苹果摇钱树再被砍，多米诺骨牌要倒下了？

Core Viewpoint - Apple is facing significant challenges to its App Store monopoly as Japan implements the "Mobile Software Competition Law," allowing third-party app stores and payment methods, marking a critical shift in its business model [5][10][11]. Group 1: Impact of Regulatory Changes - Japan's new law requires Apple to permit developers to use third-party app stores and payment methods, which is a major loss of control for the company [10]. - The law will take effect on December 18, 2024, and Apple has already begun supporting third-party app stores in Japan [10]. - The adjustments to Apple's commission structure in Japan represent a substantial concession, with fees reduced to 5% for third-party app stores compared to the previous standard of 30% [11]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Service Revenue - In the current fiscal year, Apple reported total revenue of $313.8 billion, with service revenue reaching $79.6 billion, accounting for over 25% of total revenue [9]. - Service business gross margins are significantly higher at 75%, compared to 40% for iPhone hardware, making it a crucial profit driver for Apple [9]. - The App Store generated total sales of $1.29 trillion last year, with an estimated commission revenue of around $30 billion [9]. Group 3: Global Regulatory Landscape - The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) has already forced Apple to lower its commission rates and open its platform to third-party app stores [12][15]. - Apple faces potential fines of up to 10% of global annual revenue for non-compliance with the DMA, which could amount to billions of euros [15]. - Other countries, including the UK, South Korea, Turkey, Brazil, and Colombia, are also initiating antitrust investigations against Apple, indicating a global trend towards regulatory scrutiny [32]. Group 4: Ongoing Legal Challenges - Apple is involved in ongoing litigation with Epic Games, which has challenged the company's payment practices and commission rates [27][29]. - A recent ruling allowed Apple to charge a "reasonable" commission based on actual costs, rather than the previously high rates, indicating a shift in the legal landscape [28]. - The U.S. Department of Justice is also pursuing antitrust litigation against Apple, which could further impact its business model and market practices [30][31].