Apple and Google have made commitments to improve fairness and transparency in their app stores. This decision comes in response to regulatory pressure in India and increased global scrutiny over platform practices. There is a growing focus on consumer rights, competition policy, and the environment for app developers.
Under these commitments, both companies will provide clearer information to app developers and users about app store rules, fees, and ranking criteria. They will improve the disclosure of how apps are listed, promoted, and monetised on their platforms. The goal is to reduce confusion that has led developers to complain about unpredictable policy and fee changes.
Apple has also promised to make its payment and in-app purchase processes simpler. This will give developers a better understanding of chargeback rules, refund policies, and how commission rates are determined. Google will improve communication about its billing systems and provide developers with clearer guidance on compliance requirements. Officials noted that these changes should help smaller developers compete better and lessen disputes over commissions and payments.
These commitments followed discussions between the tech giants and India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Competition Commission of India (CCI). These bodies have been advocating for more transparency in digital markets. Regulators in India have raised concerns about unclear practices that can harm local developers and limit consumer choice.
As part of the agreement, both platforms will offer clearer explanations to developers when apps are removed, suspended, or demoted. They will also standardise notice periods for policy changes that affect existing developers. The aim is to ensure that companies, especially startups and early-stage ventures, are not caught off guard by sudden changes that could disrupt user acquisition or revenue.
Consumer groups and developer associations have welcomed this step as a positive move toward fairer platform governance. However, some believe that strong enforcement of the disclosure commitments is necessary to ensure real changes occur.
This agreement occurs alongside wider global trends, with regulators in Europe, the United States, and Asia looking into mobile platform practices, payment commissions, and market transparency. India’s actions reflect a growing focus on balancing competition and innovation in digital ecosystems.
By improving transparency and fairness, Apple and Google hope to build greater trust among developers and users. They also want to show their responsiveness to regulatory expectations in one of the largest digital markets in the world.
