The App Store is currently the subject ofan antitrust investigation conducted by the European Commission.
Microsoft President and General Counsel Brad Smith spoke about the policy Apple has put in place on its App Store. Brad Smith’s take comes just days before the GAFA leaders’ hearing before the US House. The US House wanted to get “Microsoft’s perspective as a big tech company.” The American company had already been involved in the development of antitrust regulations. And if the antitrust investigation carried out by the American authorities targets all GAFAs, Brad Smith has especially pointed the finger at Apple and its Apple Store.
During his speech, Brad Smith shared his concerns about the various policies applied by Apple on the App Store. The application approval process, Apple’s 30% commission on all purchases and subscriptions made from the platform, but also the obligation for developers to pass in-app purchases through the services of Apple have been reviewed by the President and General Counsel of Microsoft. According to him, these practices are worrying and it is high time that lawmakers looked at them.
In recent weeks, the Cupertino company has been in the spotlight because of the practices imposed on the App Store. Following complaints from several departments and developers, including Spotify and Kobo, filed with the European Commission, the latter announced thatan official investigation would be conducted on the App Store.
Spotify and Kobo have criticized the fact that Apple takes a 30% commission from them on each subscription made from its platform. A commission which obviously does not affect Apple’s own services (Apple Music), which represents a form of anti-competitive practice according to them.
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