Apple's App Store Under Investigation in Colombia
Colombia has launched a major antitrust probe, with Apple's App Store under investigation in Colombia for allegedly abusing its dominant position in the mobile app market. The country’s competition authority says Apple may have restricted free competition on iOS and iPadOS, sparking growing concerns over its control of app distribution.
Why Colombia Is Investigating Apple
The probe was announced by the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC), Colombia’s competition watchdog. The agency’s Delegation for the Protection of Competition reached a preliminary conclusion that Apple may have engaged in exclusionary practices designed to block potential rivals.
This investigation highlights two main concerns: restrictions on third-party app stores and Apple’s strict in-app purchase rules. Both could amount to an abuse of market dominance under Colombian law.
App Store Restrictions on Developers
One of the SIC’s central claims is that Apple prevents developers from creating or operating alternative app stores on iPhones and iPads. This effectively forces all apps to be distributed exclusively through the official App Store.
Regulators argue that this restriction helps Apple maintain its dominance while excluding potential competitors from entering the Colombian market. Such clauses, according to the SIC, may stifle innovation and limit consumer choice.
In-App Purchases and Commission Fees
The second focus of the case involves Apple’s in-app purchase system. Developers are required to use Apple’s proprietary payment method, which applies commissions of 15% to 30% per transaction.
On top of this, developers are prohibited from informing users about cheaper payment options outside the App Store—a policy often referred to as “anti-steering.” The SIC warned that these rules may create unjustified costs for Colombian consumers and act as “artificial barriers” for new developers hoping to compete.
What This Means for Apple and Users
With Apple's App Store under investigation in Colombia, the outcome could have major implications for both developers and consumers. If regulators find Apple guilty of anticompetitive practices, the company could face heavy penalties and be forced to loosen its App Store rules in the country.
This case also adds to the global pressure Apple faces, as regulators in the U.S., Europe, and Asia have raised similar concerns over its App Store dominance. Colombia’s decision signals that smaller markets are also willing to challenge Big Tech’s power.
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