Google · Apple · The Guardian Technology
UK watchdog aims to break Apple and Google’s ‘effective duopoly’ on mobile app stores
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 1 source. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
◌ Single Source
The UK’s competition watchdog is challenging Apple and Google’s “effective duopoly” over mobile platforms by allowing developers to steer users away from their app stores to make purchases.
Key facts
- The regulator has described both tech companies as operating an “effective duopoly” with at least 90% of UK mobile devices running on their platforms
- Both companies now charge a commission of up to 30% on purchases made inside apps, such as subscriptions
- The Coalition for App Fairness, whose members include Spotify and the dating company Match Group, criticised the steering fee proposal and said any charges should be justified by “transparent data
- The Competition and Markets Authority argues that consumers and app owners are being let down by Apple and Google restrictions on spending money outside their app stores
Summary
The Competition and Markets Authority argues that consumers and app owners are being let down by Apple and Google restrictions on spending money outside their app stores. The regulator has described both tech companies as operating an “effective duopoly” with at least 90% of UK mobile devices running on their platforms. The CMA said tackling barriers on “steering”, or letting apps guide users to websites where they can make purchases outside Apple and Google’s platforms, would benefit competition. The regulator is consulting on lifting those constraints, in a move that it said would allow apps to bypass “mandatory fees” set by Apple and Google.