The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has released provisional findings accusing Apple of stifling competition in the mobile browser market.
According to the report, Apple’s control over browser functionality on iOS devices restricts innovation and prevents rival browsers from introducing advanced features, such as faster web performance. These findings mark another significant challenge to Apple’s mobile ecosystem policies.
Apple’s iOS Restrictions Limit Competition
The CMA investigation highlights how Apple’s policies prevent competing browsers from accessing key features, limiting their ability to offer improved functionality on iOS devices.
Developers also criticized Apple for restricting progressive web apps (PWAs)—web-based alternatives to traditional apps that don’t require installation through app stores.
PWAs could provide users with greater flexibility and businesses with more distribution options, but Apple’s ecosystem leaves little room for their adoption.
Additionally, the CMA flagged a revenue-sharing deal between Apple and Google that undermines competition by prioritizing Safari and Chrome as default browser options on iOS devices. The CMA writes:
“The group has provisionally found that Apple’s rules restrict other competitors from being able to deliver new, innovative features that could benefit consumers. Other browser providers have highlighted concerns that they have been unable to offer a full range of browser features, such as faster webpage loading on iPhone.
Many smaller UK app developers also told us that they would like to use progressive web apps – an alternative way for businesses to provide apps to mobile users without downloading apps through an app store – but this technology is not able to fully take off on iOS devices.
In addition, the group has provisionally found that a revenue-sharing agreement between Google and Apple significantly reduces their financial incentives to compete in mobile browsers on iOS.”
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Broader Antitrust Challenges Facing Apple
While the CMA’s report focuses on Apple’s iOS browser policies, the company has faced regulatory scrutiny in other areas of its ecosystem. Recently, Apple adjusted its App Store policies to allow cloud gaming apps, resolving some earlier concerns. However, its broader control over app distribution and mobile functionality continues to be a contentious issue for regulators.
In the US, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is targeting Apple’s main browser competitor, Google, as part of its antitrust investigations. Google’s Chrome, which holds a 66% global market share, faces potential separation from Google’s core services due to its role in reinforcing the company’s dominance in search and advertising.
AI and Browser Markets Complicate Regulatory Push
The regulatory challenges facing Apple and Google are further complicated by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Google’s Gemini AI model, used in search summaries, has raised concerns among publishers who say it reduces traffic to their sites. Apple’s restrictive iOS browser policies could similarly stifle innovation in areas like AI-enhanced web technologies.
Meanwhile, Apple’s cloud gaming adjustments represent a partial response to regulatory pressure, but the CMA has recommended further intervention under the UK’s Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act, set to take effect in January 2025.
CMA Clears Alphabet’s Investment in Anthropic
Separately, the CMA recently concluded that Alphabet’s $2 billion investment in AI startup Anthropic does not warrant further investigation. The CMA determined that Alphabet lacks material influence over Anthropic’s operations, despite concerns over the potential impact of Big Tech investments on competition.
Anthropic, known for its Claude language models, has emerged as a competitor to Apple’s AI ambitions, as well as Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
