Apple’s App Store is under investigation in China

The European Union forced Apple last year to open the App Store under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) work. iPhone users in the EU can install third-party app marketplaces, use third-party payment systems, and sideload apps as a result. Apple and the EU are still fighting over the DMA implementations.

As an iPhone user in the EU myself, I haven't even bothered trying to take advantage of what the DMA does for me. I don't want access to third-party apps or payment systems, and I'll never sideload apps.

However, I said that Apple's war on preserving the old ways of the App Store is doing more damage than good. Apple should open the App Store similarly in other markets and let every iPhone user and developer deal with the consequences. Most people will not change a thing.

The alternative is for more jurisdictions to investigate the App Store practices. Some of them can then pass laws with similar effects to the DMA.

China is the newest addition to the list of countries investigating Apple's App Store practices. The government started a probe before President Trump took office, but the investigation is making the news now, in the middle of another phase of the US-China trade war. Earlier this week, China announced a formal probe into Google right after the new US tariffs on China came into effect.

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Apple’s App Store is under investigation in China originally appeared on BGR.com on Wed, 5 Feb 2025 at 06:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.