Colombia Launches Antitrust Probe into Apple's App Store Dominance

Colombia's Superintendency of Industry and Commerce has launched an antitrust investigation into Apple's App Store, citing abuse of dominant position by restricting access to new players and hindering developers from offering alternative payment methods to users. The investigation aims to determine whether Apple's practices infringe on free economic competition and limit market access.

The Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (SIC) in Colombia has launched a formal antitrust investigation into Apple Inc.'s App Store, citing concerns over the company's market dominance and restrictive practices [1]. The probe focuses on allegations that Apple has abused its dominant position by limiting access to new players and hindering developers from offering alternative payment methods to users.

The investigation, announced on August 28, 2025, is part of a growing global scrutiny of Apple's App Store practices. The SIC alleges that Apple has contractually restricted developers from creating or operating alternative app stores on iPhones and iPads, ensuring that all software distribution occurs exclusively through the App Store. This, the regulator claims, is designed to exclude potential competitors and preserve Apple's market dominance [1].

Furthermore, the SIC is examining Apple's handling of in-app purchases. The agency alleges that developers are compelled to use Apple's proprietary In-App Purchase system, which applies commissions of 15% to 30% on each transaction. Apple also allegedly prohibits developers from informing users of cheaper alternatives outside the app, a practice known as anti-steering [1].

These practices, according to the SIC, may result in "unjustified excessive costs" for Colombian consumers and create "artificial barriers" that deter new developers from entering the market. If the SIC determines that Apple has violated antitrust rules, the company could face sanctions of up to 10% of its turnover in the country, in addition to possible orders to amend its practices [1].

The investigation reflects the increasing international focus on Apple's App Store. Earlier this year, the European Commission fined Apple €500 million for preventing developers from directing consumers to alternative payment methods. In the United States, a federal court recently found Apple in contempt of a previous antitrust ruling and prohibited the company from collecting commission on certain web-based purchases [1]. Regulators in Brazil, Japan, and South Korea have also pressed the company on similar issues [1].

References:
[1] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/28/app-store-under-investigation-in-colombia/
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/apple-tsmc-chip-pact-builds-175540203.html
[3] https://www.macobserver.com/news/apple-app-store-faces-formal-antitrust-investigation-in-colombia/
[4] https://www.pymnts.com/cpi-posts/apple-faces-antitrust-probe-in-colombia-over-alleged-market-abuse/