Spain’s competition authority, the Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC), has launched an investigation into Apple’s App Store, on possible unfair commercial practices imposed on app developers.
The CNMC says that Apple’s conduct might breach competition laws, possibly resulting in a fine amounting to 10% of its global revenues if found guilty.
Apple, however, refutes these claims, asserting that developers on its platform compete under equal conditions. An Apple representative stated that the company is open to collaborating with the Spanish authority to address and clarify any issues raised.
This investigation adds to Apple’s mounting antitrust challenges in Europe. Earlier this year, the European Commission fined Apple €1.84 billion for limiting competition in the music streaming market through its App Store practices.
Added to this, the Commission is examining Apple’s compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to ensure fair competition by requiring companies to provide equal access to their platforms.
Complaints from developers about Apple’s App Store policies have been longstanding, focusing on the fees for in-app purchases and the perceived arbitrariness of its app review processes. Apple maintains that its rules are transparent and consistent, with most App Store revenue benefiting developers without incurring a commission.
Europe’s growing investigation of big tech firms has led to increased regulatory measures, with the UK also planning its own competition reforms targeting major tech companies.
