Apple is once again facing antitrust issues related to the App Store. Following the European Union (EU), Spanish competition authorities have also launched an investigation into the Apple App Store.
On the 24th (local time), the Spanish National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) announced that it has initiated an investigation into the possibility of anti-competitive behavior by the Apple App Store.
The CNMC explained the background of the investigation, stating, "Apple may be engaging in anti-competitive practices by imposing unfair commercial conditions on application (app) developers in the App Store." However, it did not specify what constitutes these 'unfair commercial conditions.'
Additionally, the CNMC mentioned, "The anti-competitive behavior of the Apple App Store may violate relevant laws and constitute an abuse of dominant position," adding, "Considering the growing importance of economic activities conducted through the App Store in Spain, this investigation has been initiated ex officio." Previously, Apple was also investigated by the EU Commission regarding its App Store operations. Last month, the EU Commission provisionally concluded that Apple's App Store regulations violated the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
In particular, the CNMC warned that such anti-competitive behavior could be considered a 'very serious legal violation,' stating, "A fine of up to 10% of the previous year's global revenue may be imposed." Apple's total revenue for the 2023 fiscal year was approximately $383 billion. Major foreign media outlets reported that the CNMC's investigation could take up to two years and that Apple may face fines amounting to billions of dollars.
An Apple spokesperson said in a statement, "We will cooperate with the Spanish competition authorities to understand and address their concerns."
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