UK Launches Antitrust Probe Into Apple and Google’s Mobile Ecosystems

The investigation will assess whether the tech giants' dominance in operating systems, app stores, and browsers stifles competition and innovation.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated a nine-month investigation into Apple and Google to determine if they hold 'strategic market status' (SMS) in mobile ecosystems.
The probe will examine the companies' operating systems, app stores, and browsers, focusing on potential anti-competitive practices and barriers to market entry for rivals.
Specific concerns include whether Apple and Google unfairly favor their own apps and services, impose restrictive terms on developers, or limit user choice through pre-installed software.
If SMS designation is confirmed, the CMA could impose conduct requirements, such as opening access to third-party apps and payment systems outside of their app stores.
This investigation follows the CMA's recent probe into Google Search's market dominance and is part of broader efforts under the UK's new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.