Antitrust complaints against Apple are nothing new. But the number of them has risen sharply recently. Now the messaging service Telegram has also officially filed a complaint against Apple.
According to a new Financial Times report, Apple is facing another antitrust complaint in Europe. This time it is about Telegram. In a letter of complaint to the EU Commission, the developers of the app argue that Apple must give iOS users the opportunity to download software outside of the App Store. The report:
Telegram already had problems with Apple in 2016
In a complaint to EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager, Telegram, which has more than 400 million users, said Apple must “give users the option to download software outside the App Store.”
Telegram reportedly outlined its previous experiences with the App Store. It cites an example from 2016. The service was allegedly prevented from launching a gaming platform on the App Store because it allegedly violated Apple's guidelines. Telegram subsequently dismantled the project to avoid being "deleted from the App Store," claiming it was "an example of Apple's ability to stifle innovation thanks to its monopolistic power in the app market." Earlier this week, Telegram founder Pavel Durov published a blog post demanding that Apple explain its 30 percent commission.
Apple is also being investigated in the USA
The complaint filed with the EU is now a further step in the effort to reform the App Store. In addition to Telegram, Spotify and Rakuten have also filed an official antitrust complaint. But in addition to the App Store, Apple Pay is also being investigated by the EU Commission. Meanwhile, Apple boss Tim Cook had to testify before the House Judiciary Committee yesterday. audition, which is currently conducting an investigation into anti-competitive behavior in relation to the App Store. According to the report, the Cupertino-based company is not only being attacked in the EU but also in the USA. It remains to be seen whether Apple's policy will actually change in the end. The fact is - this issue will be with us for a long time to come. (Photo by Denys Prykhodov / Bigstockphoto)
