55 iPhone and iPad users sue Apple in China: Here’s why it matters

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Apple is facing fresh trouble in China, one of its biggest markets. A group of 55 iPhone and iPad users has filed a complaint against the tech giant, accusing it of abusing its market power and breaking China’s anti-monopoly laws.

According to their lawyer, Wang Qiongfei, the users claim Apple forces them to buy digital goods only through its in-house payment system, known as In-App Purchase (IAP). This means every time users make a purchase—like buying a game upgrade or subscribing to a service—Apple takes a commission of up to 30%. They also allege that Apple unfairly limits app downloads to its own App Store, preventing other platforms from offering iOS apps.

The group argues that Apple’s tight control over app distribution in China gives it a virtual monopoly. What frustrates users even more is that Apple has already started to relax these rules in Europe and the US, where regulators have forced it to allow alternative app stores and payment systems. Chinese users say it’s unfair that they’re still locked into Apple’s ecosystem while others are getting more freedom.

This isn’t the first time such a complaint has surfaced in China. Lawyer Wang Qiongfei led a similar case in 2021, but it was dismissed by a Shanghai court last year. Still, this new filing could gain more attention, especially as governments worldwide tighten scrutiny over big tech companies’ control of digital markets.

If China’s market regulator decides to take the case seriously, Apple could be pushed to make changes in the world’s second-largest smartphone market—a move that may also influence its policies elsewhere.

In short, Chinese users are demanding the same digital freedom that iPhone owners in other regions are beginning to enjoy.