欧盟重罚苹果之际，中国小开发者抗争“苹果税”

Core Points - The European Commission imposed a €500 million fine on Apple for restricting app developers from directing users to third-party channels, depriving users of alternative service options [1][3][4] - Apple failed to demonstrate that these restrictions were necessary, leading to the fine and a requirement to lift the restrictions within 60 days or face further penalties [2][3] Group 1: Regulatory Actions - This fine is the first issued under the EU's Digital Markets Act, which came into effect on November 1, 2022, and follows a previous fine of over €1.8 billion against Apple in March 2024 [3][4] - The EU has designated Apple, along with other tech giants, as "gatekeepers," requiring them to allow users to install and use third-party applications and software [3][4] - Apple has made some adjustments to its business terms in the EU, including allowing "sideloading" and reducing its commission rates, but these changes have not satisfied developers [5][6][10] Group 2: Developer Reactions - Developers have expressed dissatisfaction with Apple's new "core technology fee," which imposes additional costs for apps with over 1 million downloads, potentially leading them to stick with the original 30% commission [7][8][9] - Spotify's CEO highlighted that the new fee could increase customer acquisition costs significantly, while Epic Games' CEO criticized Apple's compliance measures as a means to maintain control over the app ecosystem [11][12] Group 3: Financial Implications - Apple's services segment, which includes the App Store, generated $22.31 billion in revenue for the fiscal year 2023, growing 16% year-over-year [16] - The company anticipates a 13% growth in its services revenue for the fiscal year 2025, indicating the importance of the App Store to its overall financial health [17] Group 4: Market Dynamics in China - China is Apple's second-largest revenue source, with ongoing antitrust lawsuits from developers and consumers challenging the company's practices [18][22] - Despite a slight decline in iPhone sales, Apple's service revenue in China continues to grow, benefiting from a differentiated approach to the "Apple tax" compared to other regions [19][20] - A report indicated that over 95% of developers in China do not pay any commission to Apple, and many benefit from lower rates [20] Group 5: Ongoing Legal Challenges - Chinese consumers and small developers have been actively challenging Apple's "Apple tax," with a notable antitrust lawsuit resulting in a ruling that Apple did not abuse its market position [22][24] - Multiple lawsuits against Apple in China highlight ongoing tensions regarding its App Store practices and commission structures [26][28]