China's antitrust watchdog considers probe into Apple's App Store practices
What's the story
China's antitrust regulator is mulling an investigation into Apple's App Store policies and fees, Bloomberg News reported.
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is reviewing the policies, including a commission of up to 30% on in-app purchases.
The regulator is also looking into the restrictions Apple places on external payment services as well as other app stores.
Response
Regulatory action follows new US tariffs
The possible probe into Apple's practices comes after China has been cracking down on US businesses.
The measures were announced soon after the US imposed new tariffs on Chinese goods.
The companies targeted include tech giant Google, farm equipment manufacturers, and PVH Corp - the parent company of fashion label Calvin Klein.
Ongoing discussions
China's antitrust regulator in talks with Apple since last year
Chinese regulators have been in talks with Apple executives and app developers since last year, according to Bloomberg News.
However, neither Apple nor China's antitrust watchdog has responded to requests for comment on the possible investigation.
Either way, the development shows that the tech giant's business practices in China are still under scrutiny.
Wider investigation
Other US firms under regulatory scrutiny
In related news, SAMR said yesterday that Google is suspected of breaching China's anti-monopoly law, leading to an official investigation.
China's Commerce Ministry has also added PVH Corp and US biotech firm Illumina to its "unreliable entity" list.
These actions highlight the intensifying tension between the two economic superpowers and their effects on multinational companies operating in both markets.