Ottawa, December 18, 2025 — A Canadian public-interest group has asked the Competition Tribunal to grant leave to bring a case against Apple over the operation of its App Store in Canada, relying on the newly expanded public-interest test under the Competition Act.
The Samuelson-Glushko Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC) has applied for leave under section 103.1 of the Act to pursue claims against Apple Canada Inc. and Apple Inc. The application seeks permission to bring proceedings under sections 77 and 79, alleging exclusive dealing, tied selling, and abuse of dominance linked to Apple’s App Store and in-app payment rules.
Public-Interest Leave Test
The application relies on amendments to the Competition Act that came into force in 2025, allowing the Tribunal to grant leave where it is satisfied that doing so is in the public interest, even if the applicant is not directly affected commercially.
CIPPIC says the case raises systemic issues affecting Canadian developers, consumers, and the adaptability of the digital economy. The clinic points to similar findings by competition authorities and courts in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, where Apple’s App Store rules have been found to raise serious concerns or breach competition law.
App Store Practices at Issue
According to the application, Apple requires all iOS apps in Canada to be distributed exclusively through the App Store and mandates the use of Apple’s in-app payment system for digital purchases. Developers are also barred from directing users to alternative payment options, while Apple charges commissions of up to 30 percent on app sales and in-app purchases.
CIPPIC argues that these practices eliminate competition in two markets: iOS app distribution and in-app payment services. The group alleges that Apple’s conduct forecloses rival app stores and payment processors, results in excessive commissions, and limits choice for both developers and consumers.
Remedies Sought
If leave is granted and the case proceeds, CIPPIC says it will seek orders prohibiting Apple from enforcing exclusive App Store distribution, mandatory in-app payment use and anti-steering rules in Canada. The application also seeks monetary relief equal to the benefit allegedly derived from the conduct, to be distributed among affected parties.
The Tribunal has not yet ruled on the leave request. Under the Act, Apple will have the opportunity to make submissions before the Tribunal decides whether the public-interest threshold has been met.
Source: https://decisions.ct-tc.gc.ca/ct-tc/cdo/en/item/521633/index.do#page-6
