'Millions of us use apps every day to check the weather, play a game or order a takeaway,' Andrea Coscelli, the authority's CEO, said in a statement. The developers also complained that the company 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 the App Store is 'a safe and trusted place for customers' and a 'great business opportunity for developers.' The investigation was triggered in part by complaints from app developers that Apple will only let them distribute their apps to iPhone and iPad users through the App Store. The announcement adds to regulatory scrutiny of the iPhone maker's app distribution platform, which is also the subject of three antitrust probes by the European Union's executive Commission.

From a report: The Competition and Markets Authority said Thursday it was looking into 'suspected breaches of competition law' by Apple. authorities have launched an investigation into Apple's App Store over concerns it has a dominant role that stifles competition and hurts consumers.

Competition watchdog investigates store