A collective of 55 Chinese iPhone and iPad users has lodged an antitrust complaint against Apple with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The group, represented by attorney Wang Qiongfei, contends that Apple is exploiting its dominant market position by enforcing restrictive practices within its App Store ecosystem.
Allegations Against Apple
The complaint outlines three primary grievances:
1. Mandatory Use of Apple’s In-App Purchase System: Consumers are compelled to buy digital goods exclusively through Apple’s proprietary payment system, limiting their options and potentially leading to higher costs.
2. Exclusive App Distribution via the App Store: Apple restricts iOS app downloads solely to its App Store, preventing the availability of alternative app marketplaces and thereby stifling competition.
3. High Commission Fees: Apple imposes commissions of up to 30% on in-app purchases, a practice the complainants argue is excessive and burdensome for both developers and consumers.
The group also highlights a perceived inconsistency in Apple’s policies, noting that while the company has allowed more flexible app distribution and payment methods in regions like the European Union and the United States—often in response to regulatory pressures—it continues to maintain a strict monopoly in China. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/china-consumers-file-antitrust-complaint-against-apple-over-app-store-practices-2025-10-20/?utm_source=openai))
Historical Context and Legal Proceedings
This is not the first time Apple’s App Store practices have come under scrutiny in China. In 2021, a similar lawsuit was filed by individual consumer Jin Xin, also represented by Wang Qiongfei. The case demanded that Apple cease its 30% App Store fee and sought compensation for alleged losses. However, the lawsuit was dismissed by a Shanghai court in 2024. Wang is currently appealing that verdict in China’s Supreme People’s Court, with a ruling still pending. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/20/chinese-law-firm-tries-suing-over-app-store-practices—-again?utm_source=openai))
The new administrative complaint filed with SAMR is expected to progress more rapidly than the previous civil case. This development occurs amid escalating trade tensions between the United States and China, during which Chinese regulators have intensified scrutiny of American tech firms, including Apple. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/china-consumers-file-antitrust-complaint-against-apple-over-app-store-practices-2025-10-20/?utm_source=openai))
Global Perspective on App Store Practices
Apple’s App Store policies have faced challenges not only in China but also globally. In the European Union, Apple was fined €500 million ($570 million) in April 2025 for violating the Digital Markets Act by imposing unjustified restrictions that hindered app developers from directing users to cheaper alternatives outside the App Store. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/apple-fined-570-million-meta-228-million-breaching-eu-law-2025-04-23/?utm_source=openai))
Similarly, in Brazil, the technical body of the country’s antitrust regulator recommended ruling against Apple for anti-competitive practices within its iOS ecosystem. The recommendation followed complaints alleging that Apple restricts the distribution of digital goods and enforces the use of its proprietary payment system for in-app purchases. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/technical-body-brazil-antitrust-regulator-recommends-ruling-against-apple-ios-2025-06-30/?utm_source=openai))
In the United States, Apple faced a high-profile lawsuit from Epic Games in 2020, challenging the company’s restrictions on apps from having other in-app purchasing methods outside of the one offered by the App Store. The case brought significant attention to Apple’s App Store policies and their impact on competition. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_Games_v._Apple?utm_source=openai))
Implications for the Chinese Market
The outcome of this antitrust complaint could have significant implications for Apple’s operations in China, one of its largest markets. If the SAMR rules against Apple, the company may be compelled to alter its App Store policies, potentially allowing alternative payment methods and app distribution channels. Such changes could foster increased competition and provide consumers with more choices, potentially leading to lower prices and improved services.
However, any regulatory action against Apple could also strain U.S.-China trade relations further, especially considering the current climate of heightened scrutiny of American tech firms by Chinese regulators.
Conclusion
The antitrust complaint filed by the group of Chinese consumers underscores the growing global scrutiny of Apple’s App Store practices. As regulatory bodies worldwide continue to examine the balance between platform control and market competition, the tech industry may witness significant shifts in how digital marketplaces operate. The resolution of this case in China will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in other jurisdictions.
