Ryan FowlerThe UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched investigations into Apple and Google to examine their influence over mobile operating systems, app stores, and browsers. The inquiries will determine whether the companies have strategic market status (SMS) and whether their practices hinder competition, innovation, and consumer choice.
Mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, are central to everyday life for 94% of UK adults, who spend an average of three hours daily using their devices. Businesses also heavily depend on mobile ecosystems, with 15,000 app developers in the UK contributing to a sector worth £28bn annually. The CMA’s investigations will assess whether Apple and Google’s dominant positions restrict opportunities for businesses or create barriers for rival services and applications.
The investigations will examine several areas, including whether Apple and Google use their control over operating systems, app distribution, or browsers to favour their own products or restrict competition. This includes pre-installed apps and services on iOS and Android devices. It will also assess whether app developers face unfair terms and conditions when distributing their apps on Apple and Google’s platforms. The CMA will consider whether users face restricted options, making it difficult to choose alternative apps or services.
Potential remedies could include opening up access to essential functionalities for third-party apps or enabling consumers to download and pay for apps outside of Apple and Google’s proprietary app stores. The CMA’s investigations aim to ensure fair treatment for businesses and consumers while fostering innovation and growth in the mobile ecosystem.
Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: “The operating systems, apps and browsers installed on our phones and tablet devices act as our gateway into the digital world – whether that is communicating with our friends and loved ones, buying from businesses or accessing creative content.
“More competitive mobile ecosystems could foster new innovations and new opportunities across a range of services that millions of people use, be they app stores, browsers or operating systems. Better competition could also boost growth here in the UK, with businesses able to offer new and innovative types of products and services on Apple’s and Google’s platforms.”
The CMA will engage with stakeholders, including device manufacturers, app developers, and user groups, to gather evidence from Apple and Google before reaching a decision by October 2025. The findings may lead to the imposition of conduct requirements or other interventions aimed at ensuring fair competition and better outcomes for consumers and businesses.
