Apple(US:AAPL) 3 6 Ke·2025-12-19 00:47Core Viewpoint - Apple has announced the opening of third-party app stores and external payment channels in Japan to comply with the "Specific Smartphone Software Competition Promotion Law," marking Japan as the first Asian country to break Apple's dual monopoly on app distribution and in-app purchases [1][2]. Group 1: Changes in Apple's Policies - Apple has significantly reduced its "Apple tax" in Japan, introducing a tiered commission structure for different payment scenarios, with commissions ranging from 5% to 21% [2][3]. - The new fee structure includes a 10% to 21% commission for in-app third-party payments, a 10% to 15% commission for external payment links, and a 5% core technology fee for transactions through third-party app stores or sideloaded apps [2][3]. Group 2: Regulatory Context - The changes stem from the Japanese National Assembly's passage of the "Specific Smartphone Software Competition Promotion Law" in April 2024, which aims to curb monopolistic practices by software providers [3]. - The Japan Fair Trade Commission has outlined numerous prohibitions against Apple, including excessive commission charges for third-party payments and unreasonable technical restrictions [3]. Group 3: Comparison with Other Markets - Among Apple's top four global markets (U.S., EU, China, Japan), only China continues to experience Apple's dual monopoly on app payments and distribution [5]. - In China, Apple maintains the highest commission rates for in-app transactions globally, charging 30% for standard enterprises and 15% for small developers [5][8]. Group 4: Developer Impact - The high commission rates in China have raised operational costs for many app developers, particularly smaller teams and individual developers [6]. - Apple's practices have led to significant scrutiny and legal challenges from Chinese consumers regarding its monopolistic behavior, although recent court rulings have not favored the plaintiffs [9][10]. Group 5: Market Performance - Apple's revenue in the Greater China region has shown a decline, with a 3.6% drop reported in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, contrasting with growth in other regions [14]. - Despite a recent uptick in growth in the third quarter, the overall performance in China remains a concern, with competition from local brands intensifying [16].