UPDATE: Spain’s antitrust authority has just intensified its investigation into Apple Inc.’s App Store pricing practices, expanding its probe to scrutinize the company’s pricing rules for third-party developers. This significant move, announced on July 29, 2025, arrives amid escalating global scrutiny of tech giants over potential anticompetitive behaviors.
The National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) revealed that “new evidence” prompted the expansion of the inquiry, which originally began in 2024. The focus now centers on whether Apple’s mandated pricing tiers restrict fair competition. These predefined pricing schedules could hinder smaller developers from offering flexible pricing, potentially favoring Apple’s own services and larger partners.
Developers are increasingly vocal about how these restrictions stifle innovation and consumer choice in the app economy. Insiders report that Apple’s tiered pricing system—requiring developers to select from fixed price points—creates unequal conditions that may abuse Apple’s dominant position within the iOS ecosystem.
The CNMC is also examining how these rigid pricing rules interact with Apple’s commission fees, which range from 15% to 30% on in-app purchases. Analysts warn that the combination of strict pricing structures and high commissions places a significant barrier to entry for new developers, resulting in higher costs for consumers.
As reported by Euronews, the CNMC has explicitly stated that Apple could be “abusing its dominant market position,” a serious warning that could lead to substantial fines or mandated changes if violations are confirmed.
This investigation is not occurring in isolation; it builds on the earlier 2024 CNMC probe, which initially targeted broader App Store terms. Comparatively, the European Union’s Digital Markets Act has already compelled Apple to permit alternative app stores and payment systems, though compliance has faced challenges. Additionally, ongoing antitrust actions by the U.S. Department of Justice accuse Apple of monopolistic practices, emphasizing a pattern of regulatory scrutiny worldwide.
For Apple, the stakes are exceptionally high. The company generates billions from App Store revenues, and any changes to its pricing rules could disrupt its lucrative business model. While Apple executives assert that the current system is essential for maintaining quality and security, critics argue that it prioritizes profits over fair competition.
The CNMC’s ongoing investigation could lead to penalties as high as 10% of Apple’s global turnover, prompting industry analysts to predict significant ripple effects. Possible outcomes include dismantling the pricing tiers or increasing developer autonomy, as outlined in insights from MarketScreener.
Developer communities have largely welcomed the probe, viewing it as a crucial step toward creating a more equitable ecosystem. However, Apple has yet to release an official statement regarding the expansion of the investigation.
As this case unfolds, it could set a precedent for similar actions in other jurisdictions, pressuring Apple to adapt proactively. With the app economy valued at over $1 trillion, the implications of this investigation could redefine competitive dynamics, ensuring that innovation thrives beyond proprietary constraints.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation develops, and how it may impact users and developers worldwide.
