Colombia has joined the growing list of countries challenging Apple’s App Store practices, launching an antitrust investigation into allegations of anti-competitive behavior.
The country’s Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (SIC) announced that it is probing Apple over contractual clauses that allegedly prevent developers from distributing apps outside of the App Store. The regulator claims these policies unfairly restrict competition in Colombia’s digital goods market.
According to the SIC, Apple’s rules effectively force developers to rely solely on the App Store, cementing the company’s dominance in app distribution. Spanish-language publications MobileTime and MacMagazine report that the investigation points to potential violations of Decree 2153 of 1992, which governs competition in Colombia.
The regulator also argues that Apple’s in-app purchase system contributes to higher costs for consumers. With fees ranging between 15% and 30%, developers are unable to offer cheaper or alternative payment methods, leading to inflated prices that are ultimately passed on to users.
Beyond costs, the SIC says Apple’s restrictions discourage new developers from entering the market and hinder existing developers from competing fairly. Consumers, meanwhile, are left with fewer choices and a limited experience, as they are blocked from accessing alternative payment options or relevant pricing information.
Apple has faced similar antitrust scrutiny around the world. Authorities in Brazil, the United States, and the European Union have all taken steps against the company’s restrictive App Store model. In the EU, Apple was forced to allow third-party app marketplaces under the Digital Markets Act, and similar debates are now emerging in Japan.
Whether Colombia’s investigation will result in policy changes remains to be seen. For now, the SIC has signaled its determination to defend local developers and consumers by ensuring a more competitive digital ecosystem.
