UK CMA designates Apple and Google as market‑dominant, expanding oversight

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has classified Apple and Google as market‑dominant in key digital markets, placing both under expanded oversight. The move echoes parts of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and signals tougher scrutiny of app stores, in‑app payments, default settings and data practices in the UK.

What’s changing

• Closer review of core rules: Stricter checks on app store terms, billing options, default apps (browser/search) and cross‑service data use.
• Tailored conduct requirements: The CMA can impose obligations to curb self‑preferencing and ensure fair access for rival services.
• User choice & interoperability: Potential measures to ease switching, improve portability and open more platform capabilities to third parties.

Why it matters

• Consumers: Could see more browser/app/payment choice, clearer consent controls and fewer lock‑ins.
• Developers: Scope for fairer distribution terms, alternative billing routes and more transparent reviews.
• Platforms: Apple and Google face added compliance, audits and possible changes to fees and policies in the UK.

Context: UK vs EU

While the UK regime is separate, it aligns in spirit with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which designates gatekeepers and sets do‑and‑don’t rules. The UK’s approach allows the CMA to tailor conduct requirements to local market issues, including app store and browser competition.

What to watch next

• Specific UK conduct rules: Details on app store terms, browser engines, alternative payments and any sideloading pathways.
• Timelines & appeals: Phased implementation with consultations and potential legal challenges.
• Market impact: Possible adjustments to app store fees, developer policies and default app choices on UK‑sold devices.

References:
UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) ·
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (UK) ·
EU Digital Markets Act (DMA)

Discussion: Will stronger UK oversight deliver more choice and lower costs for users and developers—or mostly add compliance overhead with limited real‑world benefit?