it has faced the 30% reduction that Apple makes from developers for in-app purchases.