Britain has launched an investigation into Apple and Google’s smartphone operating systems, app stores and browsers, its second use of recently bulked-up regulatory powers to scrutinise big tech companies.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it would assess whether Apple and Google had “strategic market status” in smartphone ecosystems, and the impact they had on users and on businesses developing content and services such as apps.
Specifically, the issues the CMA will investigate include; how competition is working across Apple’s and Google’s mobile ecosystems; possible leveraging of Apple’s and Google’s market power into other activities, and whether the two require app developers to sign up to unfair terms and conditions as a condition of using their stores.
CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said 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,” she said.
An investigation decision is expected by October 2025.