Investigations: Apple and Google in the focus of British competition authorities
It is not only in the European Union that competition authorities are taking a closer look at Apple and Google. The UK has now also launched an investigation.
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The British competition authority CMA has launched investigations into the tech companies Apple and Google. The focus is on the dominant market position of both companies in the area of mobile ecosystems and possible distortions of competition. The investigation is based on a new law called the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, which is similar to the EU's Digital Markets Act.
Do Apple and Google favor their own services?
According to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), around 56 million Britons over the age of 16 use a smartphone, and the average daily usage time is three hours. Almost 15,000 British companies are active in app development, generating a turnover of around 28 billion pounds (around 33 billion euros).
The CMA will scrutinize several aspects. These include the question of whether Apple and Google are abusing their market power to favor their own services. The conditions for app developers are also under scrutiny. In addition to the app stores, the investigation will also focus on the operating systems and browsers on the platforms.
What companies could face
The authority could order far-reaching changes. Conceivable are requirements to open up the platforms to third-party providers, in the case of iOS in the form of alternative app stores, such as those ordered by the EU, or facilitating app downloads outside of the official stores, so-called sideloading.
According to the authority, the investigation should be completed by October 22, 2025. Interested parties have until February 12 to submit comments.
Antitrust proceedings are running in parallel
The CMA justifies its investigations by stating that, given the importance of mobile ecosystems, it is crucial for people, companies and the economy that competition functions well. Only effective competition can ensure that Apple and Google treat consumers fairly and that there is innovation.
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In parallel to the investigation , various antitrust proceedings are currently underway in the UK against major tech companies, including Apple, concerning the question of whether the shares to be paid by developers are disproportionately high.
(mki)
