A coalition of 48 iOS developers in China has filed an antitrust complaint against Apple, renewing scrutiny of the company’s App Store business practices in one of its most important markets. The complaint was submitted to China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and centers on App Store commission rates and distribution restrictions imposed on developers.
The developers argue that Apple continues to charge fees that are disproportionately high compared to alternative app distribution and payment models emerging in other regions. In an open letter accompanying the filing, the group accused Apple of leveraging its position within the iOS ecosystem to maintain terms that leave developers with limited bargaining power.
The latest challenge follows regulatory discussions earlier this year that led Apple to reduce App Store commissions in mainland China from 30% to 25% for standard developers, while lowering rates for certain small-business participants. Despite those changes, the complainants claim the adjustments did not go far enough and argue that developers in China have not received the competitive conditions Apple has introduced in other jurisdictions facing regulatory pressure.
The complaint highlights growing frustration among local developers over Apple’s approach to app payments and marketplace access. The group has reportedly called on regulators to investigate whether the company’s policies constitute an abuse of market dominance and to consider measures that would further reduce fees and expand developer flexibility.
This is not the first time Apple’s App Store practices have come under legal or regulatory challenge in China. Similar disputes have surfaced repeatedly over the past decade, including lawsuits and complaints targeting commission structures and app distribution rules. Previous efforts, however, have achieved limited success through the courts, prompting developers to increasingly seek intervention from competition authorities.
The case also reflects a broader global debate surrounding mobile app marketplaces. Apple has faced regulatory actions and legal challenges in multiple regions, including the European Union, Brazil, Japan, and the United States, where authorities and developers have questioned App Store fees, payment requirements, and restrictions on alternative distribution channels.
Neither Apple nor China’s market regulator had publicly responded to the latest complaint at the time of publication. The outcome could influence future discussions around platform regulation in China and add further pressure on Apple as governments worldwide continue examining the competitive dynamics of mobile app ecosystems.
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