China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is gearing up to initiate a comprehensive antitrust investigation targeting Apple's App Store. This potential probe comes in the wake of recent tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese imports, seemingly linking the trade tensions to the scrutiny of major tech firms operating in China.
The investigation is expected to focus on Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases, as well as its controversial policy that limits third-party payment systems and alternative app stores within its ecosystem. Chinese tech giants like Tencent and ByteDance have long criticized these practices, arguing that they stifle local competition and adversely affect consumer choice.
While SAMR has not officially confirmed the impending investigation into Apple, it has recently escalated anti-monopoly actions against other tech leaders, including Google and Nvidia, signaling a broader crackdown on perceived monopolistic behaviors in the technology sector.
