According to Reuters, 55 Chinese iPhone and iPad users filed a formal complaint with the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on Monday, accusing Apple of abusing its dominant market position by monopolizing app distribution channels and payment systems and charging exorbitant commissions. This is Wang Qiongfei's second legal action against Apple, following a similar lawsuit dismissed by a Shanghai court in 2021. This time, he chose the administrative route in the hope of obtaining a faster regulatory response.
The complaint details three alleged violations of China's Anti-Monopoly Law by Apple: forcing users to purchase digital goods through Apple's in-app purchase system; restricting iOS apps to download only through the App Store; and charging commissions of up to 30% on each in-app purchase. The complainants specifically point out that, despite regulatory pressure from the EU and US, Apple has allowed alternative payment methods and third-party app stores in other markets, it maintains a strictly closed ecosystem in China.
Notably, Wang Qiongfei's previous civil lawsuit was dismissed by a Shanghai court in 2022, and he is currently appealing that ruling to the Supreme People's Court. According to the complaint, the Supreme Court heard arguments from both sides last December but has yet to issue a final ruling. The filing of this administrative complaint demonstrates the complainants' desire to exert pressure through multiple channels to compel Apple to change its business practices in the Chinese market.
As of press time, Apple has not publicly responded to the complaint. With global antitrust regulations on tech giants increasing, this complaint could become a significant case study in the opening up of the Chinese app ecosystem. Industry insiders analyze that if regulators determine that Apple engages in monopolistic behavior, they may require it to adjust its App Store policies, which would directly impact the user experience of hundreds of millions of Chinese iOS users and the business models of developers.
