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28 August, 2025
Colombia’s Competition Authority Opens Investigation into Apple’s App Store Practices
Colombia’s Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) shared a press release indicating a formal investigation into Apple for alleged abuse of dominance in the digital applications market. This moves Colombia closer to the regulatory scrutiny of Apple’s App Store rules and could reshape the conditions for app developers and digital service providers operating in the country.
Regulatory focus: the preliminary review
The competition authority, through Resolution No. 60099 of 19 August 2025, found warnings that Apple may have engaged in anti-competitive practices, including:
- Restricting alternative app stores: Apple allegedly imposed contractual clauses preventing developers from creating or operating app marketplaces outside of the App Store.
- Mandating exclusive payment mechanisms: Apple requires the use of its In-App Purchase system for digital services and subscriptions, charging commissions of 15% to 30% and prohibiting developers from informing users about external payment options.
According to the watchdog, these practices could potentially create artificial barriers to entry for new developers, create unjustified cost increases for services, limit consumer choice, and degrade user experience.
Why the Apple investigation matters
The next stage of the administrative process involves a series of steps that give Apple the opportunity to reject the claim and present enough evidence to prevent any sanctions. The timeline remains unclear, but there are immediate implications for stakeholders in the country:
- For Developers: The investigation could change or end App Store exclusivity, opening the door to alternative distribution and payment models in Colombia.
- For Consumers: Increased payment flexibility could lower prices and expand digital service offerings.
- For Policymakers: The SIC’s action places Colombia among jurisdictions actively addressing competition concerns in digital markets, echoing developments in the EU, US, and Asia.
Next steps
Authorities will now proceed with a full administrative investigation to determine whether Apple’s conduct constitutes a violation of Article 50 of Decree 2153 of 1992 (obstruction of market access). If confirmed, Apple could face market-corrective measures, fines, or mandated changes to its business practices in Colombia.
Our view
This case indicates growing interest from Colombian authorities in digital market regulation and aligns with developments and trends seen in other regions, including beyond Latin America. The outcome of the investigation remains uncertain, but companies operating in Colombia’s digital ecosystem should anticipate increased scrutiny of contractual and commercial practices that could restrict competition or limit consumer choice.
For international tech companies, now is the time to re-assess compliance strategies in Colombia and across Latin America in light of the region’s growing focus on digital competition enforcement. It is prudent to develop contingency plans for alternative business models that align with evolving regulatory frameworks and to engage proactively with regulators, highlighting contributions to local innovation and consumer welfare.
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