The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is preparing to launch a detailed investigation into tech giants Apple and Google, focusing on concerns over their dominance in smartphone browsers and mobile ecosystems, according to Reuters. This inquiry marks a significant step in the regulator’s ongoing scrutiny of the two companies’ influence in the digital marketplace.
The CMA’s upcoming probe will examine whether Apple and Google’s control over mobile browsers is stifling innovation. This inquiry follows the regulator’s announcement in November that it planned to assess the firms’ impact on competition. According to Reuters, the investigation will unfold over several phases, with each phase expected to be completed within a nine-month statutory period.
Per Reuters, the CMA will address three distinct areas of concern throughout its investigation, with the first phase set to begin this month. If the regulator finds evidence of an anti-competitive duopoly, it could lead to significant changes similar to those implemented under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Read more: Apple Seeks Role in Google’s US Antitrust Trial
The EU’s regulatory framework has already prompted Apple to introduce changes within its ecosystem. For example, the company has allowed third-party app stores and alternative payment systems on its devices in response to EU rules. Users can now select their default apps, including browsers, which marks a shift from Apple’s historically closed system.
The CMA aims to create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation and keeps prices competitive, while still maintaining the UK’s appeal as a tech-friendly market. However, Apple’s rollout of certain features has faced delays in Europe due to compliance with the DMA. Notably, Apple’s iOS 18.4 update, which includes Apple Intelligence, is slated for release in April in European markets, according to Reuters.
Another feature impacted by regulatory delays is iPhone Mirroring. While this functionality was introduced globally with macOS Sequoia, European users experienced a delay until macOS 15.1 was launched, suggesting that Apple’s compliance efforts are causing staggered rollouts in specific regions.
Source: Reuters
Featured News
New UK Legislation to Combat Ticket Resale and Algorithmic Price-Fixing
Jan 12, 2025 by
CPI
Supreme Court Justices Grill TikTok’s Lawyer in National Security Case
Jan 12, 2025 by
CPI
FTC, DOJ Weigh Antitrust Issues in Musk’s OpenAI Case
Jan 12, 2025 by
CPI
UK Trial Begins as Apple Defends App Store Fees in £1.5 Billion Case
Jan 12, 2025 by
CPI
Italy to Retain Full Control of Data in Potential Deal with Musk’s Starlink
Jan 12, 2025 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – CRESSE Insights
Dec 19, 2024 by
CPI
Effective Interoperability in Mobile Ecosystems: EU Competition Law Versus Regulation
Dec 19, 2024 by
Giuseppe Colangelo
The Use of Empirical Evidence in Antitrust: Trends, Challenges, and a Path Forward
Dec 19, 2024 by
Eliana Garces
Some Empirical Evidence on the Role of Presumptions and Evidentiary Standards on Antitrust (Under)Enforcement: Is the EC’s New Communication on Art.102 in the Right Direction?
Dec 19, 2024 by
Yannis Katsoulacos
The EC’s Draft Guidelines on the Application of Article 102 TFEU: An Economic Perspective
Dec 19, 2024 by
Benoit Durand