UK regulatory body scrutinizes mobile powerhouses Apple and Google, potentially imposing substantial penalties over their market dominance
**UK Regulator Proposes Measures to Increase Competition in Apple and Google's Mobile Ecosystem**
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed new measures to designate Apple and Google as having "strategic market status" in the UK's mobile ecosystem. This move empowers the regulator to impose Conduct Requirements on the tech giants, aiming to increase competition and user choice in the app economy.
The CMA's proposals focus on several key areas: fairer app review and ranking systems, potential reductions in app store commissions, improvements in interoperability, addressing default settings and access, and clear roadmaps for each company. However, the current proposal stops short of mandating competing app stores or third-party payment systems on their devices.
The CMA is calling for more transparent, predictable, and fair processes for app reviews and app store rankings, giving British developers greater certainty about how their apps are evaluated. The regulator is also considering interventions to address high commission rates on in-app purchases, which can reach up to 30%.
Apple may be required to enhance interoperability, making it easier for third-party services and devices to integrate with its ecosystem. The CMA may tackle default settings and restrictions on developer access to certain technologies that could limit competition.
The CMA has published separate roadmaps for Apple and Google, detailing potential measures tailored to each company’s practices. The final regulations will be shaped by ongoing consultations and are expected to be decided by October 2025.
Both tech companies have responded to the CMA's announcement with concerns and statements about their roles and impacts. Apple has argued that such changes could compromise user security and privacy, while Google called the proposed measures "disappointing and unwarranted," asserting that Android already protects developer interests.
Some stakeholders, such as Epic Games, have expressed disappointment that the CMA’s proposal does not go as far as mandating competing app stores. However, the CMA has deferred requiring Apple to allow third-party app stores or alternative in-app payment methods until at least 2026.
The restrictions on digital wallets used by Apple and Google are aimed at allowing rival fintech firms to fully compete. The CMA aims to ensure fair conditions for app developers, businesses, and consumers, and the intervention is necessary to prevent the UK from falling behind as competition agencies and courts globally take action.
- Technology companies Apple and Google, facing scrutiny from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), may be required to make improvements in interoperability, such as allowing easier integration of third-party services and devices within their respective ecosystems.
- The CMA's proposed measures for Apple and Google in the mobile ecosystem aim to increase transparency and fairness in app review and ranking systems, which are critical aspects of technology that shape the app economy.
