The New York Post reports that the European Commission has aligned with the US Federal Trade Commission to investigate the way in which Apple treats mobile software developers. In June 2010 it was reported that the FTC has begun an investigation into whether Apple’s business practices affect the mobile software industry, through its restrictions on the tools which can be used to create applications for devices using the company’s iOS platform. Apple has also prevented Adobe from offering a version of its Flash technology for iOS, which would enable developers to create products that run on the iPhone and iPad without the need to become part of Apple’s App Store ecosystem.

According to the newspaper, the investigation could last for another four-to-six months, and follows the EU’s adoption of a Digital Agenda aimed at encouraging the interoperability of technology. The involvement of the EU in the probe has not officially been confirmed by either of the bodies, however. In addition to probes into its activities in the mobile app space, Apple has also been criticised for its practices related to mobile advertising, and its control of the digital music market.