Apple Korea reportedly offers $84M to small businesses amid antitrust concerns
It's been under investigation by the Korea Fair Trade Commission, according to Reuters.
Apple's South Korean branch has offered 100 billion won ($84.02 million) to support small businesses, in an effort to alleviate antitrust concerns, as previously reported by Reuters. The Korea Fair Trade Commission has been investigating allegations that Apple has been making carriers pay for advertising iPhones mobile devices and provide free repair services.
The company has apparently agreed to address those "unfair" terms with carriers too.
"We are looking forward to deepening our relationships in Korea by enhancing support for education, small businesses and facilitating future generations with new skill sets," Apple said in a statement sent to South Korean news agency Yonhap.
It comes weeks after Apple CEO Tim Cook defended the company's policies in a US congressional hearing. The European Competition Commission opened an antitrust probe into the App Store in June, following music streaming service Spotify's complaint about the fees Apple charges companies when people make in-app purchases.
Earlier this month, Russia's competition watchdog found that Apple abused its power over iOS apps because iPhone and iPad owners must install them from Apple's App Store.
The Korea Fair Trade Commission didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Apple declined to confirm the offer.