A group of 48 iOS developers based in China files an antitrust complaint against Apple with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), challenging App Store commission rates in China, according to multiple reports. In an open letter, the developers say Apple does not fulfill a promise to offer the lowest commission rate to the Chinese market and accuse Apple of abusing its market dominance by imposing “unfair and excessively high” costs on local developers.
The complaint focuses on Apple’s App Store pricing for paid apps and in-app purchases, which the company charges at 25% in China. Developers note that Apple previously reduced rates in March from 30%, while subscription renewal commissions and some rates for qualified developers in Apple’s Small Business and Mini Apps Partner programs were also lowered to 12% from 15%. The new filing comes after several prior China-related legal efforts against Apple’s App Store policies, including complaints dating back nearly a decade and later cases filed in 2017, 2021 and 2025.
Developers cite Apple’s different pricing changes in other countries, including commission reductions and allowance for third-party app marketplaces in Brazil and adjustments made in Japan, and argue China should see similar outcomes. Apple has faced broader regulatory scrutiny worldwide over App Store fees and has previously said App Store activities generated more than $1.4 trillion in developer billings and sales in 2025, with China contributing the largest share.
