400亿元“苹果税”再遭举报：律师评价苹果太傲慢

Core Viewpoint - Apple faces a significant backlash in China due to allegations of market abuse and discriminatory practices against Chinese consumers, particularly regarding the so-called "Apple Tax" which imposes a 30% fee on in-app purchases [1][2][3] Group 1: Allegations and Complaints - A joint complaint from 55 Chinese consumers has been submitted to the State Administration for Market Regulation, accusing Apple of abusing its market dominance and imposing high fees on Chinese users [2][4] - The complaint highlights that Chinese consumers are restricted from using third-party payment channels, unlike users in the US and EU, leading to a financial burden of up to 30% [2][4][5] - The term "Apple Tax" refers to the 30% commission Apple takes from in-app purchases, which has been a point of contention since its introduction in 2017 [2][3] Group 2: Financial Impact - In 2023, the "Apple Tax" generated approximately $22.34 billion globally, with over $64.4 million expected from Chinese users in 2024, accounting for nearly 19% of Apple's global revenue from this source [3][4] - The "Apple Tax" constitutes about 10% of Apple's revenue in China, significantly higher than in the US (8.8%) and EU (4.6%) [3][4] Group 3: Regulatory Environment - The complaint draws comparisons with regulatory actions taken in other countries, such as South Korea and the EU, which have implemented laws to limit Apple's commission rates and allow alternative payment methods [4][5][6] - The ongoing scrutiny from global regulators is increasing pressure on Apple to modify its business practices, particularly in its third-largest market, China [5][9] Group 4: Consumer Sentiment and Response - The issue has gained significant traction on social media, with discussions around the "Apple Tax" reaching over 5 billion views on platforms like Weibo and Bilibili, indicating widespread consumer dissatisfaction [8] - There are calls for a boycott of the newly released iPhone Air, reflecting a growing resistance among Chinese consumers against Apple's pricing strategies [1][8]