The UK’s competition regulator has launched an investigation into Apple’s terms and conditions for app developers to list on its App Store.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it had received complaints that Apple’s conditions for developers to gain access to its iPhones and iPads were unfair and anti-competitive.
App developers have complained that they can only distribute to iPhone and iPad users via the App store, the CMA said. Certain developers offering add-ons or upgrades are also required to use Apple’s payment system and pay commission of up to 30%, the CMA added.
The CMA said it would investigate whether Apple has a dominant whether Apple has a dominant position in connection with distributing apps on Apple devices in the UK. If so, it will also consider whether Apple imposes unfair or anti-competitive terms on developers leading to less choice for consumers or higher prices for apps and add-ons.
Andrew Coscelli, the CMA’s chief executive, said: “Millions of us use apps every day to check the weather, play a game or order a takeaway. So, complaints that Apple is using its market position to set terms which are unfair or may restrict competition and choice – potentially causing customers to lose out when buying and using apps – warrant careful scrutiny.”
Coscelli said the investigation was at an early stage and no decision had been made about whether Apple was breaking the law. He said the CMA’s examination of digital markets had already uncovered worrying trends and that businesses and consumers would be harmed if big technology companies were unchecked.
