Chinese App Store Antitrust Probe
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is said to have been critically examining Apple’s practices and holding discussions with the company since last year, specifically about its 30% commission on in-app purchases and restrictions on external payment services, according to the outlet’s sources.
Chinese regulators are said to be particularly focused on whether Apple’s fees for local developers are unreasonably high. They’re also examining if the company’s prohibition of third-party app stores and payment methods stifles competition and negatively impacts Chinese consumers.
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Apple's position in China is particularly delicate. The country serves as the primary manufacturing base for iPhones and is Apple's largest market outside the United States. It's also having to compete with increasingly confident local rivals like Huawei, with Apple reporting an 11% decline in revenue from China over the holiday quarter.
That's accurately stated.
I kind of feel like this is some mash up of a Sopranos episode and Darth Vader saying, "I am altering the deal. Pray I do not alter it any further."
It may be time to profit-take on AAPL again soon... Or be prepared for more, um, concessions from the company that'll make me feel icky inside.
