Core Viewpoint - Apple is compelled to open its ecosystem in Japan by allowing third-party app stores and external payment channels, marking a significant shift in its control over app distribution and payment systems, similar to the pressures faced in the EU [1][5]. Group 1: Impact of New Regulations - The new Mobile Software Competition Law in Japan requires Apple to permit developers to use third-party app stores and payment methods, which is a major loss of control for Apple since the launch of its App Store in 2008 [5]. - This regulatory change is expected to significantly affect Apple's service revenue, which has already surpassed 25% of total revenue, with projections indicating it could exceed $100 billion this year [4][5]. - The service business, with a gross margin of 75%, is crucial for Apple's profitability, and the potential loss of control over app distribution could threaten this revenue stream [4]. Group 2: Comparison with EU Regulations - Japan's regulatory approach is influenced by the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which has already forced Apple to reduce its commission rates and allow third-party payment options [6][8]. - Under the DMA, Apple has been required to lower its commission from 30% to as low as 10% for small businesses, indicating a trend towards reduced fees globally [8][9]. - The Japanese regulations are seen as a more detailed and potentially less burdensome framework compared to the EU's, with a minimum commission of 5% for third-party app stores [9]. Group 3: Legal and Competitive Challenges - Apple faces ongoing legal challenges in the U.S., including a significant lawsuit from Epic Games, which has resulted in court rulings that could further undermine Apple's commission structure [15][18]. - The U.S. Department of Justice is also pursuing antitrust litigation against Apple, which could lead to similar regulatory pressures as seen in Japan and the EU [19]. - The cumulative effect of these legal and regulatory challenges could lead to a global standard that diminishes Apple's control over its ecosystem, potentially impacting its market position and revenue [20].

Group 1 - Apple Japan announced it will open third-party app stores and external payment channels in response to Japan's new Mobile Software Competition Law, marking a significant shift in its app distribution and payment control [2][21] - This change dismantles Apple's previously strong ecosystem, which has been a key competitive advantage since the launch of the iOS ecosystem in 2008, allowing Apple to maintain a stable user base and significant market share [22][24] - Apple's service revenue has reached $79.6 billion, accounting for over 25% of total revenue, with expectations that it will exceed $100 billion this year, highlighting the importance of this segment to Apple's profitability [24] Group 2 - The new law in Japan, effective December 18, 2024, requires Apple to allow developers to use third-party app stores and payment methods, which is a significant loss of control for the company [25] - The commission structure for Apple in Japan has been adjusted, with third-party payments now incurring fees between 10% to 21%, while purchases through third-party app stores will incur a 5% core technology fee, a substantial reduction from the previous 30% standard [25][30] - The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) has set a precedent for such regulatory changes, requiring similar adjustments from Apple, including allowing sideloading and third-party payment options [27][29] Group 3 - Apple has faced significant fines from the EU, including a €5 billion penalty for violating the DMA, which restricts its ability to limit developers from informing users about alternative payment options [31][34] - The ongoing legal battles with Epic Games and the U.S. Department of Justice highlight the increasing scrutiny Apple faces regarding its App Store practices and the so-called "Apple tax" [39][40] - The global trend of regulatory scrutiny against Apple is expanding, with countries like the UK, South Korea, and others initiating investigations or legal actions against the company's app store practices [40]

Core 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].

Group 1: Fiscal Revenue and Economic Indicators - In the first 11 months of 2025, national tax revenue reached 16.48 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 1.8%, with the growth rate slightly improving by 0.1 percentage points compared to the first 10 months [2] - Major tax categories showed stable growth, with VAT and domestic consumption tax increasing by 3.9% and 2.5% respectively, while personal income tax grew by 11.5% and corporate income tax increased by 1.7% [2] - The performance of the equipment manufacturing and modern service industries was strong, with tax revenue from computer and communication equipment manufacturing up by 14.1%, and scientific research and technical services up by 14.6% [2][3] Group 2: Employment Trends - The unemployment rate for urban youth aged 16-24 fell to 16.9% in November, a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from October, marking the lowest level in five months [4] - The overall urban unemployment rate remained stable at 5.1%, indicating ongoing employment pressures, particularly among the youth demographic [4] - Recent government meetings emphasized policies to stabilize employment, particularly for key groups such as college graduates and migrant workers [4] Group 3: EU Automotive Regulations - The EU proposed to amend its 2035 ban on the sale of fuel and diesel vehicles, easing carbon emission standards from a 100% reduction to a 90% reduction, allowing more flexibility for traditional car manufacturers [6][7] - The new car registration in the EU saw a 1.4% year-on-year increase in the first ten months of 2025, with hybrid vehicles leading the market share at 34.6% [6] Group 4: Financial Sector Developments - China International Capital Corporation (CICC) announced a merger with Dongxing Securities and Xinda Securities, with the new CICC expected to exceed 1 trillion yuan in total assets and significantly expand its retail network [8][9] - The merger aligns with regulatory guidance to cultivate leading investment banks in China, addressing the high level of competition and service price pressures in the domestic brokerage industry [8] Group 5: Real Estate Financing Issues - A trend of converting business loans to housing loans has emerged as the interest rate for existing housing loans has decreased to around 3%, but this practice lacks policy support and carries significant compliance risks [10][11] - The narrowing interest rate spread between business and housing loans has exposed borrowers to increased financial risks, as the complexities of such transactions can lead to funding gaps [10] Group 6: Apple’s Market Adjustments - Apple has adjusted its iOS applications in Japan to comply with new regulations, allowing developers to distribute apps through third-party stores and integrate various payment methods, significantly reducing its commission rates [12][13] - The reduction of the so-called "Apple tax" in various regions poses challenges to Apple's profit margins, especially as it maintains a higher commission rate in China compared to other markets [12][13] Group 7: Meituan's New Business Venture - Meituan has quietly launched a "Find House" feature, primarily focusing on rental and second-hand housing, while collaborating with third-party real estate service providers for traffic distribution [14][15] - The entry into the real estate market reflects Meituan's strategy to diversify its business amid intense competition in local services, although it faces risks associated with customer satisfaction in this new domain [14][15]

