What you need to know
- Officially, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority is investigating Google and Apple’s dominance in mobile web browsers.
- Apple’s AppStore practices, which are allegedly restrictive to cloud gaming, are also under investigation.
- CMA expects to complete its market investigation in 18 months.
The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority launched a formal probe into potential market duopoly of Apple and Google using their mobile web browsers. This raises concerns about government intervention.
The launch of a competition in the UK was discussed by the UK’s competition watchdog in June. Examine the duopoly between these companies in mobile ecosystems. CMA expressed concern that Apple and Google have a stranglehold on Android and iOS, as well as app stores and mobile web browsers.
The consultation resulted in “substantial backing for a deeper investigation into how Apple and Google dominate mobile browser markets and how Apple restricts cloud gaming via its App Store,” according to the CMA. Today’s announcement(Opens in a new tab. The majority of responses came in from web developers, browser vendors and cloud gaming services providers.
The CMA reports that Apple’s restrictions have led web developers to incur additional costs for fixing bugs and glitches in web pages. Android Central requested comment from Apple but Apple has not yet responded.
Sarah Cardell (interim chief executive of CMA) stated, “Many UK companies and web developers feel that they’re being held back by Apple and Google restrictions.” “When the new Digital Markets regime is in place, it’s likely to address these sorts of issues.”
According to the CMA 97% mobile web browsing in UK occurred in 2021 on Google Chrome or Safari. Regulators worry that market restrictions could impede the development of “innovative, new apps.” Android phonesiOS devices.
According to a Google representative, Android Central offers “a wider range of apps and more app stores than any other platform.” It also allows developers to choose the browser engine that they prefer, which has been the launchpad of millions of apps.
CMA stated that Apple and Google both believe that users should be protected by placing restrictions on their websites. The search giant also reiterated its determination to build thriving platforms that empower users and enable developers to build successful businesses.
The CMA’s probe is expected to loosen the tech giants’ grip on mobile browsers, at least in the UK. The investigation is expected to be completed within 18 months.
It could take several years for regulators to implement any changes to tech titans’ operations to address the concerns of various stakeholders. The investigation is at the very minimum a start.
