The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has ordered Apple to make changes to its mobile platform to increase competition for consumers and developers.
The American tech giant, which operates the App Store as a major retail channel, will face new rules aimed at fairer app reviews and fewer restrictions on digital wallets and payment methods.
The regulator’s decision, which also includes Google’s Android system, is part of a broader investigation into mobile platform dominance.
The CMA’s “strategic market status” designation covers both companies, reflecting their near-duopoly over mobile device access in the UK.
While the two tech titans will have to make changes, the CMA has delayed more significant interventions — such as forcing alternative app stores on Apple devices — until 2026.
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CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said: “Apple and Google’s mobile platforms are both critical to the UK economy… but our investigation has identified opportunities for more innovation and choice.”
The CMA’s action follows concerns about high app store fees and limited user options. Apple warned the new rules could hurt privacy and innovation, while Google called for “evidence-based” regulation that supports UK growth.
Companies with strategic market status face conduct rules and fines of up to 10% of global turnover for breaches, a move set to reshape mobile retail in the UK.
This CMA move follows Apple’s recent UK tax filing, which showed profits of £1.2bn and a tax bill of £304m for the last year.
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