A Chinese law firm has initiated a new lawsuit against Apple regarding its App Store practices, specifically targeting the controversial 30% commission fee. The firm, which previously attempted to halt similar charges through a different lawsuit, is now representing a collective of 55 users in its complaint.
In 2021, individual consumer Jin Xin filed a lawsuit against Apple China seeking to eliminate the App Store fee. This earlier case, handled by lawyer Wang Qiongfei, requested compensation for lost income associated with the fee structure. However, the case was dismissed in 2024 without any ruling in favor of the plaintiff.
With this renewed effort, the same law firm has submitted the complaint to China’s State Administration for Market Regulation. By doing so, the firm aims to prompt regulatory intervention against Apple’s App Store practices, which have drawn criticism for their perceived impact on developers and consumers alike.
The group of users involved in this complaint argues that the 30% fee significantly affects app pricing and developer revenues. The legal action reflects ongoing tensions between tech giants and regulatory bodies across the globe, particularly regarding market practices and competition.
As this case unfolds, it could have implications not only for Apple but also for other technology companies operating in China and beyond. Regulatory scrutiny of the App Store model may intensify, leading to potential changes in how digital marketplaces operate in the future.
The outcome of this lawsuit remains to be seen, but it highlights the growing concern over the balance between innovation and fair market practices in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