12月17日，苹果在官网宣布，为遵守日本《特定智能手机软件竞争促进法》，已在日本市场对iPhone开 放第三方应用商店和外部支付渠道。 这意味着日本成为亚洲第一个打破苹果App Store应用内购买（IAP）与应用分发双重垄断的国家。此前 苹果曾应韩国相关法规要求开放第三方支付并降低费率，但没有允许第三方应用商店下载等。 截至目前，在苹果全球前四大市场（美国、欧盟、中国、日本）中，仅中国还在经受苹果的双重垄断。 此外，中国仍然是全球范围内苹果对App内交易抽成费率最高的国家之一。 苹果宣布大幅降低日本"苹果税"，开放第三方应用商店和支付 根据苹果公布的最新政策，日本地区的"苹果税"被明确划分为三种不同场景，且佣金结构明显下调。 这一变革源于2024年4月日本国会通过的《特定智能手机软件竞争促进法》。该法案效仿欧盟《数字市 场法》，授权日本公平贸易委员会对具有垄断地位的软件提供商施加一系列禁止行为与合规义务。 今年7月，日本公平贸易委员会进一步公布了执行细则，详细列举了苹果不得从事的数十项"妨碍"行 为，包括对使用第三方支付的日本开发者收取过高的佣金、施加不合理的技术限制等，以及通过恐吓性 的页面设计，导致用户 ...

Core Viewpoint - Japan has become the first country in Asia to break Apple's App Store in-app purchase (IAP) and app distribution rules, allowing developers more rights and lower commission rates compared to other markets like China [1][2]. Group 1: Changes in Japan - On December 18, Apple adjusted its iOS applications in Japan, allowing developers to distribute iOS apps through third-party app stores and use external payment methods like PayPay and LINE, with commission rates ranging from 10% to 21% [1]. - The adjustments are in response to the Japan Fair Trade Commission's (JFTC) recent guidelines under the "Mobile Software Competition Act," which aims to enhance market competition and user choice [1][2]. - The new regulations will officially take effect on December 18, 2025, with Apple implementing necessary features in iOS 26.2 to ensure compliance [1]. Group 2: Global Context - Japan's changes are part of a broader trend, with various countries pushing for adjustments to Apple's channel rules through legislation or court rulings, including the U.S., Russia, and the UK [2]. - In the U.S., developers can add external transaction links without paying Apple any commission, while the UK has set a reasonable commission range of 10% to 17.5% [2]. - Japan is Apple's fourth-largest revenue market, and the government has been pressuring Apple to open external payment options and third-party app stores [2]. Group 3: Implications for Consumers and Developers - The opening of sideloading in iOS provides consumers with more download options and potentially lower prices for in-app purchases, similar to Android [3]. - Developers benefit from reduced restrictions and commission fees, allowing them to retain more revenue [3]. - However, there are concerns about security risks associated with apps not reviewed by Apple when distributed on third-party platforms [3]. Group 4: Issues in China - In China, Apple maintains a 30% standard commission rate, with only small businesses receiving a reduced rate of 15% [3]. - Recent reports indicate that 55 Apple users in China have filed a complaint against Apple for abusing its market dominance, specifically targeting the "Apple tax" and its closed ecosystem [4][5]. - The complaint includes demands for investigations into Apple's practices, the opening of third-party payment channels, and a reduction in commission rates to align with lower rates in other countries [4][5].

