Apple faces expanded probe by Spanish regulator over app pricing

Published 29/07/2025, 13:56
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- Spain’s competition regulator has expanded its investigation into Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) over concerns about the tech giant’s business terms for app developers.

The Comision Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) announced Tuesday it is broadening a probe that began last summer to include scrutiny of Apple’s pricing requirements for developers.

The regulator is now examining Apple’s practice of requiring developers to set prices for apps, subscriptions, and in-app purchases from a list of approximately 900 price points determined by the iPhone maker.

"The CNMC is now investigating whether Apple may have established a pricing schedule that developers are required to follow in order to distribute their apps in its stores," the watchdog said in its statement.

The CNMC indicated this system could potentially violate European Union laws that prohibit restrictive agreements which distort competition. Despite the expanded scope, the regulator maintained its original 24-month timeline to complete the investigation, which began in 2024.

Apple shares showed minimal movement on Tuesday, rising just 0.08% following the announcement.

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