Britain’s competition watchdog has secured new commitments from Apple and Google to change how their mobile app stores operate, as the UK rolls out stronger oversight of dominant digital platforms.
The Competition and Markets Authority said the steps would make app review processes fairer and more transparent for developers, marking an early use of its expanded powers.
With almost all smartphones in Britain running on Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android systems, the regulator sees app stores and browsers as critical control points that shape competition across the wider digital economy.
Strategic market status takes effect
The CMA designated Apple and Google as holding strategic market status in smartphones in October.
That classification gives the regulator the authority to require specific changes from companies whose services have entrenched positions that can influence market outcomes.
In the UK, app distribution and default browsing on mobile devices are almost entirely controlled by the two firms through their operating systems.
The regulator has said this level of control allows Apple and Google to shape which apps reach users, how services evolve, and the commercial terms developers must accept.
The new commitments are positioned as initial steps within this tougher regulatory framework, rather than a full resolution of competition concerns.
Changes to app review processes
Under the agreement, both companies have committed to reviewing apps in a way that is fair, objective, and transparent.
The CMA said this should give developers clearer expectations around how decisions are made and reduce uncertainty during the approval process.
Developers will also have improved avenues to raise issues linked to app assessments.
The regulator has previously highlighted concerns that opaque review systems can delay launches, discourage innovation, and disadvantage smaller developers that lack the resources to navigate complex approval processes.
Broader access to platform features
As part of the commitments, developers will be able to request access to more of Apple’s iOS features to build competing products.
The CMA pointed to areas such as digital wallets and live translation, where expanded access could allow developers to offer alternatives to Apple’s own services.
The regulator has argued that restrictions on technical access can reinforce platform dominance by limiting how rival products function on smartphones.
By opening parts of iOS more widely, the CMA aims to reduce dependency on Apple-controlled services while encouraging competition within the ecosystem.
Regulator focus and company responses
The CMA has repeatedly warned that dominance in app stores and browsers enables platform owners to exert influence over content, services, and technological development.
It said the commitments represent important early progress under its new digital competition regime, while signalling that further intervention remains possible if the measures fall short.
Apple said it faces strong competition in every market where it operates and works to deliver products, services, and user experience.
It added that the commitments allow it to continue advancing privacy and security features while supporting opportunities for developers.
Google said it believes its current developer practices are already fair, objective, and transparent, but welcomed the chance to address the CMA’s concerns collaboratively.
The post Apple and Google agree to app store changes after UK competition pressure appeared first on Invezz
