iPhone, iPad users in China claim Apple charges high commissions, abuses market dominance — Here’s what we know
Apple iPhone and iPad users in China have filed a complaint with the Chinese market regulator against the US-based technology giant, alleging that the company abused its market dominance while charging high commissions from its customers, the news agency reported. Reuters On Monday, October 20, 2025.
According to the agency’s report, a group of 55 Chinese iPhone and iPad users filed a complaint against Apple with the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), alleging that Apple restricts app distribution and payments on its platforms while charging higher commissions.
What are the allegations against Apple?
The user claims that Apple violated three articles of China’s Anti-Monopoly Law by allegedly forcing consumers to purchase digital products only through Apple’s In-App Purchase system.
They also claimed that Apple restricts iOS app downloads to the App Store and also charges customers commissions of up to 30% on in-app purchases, according to the report.
The complaint, filed by lawyer Wang Qiongfei on behalf of 55 Chinese iPhone and iPad users, argues that the US-based tech giant maintains a monopoly over iOS app distribution in China while allowing alternative payment methods and app stores in other global markets such as Europe and the US.
According to the agency report, Apple did not respond to questions sent about the development.
US-China tension
The complaints filed by iPhone and iPad users against Apple to the State Administration for Market Regulation come at a time when trade tensions between the US and China are negatively affecting the global economy.
Western countries and China are currently using trade restrictions and tariff war as policy tools in the midst of Trump’s tariff war against the world’s nations.
Mint It was previously reported that China was already conducting antitrust investigations against US-based semiconductor chip manufacturing firm Qualcomm, which is facing investigation for allegedly failing to inform Chinese regulators about the acquisition of Israeli company Autotalks.
According to the agency’s report, a similar lawsuit was filed against Apple in 2021, but was later rejected by the Shanghai court in 2024.
Wang Qiongfei told the news agency that he expected this administrative complaint to progress through regulators more quickly than the previous civil case. Wang also said he would appeal the Shanghai court’s previous decision by appealing to China’s Supreme People’s Court.
