Privacy company Proton joins opposition to Apple’s App Store policies

Proton AG, an innovative privacy-focused technology company based in Geneva, Switzerland, made headlines on June 30, 2025, by taking legal action against tech giant Apple. In a bold move, Proton filed a class-action lawsuit in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, challenging Apple’s monopolistic grip on app distribution and payment processing markets. The lawsuit argues that Apple has deliberately cornered the market with exclusionary tactics that stifle competition and unfairly benefit the company at the expense of developers and consumers.

Proton, renowned for its commitment to user privacy and secure technology solutions, boasts a global user base of over 100 million accounts spanning across 180+ countries. Offering a range of privacy-centric tools as alternatives to Apple’s ecosystem, Proton has positioned itself as a major player in the tech industry. Its products such as Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass directly compete with Apple’s offerings, providing users with choices beyond the conventional options available in the market.

The crux of Proton’s lawsuit centers on the exorbitant commission rates charged by Apple, reaching up to a staggering 30% on all transactions processed through iOS apps. Proton, like many other developers, found itself at the mercy of Apple’s commission structure, resulting in inflated costs and financial burdens on developers. The legal action represents a collective effort on behalf of developers who have been economically impacted by Apple’s monopolistic practices, seeking redress for the damages inflicted by unjust commission rates.

Apple’s restrictive measures to block competition are highlighted in the lawsuit, illustrating the lengths to which the tech giant has gone to maintain its dominance. From technological hurdles embedded in the iOS operating system to contractual obligations that forbid developers from exploring alternative distribution avenues, Apple has systematically strangled rival app stores and thwarted innovation that challenges its market supremacy. By stifling the development of ‘super apps’ and cloud gaming services that could diversify the ecosystem, Apple has effectively cemented its control over the digital landscape.

The lawsuit delves into the intricacies of Apple’s strategy, pointing out how the company has exploited its position in the smartphone market to establish monopolies in app distribution and payment processing. By exerting control over aftermarkets and limiting consumer choice, Apple has reaped enormous profits, solidifying its grip over the digital economy. Proton’s legal challenge aims to dismantle these monopolistic structures, paving the way for fair competition and innovative solutions that benefit both developers and consumers alike.

Moreover, the lawsuit sheds light on Apple’s iron-fisted control over payment processing within iOS applications. By compelling developers to exclusively use Apple’s own payment processing service, Apple further consolidates its monopoly in the digital realm. Though Apple has made slight policy adjustments in recent times, the core issue of monopolistic practices remains unresolved, prompting Proton and other developers to seek legal recourse to level the playing field.

In conclusion, Proton’s decision to challenge Apple’s monopolistic practices signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle for digital freedom and fair competition. As the tech industry grapples with issues of monopoly power and exclusionary conduct, Proton’s lawsuit stands as a testament to the resilience of developers striving for a more equitable and diverse digital landscape. The outcome of this legal battle could shape the future of app distribution and payment processing, setting a precedent for transparency, innovation, and consumer choice in the tech industry.