UK competition watchdog investigates Apple’s App Store

LONDON (AP) — The U.K. competition watchdog has launched an investigation into Apple’s App Store over concerns it has a dominant role that stifles competition and hurts consumers. The announcement Thursday adds to the regulatory scrutiny for the iPhone maker’s app distribution platform, which is also the subject of three antitrust probes by the European Union. The investigation was triggered in part by complaints from app developers that Apple will only let them distribute their apps through the App Store. The developers also complained that Apple requires any purchases of apps, add-ons or upgrades to be made through its Apple Pay system, which charges up to 30% commission. Apple said it looked forward to explaining its guidelines to U.K. authorities.