The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the dominance of Apple and Google in the mobile services market. The probe aims to determine whether their control over mobile operating systems, app stores, and web browsers is distorting competition and creating barriers for other companies.
The CMA’s investigation is part of the newly introduced Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) Act, which grants the authority to identify companies with excessive market dominance and suggest corrective measures. The regulator will examine if Apple and Google are leveraging their market power to favor their apps and services, potentially stifling competition and innovation.
Apple and Google have both stated that they will engage constructively with the CMA during the investigation. The outcomes of this probe could lead to significant changes in how these tech giants operate within the UK, including possible requirements to provide third-party access to key functionalities and simplify payment methods for services outside their app stores.
The CMA expects to announce the results of the investigation by October 2025, and any findings could have far-reaching implications for the mobile services market in the UK and beyond.
