On March 27, 2025, the Turkish Competition Board announced the commencement of a formal investigation into Apple Inc. and several local resellers, including Easycep, HB Bilisim, Destek Bilisim, and Getmobil. The probe aims to determine whether these entities have engaged in practices that violate Turkey’s Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition by allegedly influencing the resale prices of Apple products such as computers, tablets, smartphones, headphones, and accessories.
The investigation follows a preliminary inquiry that suggested potential collusion between Apple and its resellers to set prices, which could undermine market competition. The Competition Board’s statement emphasized that initiating this investigation does not presuppose any violations but is a necessary step to ascertain the facts.
Background and Context
This is not the first time Apple has faced scrutiny over its pricing strategies. In 2021, the Italian Competition Authority fined Apple €10 million for misleading commercial practices related to the water resistance claims of certain iPhone models. Additionally, in 2024, the Turkish Competition Board launched an investigation into Apple’s App Store policies, focusing on the company’s restrictions on alternative payment systems and the mandatory use of its in-app purchase system, which imposes a 30% commission on developers. These practices raised concerns about potential anti-competitive behavior and the stifling of competition within the digital marketplace.
Potential Implications
If the current investigation finds that Apple and its resellers have indeed engaged in price-fixing, the consequences could be significant. Under Turkish competition law, companies found guilty of such violations can face fines of up to 10% of their global annual revenue from the preceding year. For a corporation of Apple’s magnitude, this could translate into substantial financial penalties.
Moreover, a ruling against Apple could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny not only in Turkey but also in other jurisdictions concerned about fair market practices. It may prompt a reevaluation of Apple’s pricing and distribution strategies worldwide, potentially leading to more stringent regulations and oversight.
Industry Reactions
The tech industry and market analysts are closely monitoring the situation. Some experts suggest that this investigation could set a precedent for how multinational corporations manage their relationships with local resellers and distributors. It underscores the importance of adhering to local competition laws and the potential risks of uniform pricing strategies that may not align with regional regulations.
Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the investigation, arguing that it could lead to more competitive pricing and greater transparency in the tech market. They contend that if companies are found to be manipulating prices, it undermines consumer trust and limits choices available to the public.
Next Steps
The Turkish Competition Board has not provided a specific timeline for the investigation’s conclusion. The process will involve gathering evidence, interviewing relevant parties, and analyzing market data to determine whether any anti-competitive practices have occurred.
Apple and the implicated resellers are expected to cooperate with the authorities during this process. Depending on the findings, they may need to adjust their business practices to comply with Turkish competition laws.
Conclusion
The initiation of this investigation highlights the ongoing global challenges that tech giants like Apple face in navigating diverse regulatory environments. As governments worldwide become more vigilant in enforcing competition laws, companies must ensure that their business practices promote fair competition and comply with local regulations to maintain consumer trust and avoid substantial penalties.
