A group of 48 China-based iOS developers has filed an antitrust complaint against Apple with the country's market regulator, protesting the commission rates charged by the App Store. According to the South China Morning Post, the developers sent an open letter to the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), alleging that Apple failed to deliver on a promise to offer the lowest commission rate to the Chinese market. The group is asking for an investigation and penalties for what they describe as abuse of market dominance to impose "unfair and excessively high" costs on local developers.
Apple currently charges a 25% commission on paid apps and in-app purchases in China, down from 30% after a cut made in March. For subscription renewals and qualified developers in Apple's Small Business and Mini Apps Partner programs, the commission was lowered to 12% from 15% at the same time. However, developers argue that Apple has done more in other countries.
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Brazil and Japan as benchmarks
The 48 developers point to Apple's recent moves elsewhere as evidence that the company can do better. Last week, Apple lowered its Brazil commission to between 10% and 21% per transaction, plus a 5% processing fee, while also allowing Brazilian developers to distribute iOS apps through other app marketplaces for a 5% fee. Apple made comparable adjustments in Japan late last year. The developers want at least equivalent terms, but they would prefer the ability to use third-party app stores, as already allowed in the European Union under the Digital Markets Act. This, they argue, would push Apple's effective commission down to as low as 5%.
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A decade of challenges in China
The complaint follows a series of similar challenges to Apple's App Store policies in China dating back nearly a decade. A Beijing law firm filed a complaint in 2017 over app removals and high fees; a Chinese consumer sued over App Store fees in 2021 (a claim ultimately rejected by a Shanghai court in 2024); and another Chinese law firm sued again in 2025. Now, 48 developers are escalating the pressure on the SAMR to act.
Apple has faced mounting regulatory pressure over App Store fees worldwide. 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 U.S., following its legal fight with Epic Games, Apple was ordered to allow external payment links. Apple said earlier this month that its App Store ecosystem generated more than $1.4 trillion in developer billings and sales in 2025, with China contributing the largest share at $562 billion. The App Store commission structure remains a critical issue for the future of China's digital market, as Apple's dominant position faces growing scrutiny.
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To explore alternative platforms for developers, check out Google Gemini: models, API and integrations, an example of how competitor ecosystems are attracting developers. Also, the global regulatory landscape is outlined in Wikipedia's Digital Markets Act page.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/06/23/apple-faces-new-app-store-antitrust-complaint
