A closing report by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) impartial inquiry group mentioned most of its issues associated to Apple’s insurance policies about accessing the web on its units utilizing its Safari browser.
Following provisional findings revealed in November, the CMA opened an investigation beneath its new powers in January.
It will determine if both or each firms have “strategic market standing” in cell ecosystems, a wider remit than the browser market checked out by the inquiry group.
The group mentioned if the businesses have been designated with SMS standing, the CMA ought to contemplate interventions similar to enhancing the flexibility of rivals to compete by providing new options.
Apple mentioned it believed in “thriving and dynamic markets the place innovation can flourish”, and its focus was at all times the belief of its customers.
“We have issues with this report and consider the treatments it discusses would undermine privateness, safety, and the general consumer expertise,” a spokesperson mentioned.
“We will proceed to have interaction constructively with the CMA to greatest handle their issues.”
Google mentioned Android’s openness had helped to “increase selection, scale back costs and democratise entry to smartphones and apps”.
“We stay dedicated to open platforms that assist builders construct profitable companies, and can work constructively with the CMA to ship a pro-innovation, evidence-based and predictable regulatory regime that permits UK development,” a spokesperson mentioned.
Apple’s Safari and Google’s Chrome browsers dominate the market, the report mentioned, with Safari accounting for 88% of browsers on Apple units and Chrome accounting for 77 % on units operating Google’s Android working system in 2024.
Margot Daly, chair of the impartial inquiry group, mentioned competitors between totally different cell browsers was not working effectively and it was holding again innovation.
“I welcome the CMA’s immediate motion to open strategic market standing investigations into each Apple and Google’s cell ecosystems,” she mentioned.
“The in depth evaluation we have set out in the present day will assist that work because it progresses.”
The CMA mentioned its SMS investigations have been anticipated to conclude later this 12 months.
© Thomson Reuters 2025
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