(CelebrityAccess) — Dutch antitrust regulators have launched a probe into Apple to determine if the company favors its apps over competitors.
‘To a large degree, app providers depend on Apple and Google for offering apps to users. In the market study, ACM has received indications from app providers, which seem to indicate that Apple abuses its position in the App Store. That is why ACM sees sufficient reason for launching a follow-up investigation, on the basis of competition law,” said Henk Don, a board member of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets.
The review of Apple comes just weeks after streaming music service Spotify requested the European Union to conduct a review of Apple’s hold on the tech industry.
The investigation also comes amid growing unrest by third-party software developers about the fees that platform makers such as Apple and Google charge to developers using their app stores.
“App providers say they do not always have a fair chance against Apple’s own apps or against apps that Google has pre-installed on phones. In addition, providers of digital products and services are required to use Apple’s and Google’s payment systems for in-app purchases, and they are also required to pay a 30% commission in the first year,” a statement from the ACM said.
“Furthermore, they are not always able to use all functionalities of an iPhone. And finally, they say they have difficulties when communicating with Apple and Google about the application of their conditions. These problems, together with the indications submitted by app providers, are sufficient reason for ACM to launch an investigation into Apple’s behavior,” the statement continued.
