A coalition of 48 iOS developers based in China has lodged an antitrust complaint against Apple with the country’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The developers allege that Apple has not fulfilled its commitment to offer the lowest commission rates to the Chinese market, imposing what they describe as “unfair and excessively high” costs on local developers.
Currently, Apple charges a 25% commission on paid apps and in-app purchases in China, a reduction from the previous 30% rate implemented in March. Additionally, the commission on subscription renewals and for developers in Apple’s Small Business and Mini Apps Partner programs was decreased from 15% to 12% at the same time.
This complaint is the latest in a series of challenges to Apple’s App Store policies in China. In 2017, a Beijing law firm filed a complaint over app removals and high fees. In 2021, a Chinese consumer sued Apple over App Store fees, though the claim was dismissed by a Shanghai court in 2024. Another lawsuit was filed by a Chinese law firm in 2025.
The developers point to Apple’s recent adjustments in other markets as evidence that the company can offer more favorable terms. For instance, Apple recently reduced its commission in Brazil to between 10% and 21% of a transaction, plus a 5% processing fee, and allowed Brazilian developers to distribute iOS apps through other marketplaces for a 5% fee. Similar changes were made in Japan late last year.
The group argues that permitting third-party app stores in China, as Apple has done in the European Union under the Digital Markets Act, could reduce its effective commission to as low as 5%.
Apple has faced increasing regulatory scrutiny over its App Store fees globally. Last year, the company was fined €500 million ($572.2 million) for violating the EU’s Digital Markets Act and has appealed the decision. In the United States, Apple has been ordered to allow external payment links following its legal battle with Epic Games. In 2025, Apple reported that its App Store ecosystem generated over $1.4 trillion in developer billings and sales, with China contributing the largest share at $562 billion.
This ongoing dispute underscores the growing tension between Apple and developers worldwide over App Store policies and fees. As regulatory bodies continue to scrutinize Apple’s practices, the outcome of this complaint could have significant implications for the company’s operations in China and potentially set a precedent for other markets.
