Royale Capital™
February 5, 2025 at 03:42 PM
🚨 China Eyes Antitrust Probe Into Apple’s App Store Fees
Beijing is considering an antitrust investigation into Apple’s App Store fees and policies, escalating tensions amid a growing US-China trade war. The probe could challenge Apple’s 30% in-app commission fees and its restrictions on third-party payment systems.
âš« Key Points:
— Regulatory Scrutiny: The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is reviewing Apple’s fee structure and developer policies.
— Trade War Tensions: The move coincides with China’s formal antitrust probe into Google, launched in response to Trump’s new tariffs on Chinese goods.
— Local Backlash: Apple faces ongoing disputes with Tencent and ByteDance over app store fees, as well as a lawsuit from a Chinese developer.
— Market Impact: Apple’s stock slid 2% pre-market, reflecting investor concerns over regulatory risks in one of its largest markets.
If Apple doesn’t comply with regulatory demands, China could launch a formal antitrust probe, adding to the company’s global regulatory challenges. With Huawei gaining market share, Apple’s position in China could weaken further under mounting pressure.
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