UPDATE: Spain’s antitrust watchdog has just expanded its investigation into Apple Inc., focusing on the company’s App Store pricing practices. Announced on July 29, 2025, the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) is now probing whether Apple’s pricing rules for third-party developers create unfair competition.
This urgent development comes amid intensifying global scrutiny on tech giants regarding potential anticompetitive behavior in digital marketplaces. The CNMC revealed that “new evidence” prompted the expansion of a probe that originally began in 2024. Investigators are specifically examining Apple’s mandated pricing tiers, which restrict developers to fixed price points, potentially stifling competition and innovation.
Sources indicate that this pricing structure could disadvantage smaller app developers, limiting their ability to offer competitive or flexible pricing. As Apple’s own services benefit from these restrictions, the CNMC’s investigation raises serious questions about the fairness of the App Store ecosystem.
The probe now also scrutinizes how Apple’s commission fees, which range from 15% to 30% on in-app purchases, compound these challenges. Analysts warn that the combination of rigid pricing and high fees creates a double barrier for new entrants, ultimately leading to higher costs for consumers.
In a statement, the CNMC warned that Apple may be “abusing its dominant market position,” a phrase that suggests potential fines or mandated changes if violations are confirmed. This could result in penalties of up to 10% of Apple’s global turnover, compelling the tech giant to rethink its pricing strategies.
This intensified scrutiny aligns with similar regulatory actions seen globally. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act has already pressured Apple to permit alternative app stores and payment systems, while the U.S. Department of Justice is pursuing its own antitrust cases against the company.
For Apple, which generates billions from App Store revenues, the stakes are incredibly high. Any forced changes to its pricing rules could disrupt its established business model. While Apple executives defend the pricing system as essential for maintaining quality and security, critics argue it prioritizes profits over fair competition.
Industry reactions are mixed. Developer communities are largely supportive of the CNMC’s actions, viewing them as a potential breakthrough toward a more equitable app ecosystem. However, Apple has yet to publicly comment on the expanded investigation.
As the CNMC progresses, the outcomes of this probe could have far-reaching implications not only for Apple but for the entire digital marketplace structure. If the investigation uncovers antitrust violations, remedies may include dismantling the pricing tiers or granting developers greater autonomy.
This case could set a precedent for similar regulatory actions in other jurisdictions, prompting Apple and other tech giants to adapt proactively. With the global app economy valued in the trillions, the potential fallout from this investigation might redefine competitive dynamics, ensuring innovation thrives beyond restrictive corporate rules.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.