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Apple Faces Antitrust Probe in Colombia Over Alleged Market Abuse

By  |  August 28, 2025

Colombia’s Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) has launched an investigation into Apple Inc. and its subsidiary Apple Services Latam (SL) for alleged abuse of market dominance in the distribution of technology platforms and payment processing services for digital goods. According to Yahoo, the regulator accuses Apple of restricting competition by tying its iOS operating system to the App Store and barring the installation of alternative application marketplaces.

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    The inquiry, formalized through a resolution issued in mid-August 2025, highlights concerns that Apple may have imposed contractual restrictions preventing developers from creating and managing rival app stores.

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    Per Yahoo, the SIC argued that such measures could block new participants from entering the market, limiting developers’ ability to distribute their products outside of Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem. This, the agency claims, would effectively preserve Apple’s monopoly in distributing digital content on iOS and iPadOS.

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    The probe also scrutinizes Apple’s handling of payment methods within applications. Authorities allege that the company has hindered developers from offering consumers alternative payment systems for digital services and subscriptions. By mandating exclusive use of its in-app purchase platform, the company may have limited competition in payment processing, forcing both developers and users to operate solely under Apple’s terms.

    According to Yahoo, the SIC’s findings point to potentially exclusionary practices designed to prevent rival platforms and payment services from gaining traction. If the investigation confirms these allegations, Apple could face significant regulatory penalties in Colombia, marking another chapter in the growing global scrutiny of its business practices.

    Source: Yahoo