The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority has launched an investigation into Apple following complaints that its terms and conditions for app developers are unfair and anti-competitive. “In addition to designing, manufacturing and marketing electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, Apple also operates the App Store. This is the only way for developers to distribute third-party apps on Apple’s iPhones and iPads, and the only way for Apple customers to access them. The probe has been prompted by the Competition and Markets Authority’s own work in the digital sector, as well as several developers reporting that Apple’s terms and conditions are unfair and could break competition law,” the agency said in a statement. It added, “The CMA’s investigation will consider whether Apple has a dominant position in connection with the distribution of apps on Apple devices in the UK – and, if so, whether Apple imposes unfair or anti-competitive terms on developers using the App Store, ultimately resulting in users having less choice or paying higher prices for apps and add-ons.”
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