A group of 55 Chinese iPhone and iPad users, led by lawyer Wang Qiongfei, has filed a formal complaint against Apple with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on Monday, October 20, 2025. The users claim that Apple is abusing its dominant position by enforcing restrictive app distribution policies and charging excessive commissions on in-app purchases, raising concerns about the company’s influence over the Chinese market.

The complaint alleges violations of three clauses under China’s Anti-Monopoly Law. Users contend that Apple forces consumers to purchase digital goods exclusively through its In-App Purchase (IAP) system, blocks alternative payment methods, and restricts iOS app downloads to its proprietary App Store, charging commissions as high as 30%. These practices, they argue, limit consumer choice and hinder competition.

Lawyer Wang highlighted Apple’s monopoly over iOS app distribution in China, contrasting it with policies in other regions, such as Europe and the United States, where alternative payment methods and third-party app stores are allowed. Apple did not respond to inquiries regarding the complaint, as reported.

This action comes amid rising US-China trade tensions, which have seen both sides implement trade restrictions affecting technology companies globally. China has a history of antitrust investigations targeting U.S. tech firms, including Qualcomm, which was scrutinized for failing to notify regulators about its acquisition of Israeli company Autotalks.

Apple has faced similar scrutiny in China before; a 2021 civil case was dismissed by a Shanghai court in 2024. Wang expressed confidence that this administrative complaint will proceed more efficiently through regulatory channels and plans to challenge the previous Shanghai court ruling at China’s Supreme People’s Court, signaling a potentially prolonged legal battle.