每经记者｜王晶 每经编辑｜段炼 张益铭 12月17日，苹果在官网宣布，为遵守日本《特定智能手机软件竞争促进法》，已在日本市场对iPhone开放第三方应用商店和外部支付渠道。 这意味着日本成为亚洲第一个打破苹果App Store应用内购买（IAP）与应用分发双重垄断的国家。此前苹果曾应韩国相关法规要求开放第三方支付并降低费 率，但没有允许第三方应用商店下载等。 截至目前，在苹果全球前四大市场（美国、欧盟、中国、日本）中，仅中国还在经受苹果的双重垄断。此外，中国仍然是全球范围内苹果对App内交易抽成 费率最高的国家之一。 苹果宣布大幅降低日本"苹果税" 开放第三方应用商店和支付 根据苹果公布的最新政策，日本地区的"苹果税"被明确划分为三种不同场景，且佣金结构明显下调。 应用内第三方支付：开发者可在iOS App内集成PayPay、LINE等第三方支付工具，苹果对此类交易收取10%至21%的佣金。 应用外第三方支付（外链）：开发者可在App内设置按钮、链接等功能，引导用户跳出iOS App，前往网站等外部渠道购买数字商品及服务，苹果对此收取 10%至15%的佣金。 第三方应用商店/侧载类App购买：通过第三方应用商 ...

12月18日，苹果官网最新发布的开发者更新显示，为了遵守日本《特定智能手机软件竞争促进法》，苹果正式调整了日本地区的App Store政策。 作者 | 黄昱 编辑 | 王小娟 苹果被迫推倒了其在亚洲建立已久的"高墙"一角。 浙江垦丁律师事务所创始合伙人、苹果税中国反垄断第一案（消费者金鑫诉苹果）代理人王琼飞曾指出，2024年苹果从中国（含港澳台）征缴了约500亿元 的苹果税，甚至通过单方面修改《APP审核指南》等"苹果法"，将中国小程序数字商品、电商平台在售数字商品等数字生态应用纳入征税范围，试图再加征 至少100亿元。 在此背景下，苹果与腾讯、字节跳动等中国软件巨头之间一直存在"苹果税"纠纷。 这一调整堪称"历史性"的让步：日本开发者将获准在iPhone上推出替代性的第三方应用商店，且只需向苹果支付5%的佣金。此外，通过App Store发布的应 用在使用外链等第三方支付渠道时，费率也被大幅下调至10%-21%，若继续使用苹果IAP系统则需额外支付5%。 这意味着，日本正式成为亚洲第一个打破苹果App Store"应用内购买（IAP）"与"应用分发"双重垄断的国家。在此之前，苹果在欧盟也允许用户从苹果应用 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising resistance from gaming companies against the high commission fees imposed by Android app stores, referred to as "Android tax," which can reach up to 50%, significantly higher than Apple's 30% fee for in-app purchases [1][5]. Group 1: Background on Commission Fees - Apple charges a 30% commission on in-app purchases for apps on the App Store, with a reduced rate of 15% for small businesses [1]. - In contrast, Android platforms in China impose a 50% commission, which is considered the highest globally [5]. Group 2: Industry Response - NetEase has taken the lead in resisting the Android tax by removing several of its game apps from mobile manufacturers' app stores, opting instead to distribute them through short video and social media channels [3][10]. - Other major companies like Tencent and Alibaba are also following suit, indicating a broader industry shift away from traditional app store distribution to alternative channels to avoid high commission fees [5][10]. Group 3: Changes in Market Dynamics - Historically, mobile manufacturers held significant power over app distribution, forming alliances that enforced high commission rates on game developers [7]. - The rise of alternative promotional channels, such as social media and short video platforms, has provided game developers with more options, reducing their reliance on traditional app stores [9]. - This shift in distribution strategy suggests a potential restructuring of the Android gaming distribution landscape, as companies are now willing to challenge the established norms [10].

作为对比，苹果对 App Store 游戏内购（ 虚拟支付 ）的抽成在 15% 或 30% 的水平。（ 年收入小于 100 万美元的中小开发者可享受 15% 费率 ） 表面上看，这是从 30% 降到 15%的大折扣，但实际上对于开发者来说，这是 0% 升到 15% 的 " 加税 "。 因为在此之前，由于腾讯没与苹果方面谈妥，iOS 端的微信根本就不支持苹果的虚拟支付功能，苹果无 法抽成。同时，腾讯为防止激化与苹果矛盾，也未对这部分充值流水进行抽成，iOS 对小游戏开发者来 讲这是一个低费率天堂。 11 月 14 日，苹果正式推出 " 小程序合作伙伴计划 "，对符合条件的小程序内交易仅抽取 15% 佣金。 那么，从业者对这样的改动，如何看待呢？ "弊大于利"，小游戏从业者李雾对知危坦言。 在利益直接相关的从业者角度看来，新政看似是苹果税的降低，其实在传达另一层意思：苹果税必须交 了。 李雾透露，安卓系统中，小游戏中的内购可以直接拉起微信支付，iOS 虽说不能直接拉起微信支付，但 它可以让用户先跳到腾讯的客服页面，然后由开发者自动给用户下发一个支付链接。" 打开这个支付链 接，就是用微信支付。这个叫 H5 支付或 ...