Turkiye: Announced Competition Authority's investigation into Apple over its app store payment systems alleged violation of Law on the Protection of Competition

On 6 June 2024, the Turkish Competition Authority (TCA) announced the opening of an investigation into Apple Inc. and Apple Technology and Sales Limited Company. The investigation is part of a broader Mobile Ecosystems Sector Review aimed at understanding the mobile smart devices and software sector's structure and potential competition issues. Specifically, the investigation will focus on Apple's contracts with application developers and the restrictions imposed on payment systems within the App Store. The (TCA) noted that concerns have been raised about Apple's practices potentially limiting consumers' access to alternative payment channels and better pricing options, as well as restricting application developers' freedom of choice by mandating the use of Apple's own payment system, which includes a 30% commission on in-app purchases. The investigation seeks to determine if these practices violate Article 6 of the Law on the Protection of Competition No. 4054.