Archive · 24 Jul 2025
UK Targets Apple and Google: App Store Control Under Scrutiny
The UK government is stepping in to change how Apple and Google run their app stores.
They want to make it easier for app developers to offer different payment options, which could mean lower prices for users and more money for the developers.
The government is also concerned about Apple possibly using confidential information to favor its own apps.
These changes aim to boost competition and give users more choices, like using different web browsers and digital wallets.
Apple is against these changes, believing they might harm user privacy.
The government aims to finalize decisions by October.
UK's CMA plans strict actions against Apple and Google to reduce their mobile platform dominance.
The CMA wants to force changes in app store management, potentially impacting payment systems and review processes.
Proposed changes include allowing alternative payment options, browser engines, and digital wallets.
Apple and Google control nearly all mobile devices in the UK, with the app economy supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Apple opposes the rules, citing concerns about user privacy and innovation.
- Who
- The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Apple, Google and app developers.
- What
- The CMA plans actions to reduce Apple and Google's dominance in the UK mobile market.
- When
- App store changes are expected later this year, with more complex reforms potentially starting in 2026.
- Where
- United Kingdom.
- Why
- To boost competition, improve user experience, and give developers more freedom.
CMA's Perspective
Apple's Perspective
Impact on Competition
CMA's Perspective
The proposed changes will boost competition.
Apple's Perspective
Apple believes the changes will hurt user privacy, reduce innovation and force Apple to give its technology to foreign rivals for free.
Developer Freedom
CMA's Perspective
Developers will have more freedom.
Apple's Perspective
Apple opposes the proposed rules, citing concerns about user privacy and innovation.
- Regulatory Body
- UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
- Companies Targeted
- Apple and Google
- Proposed Actions
- Changes to app stores, payment systems, and review processes
- Mobile Device Control
- 90-100% in the UK
- App Economy Impact
- Supports around 400,000 jobs, 1.5% of UK's GDP
- Timeline
- Final decision by October, app store changes later this year.