48 Chinese iOS developers file antitrust case against Apple

A coalition of 48 iOS developers in China has filed an antitrust complaint with the country's State Administration for Market Regulation, alleging that Apple imposes unfairly high fees and restrictive distribution rules through its App Store. The complaint, submitted this week, renews a long-running dispute between the technology giant and developers in one of its largest markets.

The developers argue that Apple continues to charge commission rates that are disproportionately high and leverage its dominant position within the iOS ecosystem, leaving developers with limited bargaining power. In an open letter accompanying the filing, the group accused Apple of abusing its market dominance to impose unfair and excessively high costs on local creators. The letter also claims Apple has failed to fulfill a promise to offer the lowest commission rate in the Chinese market.

This latest challenge follows regulatory discussions earlier this year that led Apple to reduce its standard App Store commission in mainland China from 30 percent to 25 percent for paid apps and in-app purchases, while lowering subscription renewal rates from 15 percent to 12 percent. Despite those adjustments, the...