Colombia’s competition authority has launched a formal investigation into Apple, alleging that the company has abused its dominant position in the distribution of apps and in-app purchases on iOS and iPadOS devices. The Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) said its Delegation for the Protection of Competition reached a preliminary conclusion that Apple may have engaged in exclusionary practices that restrict fair competition in the country. The development adds another entry to the growing list of global cases scrutinizing Apple’s App Store model.
As reported by MacRumors, the Colombian probe highlights two main concerns. First, Apple allegedly prevents developers from launching or operating alternative app marketplaces on iPhone and iPad, requiring all distribution to flow exclusively through the App Store. Regulators believe this clause effectively excludes competitors and preserves Apple’s dominance, which could amount to abuse under Colombian competition law.
The second issue involves Apple’s mandatory in-app purchases. Developers must use Apple’s proprietary payment system, which applies commissions of 15% to 30% on every transaction. The SIC also noted that Apple restricts developers from steering users to cheaper payment methods outside the app. This anti-steering policy is seen as a barrier that inflates consumer costs and limits market entry for new developers.
If Apple is found guilty of violating antitrust rules, the company could face sanctions of up to 10% of its Colombian turnover. Regulators may also require Apple to modify its App Store practices in the local market, potentially setting a precedent for further actions across Latin America.
The case reflects intensifying international pressure on Apple’s ecosystem. In Europe, the Digital Markets Act led to a €500 million fine earlier this year after regulators concluded Apple blocked developers from directing users to alternative payment methods. In the United States, a federal court recently found Apple in contempt of a previous order and restricted its ability to collect commissions on some web-based purchases. Authorities in Brazil, Japan, and South Korea have also pressed the company on similar issues.
Colombia’s decision to pursue the case demonstrates how regional regulators are aligning with these global trends. The outcome could reshape how app stores operate in one of Latin America’s most important digital markets, potentially influencing policy changes elsewhere in the region. For developers and consumers, it may determine whether greater flexibility, lower fees, and broader distribution options become part of the iOS ecosystem.
