China Weighs Antitrust Probe into Apple's App Store

China is considering launching an antitrust investigation into Apple's App Store practices, focusing on its 30% commission on in-app purchases and restrictions on third-party payment systems and app stores. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has been in discussions with Apple and developers like Tencent and ByteDance since last year. This potential probe is part of wider trade tensions between the US and China, with the latter responding to US tariffs by scrutinizing American companies. Apple's practices have been under similar scrutiny in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act, which forced Apple to allow third-party app stores and payment systems. While Apple’s share price has already been affected by this news, the investigation has not yet been officially launched. China's decision could significantly impact Apple, given its manufacturing base in China and the country being one of its largest markets.