UK Begins Market Investigation into Apple and Google's Mobile Dominance

After saying it was considering a high-level probe, the UK's competition watchdog has begun its investigation into the market dominance of Apple and Google.

A full investigation into how Apple and Google dominate the market and how Apple restricts cloud gaming through its App Store was supported by the responses to the June consultation.

A majority of respondents supported taking a closer look at Apple and Google. Browser vendors, web developers, and cloud gaming service providers said the tech giants' mobile ecosystems are hurting their businesses.

The feedback supports the findings of a yearlong study into Apple and Google's mobile ecosystems, which the regulatory body called an "effective duopoly" that allows the companies to "exercise a stranglehold over these markets." The majority of all mobile web browsing in the UK in 2021, happened on browsers powered by either Apple's or Google's, so any restrictions can have a major impact on users' experiences.

"Many UK businesses and web developers tell us they feel that they are being held back by restrictions set by Apple and Google," said Sarah Cardell, interim chief executive of the CMA, in a statement.

"We plan to investigate whether the concerns we have heard are justified and, if so, identify steps to improve competition and innovation in these sectors."

As part of the market investigation, which is required to end within 18 months, theCMA can request extensive information from Apple to draw conclusions and implement legally binding remedies, which could include orders that require Apple to make material changes to its practices

Apple will continue to engage with the Competition and Markets Authority to explain how our approach promotes competition and choice while ensuring consumers' privacy and security are always protected.

The UK government is giving the Digital Markets Unit statutory powers to penalize companies that do not meet its rules, as the Competition and Markets Authority continues to examine Apple's App Store terms and conditions. The Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Bill will be presented by the British government.

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