The UK competition watchdog has opened a probe into Apple over claims it imposes unfair terms and conditions on app developers, in the latest regulatory assault on the tech giant’s dominance.
The Competition and Markets Authority will investigate whether Apple maintains a stranglehold over the app market through its App Store and whether it abuses its position as a gatekeeper for mobile services on the iPhone.
Apple takes a 30 per cent commission on most digital purchases through the App Store, falling to 15 per cent for some subscriptions. Developers told the CMA that Apple was imposing unfair terms and conditions on them in return for selling their apps to customers through the App Store, which remains the only marketplace for iPhone and iPad apps.