A person holds a smartphone in front of the words “Available in the App Store” and the Apple logo.
Pavlo Gonchar | SOPA images | LightRocket via Getty Images
LONDON – The UK competition authority launched an antitrust investigation into Apple on Thursday.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it would investigate Apple over complaints from software developers about the tech giant’s App Store.
Apple only allows developers to release iPhone and iPad apps through the iOS smartphone platform. The company has a rigorous iOS app approval process 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 takeaway,” said Andrea Coscelli, CEO of the CMA.
“Complaints that Apple is using its market position to establish terms that are unfair or may restrict competition and choice – potentially causing customers to miss out on buying and using apps – deserve careful review.”
The British competition investigation into Apple follows similar steps by the European Union. Last year, the European Commission launched antitrust investigations into Apple’s App Store rules and the Apple Pay mobile wallet. The CMA said it would continue to work closely with the EU and other regulators, despite Britain formally leaving the bloc last year.
An Apple spokesperson said the company would work with the CMA to address its concerns.
“We believe in thriving and competitive markets where every good idea can thrive,” said the spokesman.
“The App Store is a driver of success for app developers, in part because of the rigorous standards we have put in place – applied fairly and equally to all developers – to protect customers from malware and prevent unbridled data collection without their consent.”
Big Tech oppression
Major US tech companies are facing increasing antitrust investigations from regulators around the world. The EU wants to tackle Big Tech with sweeping digital markets and service reforms. The UK meanwhile has its own plans to introduce new digital rules.
Epic Games, the creator of the popular video game Fortnite, was particularly outspoken in its criticism of Apple. Epic claims the iPhone maker’s App Store rules are anti-competitive and has especially objected to the 30% discount Apple is taking from developers for in-app purchases.