China is reportedly preparing a fresh antitrust investigation into Apple’s App Store practices in response to the United States’ latest trade tariffs on Chinese goods.
The controversial tariffs, imposed by President Trump, have been criticised for penalising American businesses and consumers rather than their intended foreign targets.
Economists have warned these measures result in increased costs for US consumers, which could lead to reduced sales and economic strain. In return, China has steadily announced a slew of retaliatory actions — and this rumoured investigation appears to be part of its escalating strategy.
The reported probe, which has yet to be officially confirmed, will allegedly be conducted by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). It is said to target Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases as well as the company’s restrictions on the use of third-party payment services and app stores, adding scrutiny to longstanding criticisms against the tech giant’s policies.
Notably, this wouldn’t be Apple’s first encounter with Chinese regulatory authorities.
Last year, Chinese officials completed an investigation into Apple’s App Store and found the company was not abusing its dominant market position. That investigation had similarly concluded that Apple’s 30% commission was consistent with industry norms.
Despite these findings, Bloomberg’s sources suggest Chinese regulators have been engaging in ongoing discussions with Apple and app developers since the initial ruling. Reports of the new probe sent ripples through the financial markets.
For its part, Apple has neither confirmed nor denied any impending investigation. China’s government, meanwhile, has also remained tight-lipped.
If confirmed, this would add to a growing pattern of the Chinese government tightening its scrutiny over big tech companies, both domestic and international.
When it comes to US tariffs, Apple has previously managed to secure exemptions from the worst impacts. However, it hasn’t been spared entirely and the company has so far not escaped the newest round of duties introduced by the Trump administration.
While US officials argue that these tariffs are necessary to level the economic playing field with China, critics highlight their unintended consequences. Increased costs for US consumers might not only hurt Apple’s global sales but could also exacerbate the very economic vulnerabilities the tariffs were designed to address.
As geopolitical tensions rise and the fallout continues to cascade, all eyes will be on whether China decides to formalise this rumoured App Store investigation—and the potential ripple effects it could have for Apple, American tech giants, and global trade relations.
See also: CMA launches Apple and Google mobile ecosystems probe
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