The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has “provisionally concluded” that Apple’s restrictive mobile browser policy is restricting innovation. The governing body’s board after an independent survey team shared its findings on browser competition on iOS and Android plans An in-depth assessment of how Apple and Google restrict third-party browsers on their platforms. However, Apple – with its more closed ecosystem – appears to have borne the brunt of the CMA’s concerns.
The CMA’s investigation is based on an original premise owned by Apple and Google effective duopoly on mobile platforms, allowing them to dictate how mobile browsers work. The board says third-party browser developers have complained that they are limited by regulations such as Apple’s requirement to use the company’s WebKit browser engine.
“The panel has provisionally determined that Apple’s rules limit the ability of other competitors to introduce new, innovative features that could benefit consumers,” the CMA said. “Other browser providers have expressed concern that they cannot offer the full range of browser features, such as faster web page loading on the iPhone.”
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Law (DMCC). passed earlier this yearIt will give the UK body additional ammunition to take its next steps. UK equivalent EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) may designate large technology companies as having “Strategic Market Status” with “significant and robust market power” and a “strategically important position.”
Like the EU’s version, the law gives Britain some teeth to negotiate and at least force concessions from Big Tech behemoths, which in the US are often seen as untouchable: the DMCC will give the UK board the power to fine companies that break the law up to 10 percent. their global income.
CMAs summary Apple’s hearings reveal that the iPhone maker claims it restricts browser engines to “ensure users get the best security, privacy and performance on their iOS devices.” a familiar argument To those who have followed Apple’s previous competitive tests. Apple has argued that there is healthy competition due to the availability of third-party browsers with features such as ad blocking, VPN and AI. The company also said it regularly takes developer feedback into account and has heard no complaints about the current browser rules.
In contrast, the CMA said they emphasize features that other browser providers cannot implement on iOS, such as faster web page loading. “Many smaller UK app developers have also told us they want to use progressive web apps – an alternative way for businesses to deliver apps to mobile users without having to download apps via an app store – but the technology isn’t fully exploited on iOS devices,” he said. – the board wrote.
The CMA also said that making browser choices available to users allows Apple and Google to “manipulate those choices to make their browsers the most obvious or easiest choice.” In addition, he pointed to a revenue-sharing agreement between the two companies that “significantly reduces their financial incentive to compete in mobile browsers on iOS.”
The board’s next step is a public comment period on the findings, which ends on December 13. Following the investigation, the CMA expects to make its final decision in March 2025.
