The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has designated Apple and Google‘s mobile platforms as having “strategic market status” — triggering new anti-competition regulations. Read the CMA’s official confirmation.
What This Means
After a ten-month investigation, the CMA found Apple and Google possess “substantial, entrenched market power” in mobile ecosystems.
| Designation | Implications |
|---|---|
| Strategic Market Status | Extra scrutiny and regulations to prevent anti-competitive behavior |
| Market Power | Ability to dictate terms and potentially stifle competition |
| Regulatory Authority | CMA can impose specific rules and remedies |
Potential Anti-Competitive Practices
- Unfairly favoring their own services over competitors
- Creating barriers for smaller players to enter the market
- Charging excessive fees to app developers
- Restricting access to platform features
Pattern of Regulation
Not Google’s First UK Ruling: Google already faces similar designation for Google Search, indicating growing UK concern about the company’s overall market influence. Read more about Google Search ruling.
Expected Outcomes
| Goal | Expected Result |
|---|---|
| Greater Competition | More innovation in mobile ecosystem |
| Consumer Choice | Better options and services |
| Fair Environment | Level playing field for smaller businesses |
