The CNMC regulator began the inquiry in July 2024 into possible anti-competitive behaviour by the US tech giant for allegedly imposing "unfair commercial terms" on developers of mobile applications sold through its app marketplace.

The CNMC said it had expanded its probe to see "whether Apple may have established a pricing schedule that developers are required to follow in order to distribute their apps in its stores".

"This would constitute a restrictive practice of competition among businesses," it added in a statement.

Apple said it would continue to work with the antitrust watchdog "to ensure our concerns are fully understood".

"We designed the App Store to be a safe and trusted experience for users and a great business opportunity for developers in Spain and around the world," it added.

Apple's success is built on a closed ecosystem focused on iPhones and iPads, where it controls all aspects of its platform on the grounds this boosts security and user experience.

This approach, however, clashes with European competition regulations.

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