Tinder’s parent company, Match Group, has raised serious concerns over Apple’s 30% commission fee on App Store transactions, saying the policy will hamper the growth of dating apps in India — one of its fastest-growing markets.
In a statement following Apple’s legal battles in the UK and other regions, Match said the high App Store fee forces developers to either raise prices or absorb losses, both of which hurt users and innovation.
“India is one of the most promising markets for digital relationships, but Apple’s restrictive App Store rules make it harder for developers to compete fairly,” said a Match Group spokesperson.
The company emphasized that India’s price-sensitive market cannot sustain high commissions, especially when users are more likely to switch platforms or avoid paid features. Match operates popular apps like Tinder, Hinge, and OkCupid, all of which rely heavily on in-app subscriptions and payments.
This statement follows Apple’s recent court loss in the UK, where the tech giant was ordered to pay $1 billion in damages for allegedly abusing its App Store dominance. The ruling has reignited global conversations about app store fairness and digital competition.
Experts say India’s digital economy boom is at risk if global tech firms continue imposing hefty platform fees. With local alternatives and payment innovations growing fast, Apple could face regulatory pushback similar to what it has seen in Europe.
For now, Match Group says it will continue to engage with regulators and hopes for a more developer-friendly ecosystem that allows fair pricing for both users and creators.
Key Highlights:
- Match Group warns Apple’s 30% App Store fee could hurt Indian market growth.
- India’s price-sensitive users may avoid paid features if fees remain high.
- Apple recently lost a major UK lawsuit over App Store practices.
- Experts predict possible regulatory action in India as well.