Apple Faces Global Antitrust Pressure Over App Store

A group of 55 Chinese iPhone and iPad users led by lawyer Wang Qiongfei filed a complaint with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation alleging Apple abusively forces apps to use its In‑App Purchase system and charges high commissions; a prior civil suit was dismissed and is being appealed to the Supreme People’s Court. Apple is facing parallel antitrust pressure worldwide — from EU regulators (and fines) to U.S. litigation — and has publicly criticized rules like the EU’s Digital Markets Act as harmful to users. In Australia, Epic Games is pressing courts to require Apple to permit sideloading and to allow app distribution and payments without paying Apple a commission. Apple has pushed back, accusing Epic of seeking a “free ride” that would dismantle platform safeguards and arguing it is entitled to be paid for its technology while protecting security and privacy. Australian judges have signaled that Apple’s anti‑sideloading rules violate competition law, but remedies and enforcement — including hearings scheduled through early 2026 — remain contested. The outcomes could affect how commissions and alternative app distribution are regulated globally.