Chinese Developers File Antitrust Complaint Against Apple Over App Store Fees

*A group of 48 China-based iOS developers has asked the State Administration for Market Regulation to investigate Apple’s commission rates and distribution rules.*

The developers sent an open letter to China’s State Administration for Market Regulation alleging that Apple has abused its market position by imposing “unfair and excessively high” costs. They claim Apple did not follow through on an earlier pledge to give the Chinese market the lowest commission rates.

The complaint centers on the standard 30 percent App Store cut and the tighter rules that prevent developers from directing users to outside payment systems. The group wants the regulator to open a formal investigation and impose penalties.

What the letter states

The developers point to a March reduction in rates that lowered the commission on subscription renewals and for participants in the Small Business and Mini Apps Partner programs from 15 percent to 12 percent. They argue the cut was too narrow and did not address the core 30 percent rate that applies to most transactions.

The letter also criticizes the requirement that nearly all iOS apps in China must still use Apple’s payment infrastructure. The developers describe this setup as an additional restriction that raises their operating costs and limits their ability to compete.

Prior rate changes

Apple adjusted its commission schedule in March for two specific categories. Renewals of subscriptions and qualifying developers in the Small Business and Mini Apps programs moved to 12 percent. The standard rate for most new purchases and other developers remained unchanged at 30 percent.

The complaint asserts that these limited adjustments fell short of Apple’s earlier public statements about offering the lowest rates in the Chinese market.

Why it matters

The filing adds another regulatory front for Apple in a market where local developers already face high platform fees and limited payment options. Regulators in China have shown willingness to examine dominant platforms on pricing and distribution terms, and this case supplies them with a coordinated set of complaints from active iOS developers. If SAMR opens an inquiry, the outcome could affect how Apple structures its App Store economics in the country and how similar complaints are treated elsewhere.

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Sources:

• 9to5Mac
• MacRumors

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