Apple and Google are facing fresh scrutiny in the UK over their dominance of the mobile ecosystem, including app stores, browsers and operating systems. British regulator Competition and Markets Authority announced a dual investigation into both companies on Thursday and said it would likely require Apple and Google to open up their ecosystems if it is in the best interests of mobile users.
The CMA said it would look into three potential issues. competition between Apple and Google, which could prevent competitors from entering the market; the possibility that companies are leveraging their dominance to favor their own apps and services; Potential “exploitative practices” that could force developers to sign up to unfair terms.
In many ways, the CMA can be seen as following in the footsteps of the European Union’s competition regulator, which has already called for more openness from Apple when it comes to its mobile operating systems. In Europe, the focus has been on providing fairer terms for developers and access to alternative app stores to ensure choice for people using Apple and Android phones. This has been a tricky thing for companies to navigate because more openness can lead to more security risks. Apple in particular is well known for keeping security risks to an absolute minimum.
“A more competitive mobile ecosystem can foster new innovation and new opportunities across a variety of services used by millions of people, including app stores, browsers and operating systems,” said Sarah Cardell, CEO of CMA. said. “Better competition could also stimulate growth here in the UK as companies are able to offer new and innovative types of products and services on platforms from Apple and Google.”
Google has released a response to the investigation. blog postHe said he welcomes the opportunity to present the benefits of an open source model for the CMA. “Android has expanded choice, lowered prices, and democratized access to smartphones and apps,” said Oliver Bethell, senior director of competition at Google. “It is the only example of a successful, viable, open source mobile operating system that developers and manufacturers can use to build useful and secure apps and devices.”
Apple did not respond to a request for comment.
The CMA is using new powers to investigate digital technology companies following the introduction of new laws. Digital markets, competition and consumer lawlast year. Following the investigation, which is expected to be completed by October, companies may be asked to change the way they operate. Potential demands include requiring Apple and Google to open up access to key phone features to other app developers, or making it easier for people to use alternative app stores and pay for in-app content in a variety of ways. You can.
