Spain’s antitrust watchdog has intensified its scrutiny of Apple Inc.’s App Store practices, announcing an expansion of an ongoing investigation to delve into the company’s pricing rules for third-party developers. The move, revealed on July 29, 2025, comes amid growing global pressure on tech giants over alleged anticompetitive behaviors in digital marketplaces. According to a report from 9to5Mac, the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) cited “new evidence” as the catalyst for broadening the probe, which initially began in 2024.

The investigation now zeros in on whether Apple’s mandated pricing tiers—predefined schedules that dictate how apps can be priced on the platform—unfairly limit competition among developers. Insiders familiar with the matter suggest that these rules could prevent smaller app makers from offering flexible or competitive pricing, potentially favoring Apple’s own services or larger partners. This development echoes broader concerns raised in similar probes elsewhere, where regulators argue that such controls stifle innovation and consumer choice in the app economy.

Examining the Pricing Mechanism’s Impact on Developers

At the heart of the CNMC’s expanded inquiry is Apple’s tiered pricing system, which requires developers to select from a fixed set of price points rather than setting custom amounts. Sources close to the investigation, as detailed in a July 29 article from AppleInsider, indicate that this structure might impose unequal conditions, effectively abusing Apple’s dominant position in the iOS ecosystem. Developers have long complained that these constraints make it harder to experiment with pricing strategies, such as discounts or regional adjustments, which could otherwise help them compete more effectively.

The probe’s widening scope also considers how these rules interact with Apple’s commission fees, typically 15% to 30% on in-app purchases. Industry analysts point out that combining rigid pricing with high commissions creates a double barrier for entrants, potentially leading to higher costs passed on to consumers. As reported by Euronews on the same day, the regulator explicitly warned that Apple could be “abusing its dominant market position,” a phrase that signals potential fines or mandated changes if violations are confirmed.

Broader Implications for Global Regulation and Apple’s Strategy

This Spanish escalation is not isolated; it builds on a 2024 CNMC probe that initially targeted App Store terms more generally, as noted in earlier coverage from 9to5Mac. Comparatively, the European Union’s Digital Markets Act has already forced Apple to allow alternative app stores and payment systems in the region, though compliance has been contentious. In the U.S., ongoing antitrust cases by the Department of Justice similarly accuse Apple of monopolistic practices, highlighting a pattern of regulatory headwinds.

For Apple, the stakes are high: the company generates billions from App Store revenues, and any forced alterations to pricing rules could disrupt its business model. Executives have defended the system as necessary for maintaining quality and security, but critics argue it prioritizes profits over fair play. As the CNMC proceeds—potentially leading to penalties up to 10% of Apple’s global turnover—industry watchers anticipate ripple effects, including possible appeals or settlements that reshape how digital platforms operate worldwide.

Potential Outcomes and Industry Reactions

Should the investigation uncover antitrust breaches, remedies might include dismantling the pricing tiers or allowing greater developer autonomy, according to insights from MarketScreener‘s July 29 update. Developer communities have welcomed the probe, viewing it as a step toward a more equitable ecosystem, while Apple has yet to comment publicly on the expansion.

Looking ahead, this case could influence similar actions in other jurisdictions, pressuring Apple to adapt proactively. With the app economy valued in the trillions, the outcome may redefine competition dynamics, ensuring that innovation thrives beyond the confines of proprietary rules.