China’s antitrust officials might start looking into Apple because of its rules and App Store fees. This news comes during the ongoing trade conflict between China and the U.S., shortly after Donald Trump became president again. After the announcement, Apple’s stock price dropped by over 2.6% during premarket trades.
The Chinese government is concerned that Apple’s rules—like not allowing outside payment services and charging up to 30% for in-app purchases—might be unfair to local customers and developers. If Apple doesn’t change these rules, regulators could begin a formal investigation.
Apple’s Ongoing Challenges in China
Apple has been struggling to compete with local smartphone brands like Huawei. Last year, a developer even sued Apple over its fees. Additionally, Apple has been in talks with Tencent about App Store charges.
Not Alone in This Situation
Apple isn’t the only American tech company facing scrutiny. Chinese regulators also had a formal investigation against Google for similar issues. This comes after Chinese companies have faced pressure following U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods.
Global Attention on Apple’s Policies
The concerns about Apple’s App Store practices aren’t just limited to China. Last year in the European Union, Apple had to change its rules to allow other payment options and app marketplaces due to the Digital Markets Act.
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