Apple has faced scrutiny from regulators in various countries over its control of its app market. The company operates the App Store, which is the only way for iPhone and iPad users to download and install apps on their devices. Apple takes a 30% cut from the sale of apps and in-app purchases made through the App Store, which has led to criticism from developers who argue that the commission is too high.
In Italy, the country’s competition regulator, the Autorita’ Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), opened an antitrust investigation into Apple’s App Store practices in April 2021. The regulator is looking into whether Apple’s control of the App Store gives it an unfair advantage over competitors, and whether the company’s policies regarding in-app purchases and subscription services are anti-competitive.
The investigation follows similar actions taken by other regulators, including the European Commission, which launched a formal antitrust investigation into Apple’s App Store practices in June 2020. The outcome of these investigations is still pending, and it is unclear what actions, if any, will be taken against Apple.
It is worth noting that Apple has defended its App Store policies, stating that they are designed to ensure the safety and security of users, and that the company provides a level playing field for all developers. However, the ongoing investigations suggest that regulators are concerned about the level of competition in the app market and whether Apple’s practices are limiting consumer choice.
