Core Viewpoint - The intense competition in the food delivery market has prompted regulatory scrutiny, with major platforms like JD, Meituan, and Ele.me being urged to ensure fair competition and compliance with relevant laws [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Actions - The State Administration for Market Regulation has conducted discussions with major food delivery platforms to ensure compliance with the E-commerce Law, Anti-Unfair Competition Law, and Food Safety Law, indicating potential consumer complaints regarding false advertising or unreasonable conditions imposed on merchants [1][2]. - In 2018, similar regulatory actions were taken against these platforms for unfair competition practices, including forcing merchants into exclusive agreements and extreme marketing tactics [1][2]. Group 2: Subsidy Dynamics - The current subsidy war involves significant financial commitments from platforms, with JD pledging 100 billion yuan, Alibaba potentially allocating up to 20 billion yuan for Ele.me, and Meituan planning to invest 100 billion yuan over three years to stimulate demand [3][4]. - Merchants often share the burden of promotional costs, with some platforms requiring them to lower prices or participate in promotional activities, which can lead to operational challenges for the merchants [4][5]. Group 3: Consumer and Merchant Impact - The aggressive promotional strategies have raised concerns about potential impacts on food safety and service quality, as platforms may pressure restaurants to reduce costs, potentially compromising delivery standards [6][8]. - Instances of delivery system failures have been reported, leading to order cancellations and financial losses for merchants, highlighting the operational risks associated with high-volume promotional activities [8][10]. Group 4: Market Competition and Practices - The controversial "choose one" practice, where platforms allegedly force merchants to choose between them, has been a point of contention, with past legal rulings against such practices [9][10]. - Despite the competitive landscape, many merchants are now operating across multiple platforms, indicating a shift in market dynamics where exclusivity is less valued [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a recent ruling by a U.S. federal judge that Apple must comply with a court order to open its App Store to external payment methods, which is expected to enhance market competition and provide developers with more options [2][4][5]. Group 1: Legal Ruling and Implications - The court found that Apple's 30% commission on App Store sales is excessively high and anti-competitive, leading to a requirement for Apple to allow external payment options [4][5]. - Apple has been accused of creating new barriers to prevent developers from communicating with other companies and guiding consumers towards alternative payment methods [4][5]. - The ruling allows developers to direct users to external payment channels, potentially reducing Apple's revenue from in-app purchases [5][6]. Group 2: Developer Reactions and Market Dynamics - Developers are expected to take advantage of the ruling, with some already launching apps that bypass Apple's commission [5][6]. - Epic Games announced it would eliminate fees for the first $1 million in revenue for developers using its platform, highlighting a shift in the competitive landscape [8][12]. - The article notes that the opening of external payment options could lead to a restructuring of the app market, with developers and third-party platforms gaining more negotiating power [12][13]. Group 3: Global Context and Future Outlook - The ruling is part of a broader trend of increasing regulatory scrutiny on major tech companies, with similar actions being taken in Europe, including a €500 million fine against Apple [12][13]. - The article suggests that the competitive dynamics between developers and platform owners like Apple and Google may shift significantly, leading to lower commission rates and more favorable terms for developers [13]. - The potential for a new balance of power in the digital marketplace is emphasized, as developers seek to attract users to alternative payment methods while ensuring service quality [10][12].