In a bid to adhere to Japan's 'Act on Promotion of Competition for Specific Smartphone Software,' Apple has given the green light to third-party app stores and external payment channels in Japan. This move makes Japan the inaugural Asian nation to shatter Apple's dual monopoly on the App Store. Among Apple's four largest global markets, China stands alone as the only one still ensnared by Apple's dual monopoly on app payment and distribution. China's 'Apple Tax' commission rates soar among the highest worldwide, driving up developers' operational expenses.

The global debate over the 'Apple Tax' rages on, with the EU and the U.S. having already rolled out restrictive measures. In China, despite a wave of consumer grievances and lawsuits, no mandatory regulatory overhauls have been instituted as of yet. Apple's fiscal fourth quarter 2025 earnings report revealed a year-over-year revenue uptick on a global scale, except in Greater China, where revenue took a hit. Cook attributed this primarily to supply bottlenecks, noting that subsidy policies have sparked some demand. Moreover, Apple is locked in a fierce battle with domestic smartphone brands in China and is vigorously pushing for Apple Intelligence's entry into the Chinese market.