Britain’s competition watchdog has unveiled bold new proposals that could compel Apple to make sweeping changes to how it operates its App Store, Safari browser, and the broader iOS ecosystem within the UK. Reports Technology News
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) released a detailed framework of possible interventions as it moves to classify both Apple and Google as having “strategic market status” under the UK’s new digital competition laws. This designation would grant the CMA far-reaching powers to enforce binding rules on how the tech giants manage their mobile ecosystems.
Among the CMA’s top priorities is enabling app developers to “steer” users away from Apple’s App Store to complete purchases through external platforms—threatening Apple’s highly profitable 30% commission model. The regulator also aims to improve transparency and fairness in the app review process and stop Apple from using commercially sensitive data collected during reviews to benefit its own competing services.
In the longer term, the CMA’s proposals go even further. It wants to break Apple’s exclusive control over iOS by requiring support for alternative browser engines beyond WebKit and enhancing interoperability across digital wallets and connected devices like smartwatches.
“Apple and Google’s mobile platforms amount to an effective duopoly,” said CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell, pointing out that between 90% and 100% of UK smartphones run on these two systems. The UK app economy, she noted, contributes around 1.5% of GDP and supports approximately 400,000 jobs.
If implemented successfully, the CMA’s measures could open the door to more innovative digital wallets beyond Apple Pay, give rise to more powerful third-party browsers, and potentially drive down app prices as developers gain greater freedom in how they offer their services.
