The investigation was triggered in part by
complaints from app developers that Apple
will only let them distribute their apps to
iPhone and iPad users through the App Store.
The developers also complained that the
company requires any purchases of apps,
add-ons or upgrades to be made through
its Apple Pay system, which charges up to
30% commission.
“Millions of us use apps every day to check
the weather, play a game or order a takeaway,”
Andrea Coscelli, the authority’s CEO, said in
a statement. “So, 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.”
The watchdog said it would consider whether
Apple has a “dominant position” in app
distribution for Apple devices in the U.K., and,
if it does, whether the company “imposes
unfair or anti-competitive terms on developers”
that results in less choice or higher prices for
consumers buying apps and extra.
Apple said it looked forward to explaining its
App Store guidelines to the U.K. watchdog.
“We believe in thriving and competitive
markets where any great idea can flourish,” the
company said by email. “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.”