...
By Thomas Westerholm
Life & Trends Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Apple and Google have agreed to sweeping changes to their app store practices in the United Kingdom after the country’s competition regulator secured formal commitments aimed at improving transparency and fairness for developers.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced Tuesday that it had, “secured commitments from Apple and Google to improve fairness in app store processes and enhance iOS interoperability."
The agreements follow the CMA’s decision last year to designate both companies’ mobile platforms as having, “strategic market status.”
Read More on Life
...
Why It Matters
Apple’s App Store and Google Play dominate the mobile ecosystem.
In October, the CMA found the companies held an “effective duopoly” in the UK, with “around 90-to-100 percent of UK mobile devices running on Apple or Google’s mobile platform,” according to the regulator’s statement.
The CMA said the app economy in the UK, “generates an estimated 1.5 percent of the UK’s GDP and supports around 400,000 jobs.”
Regulators argue that ensuring fair access to app distribution and platform features is necessary for competition, innovation and consumer choice.
The U.S. has pursued antitrust litigation against both firms, but the UK approach of securing commitments could provide a model for American regulators.
What to Know
Under the commitments, Apple and Google agreed to ensure that app reviews are conducted in a, “fair, objective and transparent way,” and that they do not, “discriminate against apps which compete with their own, or give preferential treatment to their own apps."
The companies also pledged not to misuse data gathered during app review processes to benefit their own services.
Apple further committed to enabling developers to request interoperable access to certain iOS and iPadOS features more easily, potentially opening capabilities such as near-field communication and other system-level tools.
In an email to Newsweek, an Apple spokesperson said: "Apple faces fierce competition in every market where we operate, and we work tirelessly to create the best products, services and user experience.
"The commitments announced today allow Apple to continue advancing important privacy and security innovations for users and great opportunities for developers. We appreciate the positive and ongoing dialogue with UK officials.”
Google said it “welcome[s] the opportunity to resolve the CMA’s concerns collaboratively,” according to Computerworld.
What’s Next
The CMA is seeking public feedback on the proposed commitments until March 3, with the changes expected to take effect April 1, 2026.
The regulator indicated it will continue work on additional measures, including digital wallets and browser-related issues. If Apple or Google fail to comply, the CMA has the authority to impose formal conduct requirements.
The U.S. Department of Justice has ongoing cases against both companies.
Newsweek has reached out to Apple and Google for comment via email.
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines