Last Updated on 05/03/2021 by Drashti
The British regulator for competition on Thursday opened the Apple Inc investigation after complaints that the iPhone makers are unfair and anti-competitive terms for app developers.
The audit will look into whether the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) says Apple dominates the distribution of apps on its devices in the UK.
Apple’s App Store Payment Policies have been long-drawn from app developers for requiring them to use their payment system that charges commissions between 15% and 30%.
Epic Games, the creator of the popular Fortnite game, was also in the loggerheads with the company, which tries the 30% fee last year by launching its own payment system, which means that Apple is prohibiting Fortnite from its store.
The iPhone manufacturer said it would work with the controller on Thursday.
“The App Store has been an engine of success for app developers, in part because of the rigorous standards we have in place — applied fairly and equally to all developers — to protect customers from malware and to prevent rampant data collection without their consent,” Apple said in a statement.
Earlier this year, Apple was also in news for launching a software update – iOS 14 – aimed at preventing Facebook from monitoring user movements outside Facebook-owned applications, i.e. Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp without their permission.
Last year, the European Commission too had opened a probe into the iPhone maker over App Store commission fee.
“Complaints that Apple is using its market position to set terms which are unfair or may restrict competition and choice – potentially causing customers to lose out when buying and using apps – warrant careful scrutiny,” CMA Chief Executive Andrea Coscelli said.
