Spain Expands Antitrust Probe into App Store Pricing Rules

The Spanish National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC) is expanding its investigation into Apple's App Store pricing rules, citing "new evidence" of unfair commercial conditions imposed on developers. The regulator claims this behavior restricts competition and violates European Union law. Apple has pushed back on the allegations, stating the App Store is a safe and trusted experience for users and developers. The CNMC has one year to complete its review.

The Spanish National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC) has broadened its investigation into Apple's App Store pricing rules, citing "new evidence" of unfair commercial conditions imposed on developers. The regulator claims this behavior restricts competition and violates European Union law. Apple has pushed back on the allegations, stating the App Store is a safe and trusted experience for users and developers. The CNMC has one year to complete its review.

The CNMC initially launched its probe in July 2024, accusing Apple of imposing unjust commercial conditions on developers distributing apps through the App Store. According to the regulator, Apple may be mandating developers to follow a pricing structure determined by the company, which could limit competitive opportunities among app providers [1].

The expanded investigation follows closely on the heels of broader European regulatory actions. The European Commission fined Apple over €1.8 billion last year for restricting music streaming app developers from informing users about lower-cost subscription alternatives outside the App Store. More recently, in April, the Commission concluded another investigation into Apple's compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), after the company agreed to simplify the process for users to modify default app settings [1].

Apple has denied the allegations, describing the App Store as a secure platform that fosters both user trust and developer success. The company stated it would continue to engage with the Spanish Competition Authority to ensure its concerns are fully understood [1].

The Spanish inquiry is just one front in Apple's broader regulatory battle across Europe. The CNMC's expanded probe adds to ongoing investigations and fines, highlighting the ongoing pressure on Apple's App Store model. The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for Apple's business practices and its ongoing negotiations with European regulators.

References:
[1] https://www.pymnts.com/cpi-posts/spain-turns-up-the-heat-on-apple-in-escalating-antitrust-case/
[2] https://www.iclarified.com/98013/apple-hit-with-expanded-antitrust-probe-in-spain-over-app-store-price-fixing
[3] https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/29/spain-to-expand-antitrust-investigation-into-app-store-pricing-rules/
[4] https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/07/29/spain-widens-app-store-antitrust-probe-to-examine-pricing