LONDON, February 10, 2026 — Apple and Google are facing increased scrutiny and a set of proposed commitments aimed at leveling the playing field for UK app developers, with the potential to impact the country’s £28 billion mobile development sector. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking feedback on these measures, designed to ensure fairness and transparency within the app stores that serve millions of British consumers.
Boosting Competition in the UK App Economy
The CMA’s proposals represent the first concrete steps toward regulating the dominance of Apple and Google in the UK’s mobile app market.
- The CMA designated Apple and Google with “strategic market status” (SMS) in October, granting it powers to address competition concerns.
- Proposed commitments cover app review processes, app ranking, data collection, and interoperability with Apple’s iOS.
- The UK app economy generates an estimated 1.5% of the nation’s GDP and supports around 400,000 jobs.
- The CMA will monitor Apple and Google’s compliance, with the potential to impose stricter “conduct requirements” if necessary.
The UK’s app economy, Europe’s largest by revenue and developer count, is a crucial driver of innovation, particularly in sectors like financial services and gaming. Ensuring a healthy app ecosystem is therefore paramount, and the CMA’s actions reflect a commitment to fostering competition and protecting both developers and consumers.
What are the Proposed Commitments?
The commitments secured from Apple and Google address several key areas of concern. Both companies will be required to review apps fairly, objectively, and transparently, avoiding discrimination against competitors or preferential treatment for their own applications. This extends to app ranking within the app stores, ensuring a level playing field for all developers.
Furthermore, Apple has agreed to make it easier for developers to request interoperable access to features within its iOS and iPadOS operating systems. This could unlock new possibilities for innovation, allowing businesses to create products and services that seamlessly integrate with Apple’s platform. The CMA will also ensure that data collected from developers during the app review process is safeguarded and not used unfairly.
The CMA will closely monitor Apple and Google’s implementation of these commitments, tracking metrics such as app submission and approval rates, review times, complaint volumes, and the responsiveness to interoperability requests. Public reports will detail the findings of this monitoring process.
A Flexible Approach to Regulation
Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, emphasized the swift action taken following the designation of Apple and Google’s mobile platforms in October. “Following designation of Apple and Google’s mobile platforms in October last year, the CMA has moved swiftly to secure a package of commitments from Apple and Google that will boost the UK’s app economy, giving developers the opportunity and confidence they need to invest and innovate,” she stated.
Cardell added that the UK’s digital markets regime offers a “practical route to swiftly address the concerns we’ve identified,” and that these commitments are “important first steps” toward broader improvements to app store services, including potential advancements in digital wallets and digital IDs.
The CMA is accepting feedback on the proposed commitments until March 3, 2026, with the changes expected to take effect from April 1, 2026, pending review of the submitted views. Further details are available on the CMA’s pages dedicated to Apple and Google mobile platforms.
