The UK’s competition regulator has raised significant concerns about Apple’s policies on how mobile browsers function on iPhones.
A recent report by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed an investigation into the practices of Apple and Google within the mobile ecosystem under new digital markets rules set to take effect next year.
On November 22, the CMA published findings from an independent inquiry group, which provisionally determined that Apple and Google’s control over their browsers—Safari and Chrome—steers user preferences by making these options the most accessible. Margot Daly, chair of the CMA’s inquiry group, noted that the mobile browser market in the UK is underperforming for businesses, hindering innovation.
Daly emphasized that competition drives innovation, allowing businesses to provide better choices to consumers. However, the report highlighted Apple’s restrictive policies, which limit competitors' ability to introduce advanced features such as faster webpage loading on iPhones.
The report also revealed that many smaller UK app developers wish to adopt progressive web apps—a way to deliver apps without requiring app store downloads—but Apple’s devices have not fully supported this technology. Apple’s policy requires all competing browsers on iOS to use its WebKit engine, limiting these browsers' capabilities and preventing the introduction of enhanced features.
Additionally, the inquiry found that a revenue-sharing agreement between Apple and Google reduces their motivation to compete in the iOS mobile browser market, further consolidating their dominance.
The report urged the CMA to investigate Apple and Google’s actions under the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act, which will empower the regulator to classify companies with substantial digital market influence and apply necessary interventions.
Daly argued that the report’s findings warrant deeper scrutiny under the CMA’s new powers designed specifically for digital markets.
In response to the report, Apple expressed disagreement with its conclusions but stated its willingness to work with the CMA constructively. Apple also raised concerns that regulatory actions could compromise user privacy and security, impacting its ability to deliver innovative technology.
Apple maintained that it supports competitive markets that foster innovation and stressed its commitment to earning user trust. Google, however, did not provide a statement by the time of publication.
The CMA’s findings coincided with a November 20 lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and 38 states and territories, accusing Google of monopolistic practices in the search engine market. Among the proposed remedies is the divestiture of Google Chrome and restrictions on exclusive agreements, such as Google’s deal with Apple that makes Google Search the default option on Safari’s search bar.
Kent Walker, Google’s president of Global Affairs, criticized the DOJ’s proposal as excessive, claiming it would harm both Google’s products and America’s technological leadership. Walker described the remedies as government overreach that would disrupt services consumers rely on daily.
0 Comments