The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated a detailed investigation into the dominance of Apple and Google within mobile ecosystems. This probe focuses on their operating systems, app stores, and browsers, all of which significantly influence user and business interactions with mobile technology.
Apple and Google’s Market Power
Nearly all mobile devices sold in the UK rely on either Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android operating systems. Both tech giants hold leading or exclusive positions in their respective app stores and browsers, prompting the CMA to examine their strategic market status. If Apple and Google are found to possess such status, the CMA could enforce conduct requirements or propose pro-competition measures to benefit UK consumers and businesses.
Investigation Scope
The CMA’s investigation aims to:
- Assess competition levels within and between Apple’s and Google’s ecosystems.
- Identify potential misuse of market power.
- Evaluate whether their practices are exploitative or restrictive to competition.
CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell emphasized the importance of fostering competitive mobile ecosystems. She stated: “More competitive mobile ecosystems could drive innovation and create opportunities for businesses offering app stores, browsers, and operating systems. Enhanced competition could also stimulate economic growth in the UK by enabling businesses to provide innovative products and services on Apple’s and Google’s platforms.”
Key Areas of Focus
The investigation will scrutinize whether Apple and Google:
- Prioritize their own services over competitors.
- Impose unfair terms on app developers.
- Limit user choice by restricting access to alternative services.
Potential Remedies
To address these concerns, the CMA may consider measures such as:
- Allowing app downloads outside of Apple’s and Google’s app stores.
- Supporting alternative payment systems.
- Enabling third-party apps to access essential device functionalities.
Stakeholder Engagement and Timeline
The CMA plans to gather evidence from stakeholders, including device manufacturers, software developers, user groups, and the companies under investigation. A final decision is anticipated by October 31, 2025.
Additional Developments
In January 2025, the CMA also launched an investigation into Google’s search services under the UK Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act.
Simultaneously, Google is advancing its Android XR platform through a partnership with HTC. As part of this agreement, Google has onboarded key HTC VIVE engineering team members to accelerate the development of its extended reality (XR) technologies.
A Google spokesperson noted: “They are an incredibly strong technical team with a proven track record in the VR space, and we are looking forward to working with them.”
Conclusion
The CMA’s investigation into Apple and Google marks a critical step toward ensuring fair competition in the mobile ecosystem. By addressing these concerns, the UK aims to create a more innovative, competitive, and consumer-friendly digital landscape.
