Apple wins legal battle in China over app store fees

People stand outside a recently-opened Apple Store in Shanghai on March 26, 2024. Apple is defending its App Store fees on multiple fronts, including a lawsuit at home in the US and challenges in Europe, South Korea and Japan. The resolution to the China complaint relieves one potential pressure point for further change to the highly lucrative business. — AFP

A Chinese court dismissed a case filed by a local consumer against Apple Inc’s commission fees for purchases via its App Store, granting the US company some reprieve as it faces growing scrutiny around the world over its practices.

Apple has not abused its status despite dominating the App Store, the Shanghai Intellectual Property Court said in an unpublished Wednesday verdict seen by Bloomberg News. The court heard the case filed by an individual named Jin Xin earlier Wednesday, after a 2021 decision by China’s Supreme Court gave the green light to the case against Apple and other similar complaints.