Apple has faced many antitrust complaints in the past. This is because Apple’s iOS platform is one of a handful of mobile operating systems used by millions of users around the world. This means that Apple has a near-monopoly on the apps distributed by its App Store. Now, it looks like Apple is facing more antitrust complaints about its App Store, this time in China.

Apple App Store faces antitrust complaints in China

According to a report from Reuters , a law firm in China has filed an antitrust complaint against Apple and its App Store. The firm is filing the complaint on behalf of 55 Chinese iPhone and iPad users. As expected from this antitrust complaint, it accuses Apple of maintaining a monopoly on iOS app distribution in China.

It also accuses Apple of restricting third-party payment systems . This means that developers who charge for app or in-app purchases need to use Apple’s system, in which the company then takes a cut of the proceeds. The commissions typically go up to 30% of the purchase price.

This is actually not the first time Apple has faced these complaints in China. There was another case in 2021, which was also represented by the same attorney. However, the case was later dismissed and the courts in Shanghai basically ordered Apple to stop collecting App Store fees and to pay damages.

So, what’s different this time? According to the attorney, this complaint is designed to prompt regulatory enforcement, rather than civil. This means that if it is successful, the Chinese government might step in and order Apple to make potentially permanent changes.

Will Apple comply?

This is where it gets interesting. We’ve seen that in the past, Apple has been more than willing to push its luck to the extremes. It complies with the court orders at the barest of minimums . It also comes up with creative solutions that suggest it complies, when in reality, it feels like nothing’s changed.

However, it feels unlikely that Apple could get away with something like that in China. China is one of Apple’s largest markets. Also, unlike other regions like the US or Europe, China has a plethora of local phone makers. We’re talking about Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Huawei. This means that if Apple were to not play ball and be barred from China, consumers still have plenty of options.

Apple has yet to respond to the complaint, so we’ll have to wait and see how this plays out.