Google, Apple to undergo thorough CMA investigation for dominance of mobile browsers.
- Apple and Google seem to be putting limitations on UK developers.
- Google had made it clear that it will keep collaborating with the watchdog.
- Google and Apple are charged with dictating how people use cellphones.
After months of consideration, Britain's competition authority has now initiated a thorough investigation into Apple and Google's market dominance with mobile browsers. In response to its June consultation, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) stated on Tuesday that there was 'strong support' for a more thorough inquiry into the subject and how iPhone manufacturer Apple limits cloud gaming through its app store.
In a statement, Sarah Cardell, interim chief executive of the CMA, claimed that 'many UK firms and web developers tell us they feel that they are being held back by constraints inculcated by Apple and Google.' We plan to investigate the complaints we've heard, if they're true, and figure out what can be done to boost competition and innovation in these industries.
Google had responded to the CMA's intentions for June by saying it would keep working with the watchdog. To clarify how its strategy 'promotes competition and choice, while ensuring that consumers' privacy and security are protected,' Apple said on Tuesday that it would 'constructively' interact with the CMA.
Reuters contacted Google for comment on the most recent developments, but they did not react right away. The CMA had previously stated that the two digital behemoths controlled the mobile ecosystems in a 'effective duopoly,' giving them a monopoly over the operating systems, app stores, and web browsers for such devices.
CMA Chief Executive Andrea Coscelli had said at the time, in response to the release of a research on mobile ecosystems, 'When it comes to how consumers use mobile phones, Apple and Google hold all the control.'
The CMA had previously voiced concern that this significantly hindered other browsers' ability to distinguish themselves from Apple's Safari., for instance on aspects like speed and functionality. In response, Apple said that through its ecosystem, it has 'built a safe and trustworthy experience people appreciate and a terrific financial opportunity for developers.'