The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a formal investigation into Google and Apple, accusing the two tech giants of maintaining an unfair stranglehold over the mobile ecosystem. The regulator argues that both companies’ control of app distribution, payment systems, and browser technology gives them excessive power over developers and consumers.
The probe, announced on Tuesday, will assess how Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android platforms influence competition and limit innovation in the UK’s fast-growing app economy. It will also evaluate the dominance of their app stores, the App Store and Google Play, which together account for nearly all app downloads on mobile devices in Britain.
The CMA said it is particularly concerned about the fees both companies charge developers, their restrictions on alternative payment systems, and the technical barriers that prevent users from easily switching between mobile platforms. Regulators are also looking into whether Apple and Google unfairly prioritize their own apps and services over those of competitors.
In a statement, CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell said, “Apple and Google’s grip on mobile ecosystems gives them immense power over developers and users. We want to ensure that the next generation of innovation can flourish without being stifled by entrenched gatekeepers.”
Google responded by emphasizing that Android offers choice and flexibility to users and developers, while Apple defended its policies as essential to maintaining user privacy and security. Both companies said they would cooperate fully with the CMA’s investigation.
The move marks the latest in a series of global regulatory challenges facing the two tech firms. Earlier this year, the European Union imposed new rules under the Digital Markets Act, requiring gatekeeper companies to open up their platforms to greater competition. The UK’s investigation could lead to new requirements on app-store practices, alternative browser engines, and user data handling.
Industry analysts note that the CMA’s actions may set the stage for tougher oversight and potential fines if it determines that Apple or Google are violating competition laws. The investigation is expected to run well into 2026 before final conclusions are reached.
