Spain expands antitrust probe into Apple over App Store rules

Spain’s antitrust authority has expanded its investigation into Apple for possible anti-competitive practices related to its App Store.

Spanish independent competition regulator CNMC said on Tuesday that it is looking into whether Apple applied unequal commercial conditions on developers and required them to follow a fixed pricing model.

The investigation will assess if the pricing schedule set by Apple limits competition among developers distributing apps through the App Store.

Apple said the App Store is meant to offer a secure and reliable experience for users and a good business opportunity for developers. The company added it will keep working with the CNMC to make sure its position is clearly understood.

Apple has denied the accusations since the regulator began its investigation last year.