CMA: Apple's Policies Stifle Mobile Browser Competition

The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has released its final report into mobile browsers and cloud gaming. The investigation found that several markets tied to mobile browsers aren't functioning well for consumers or businesses, stifling innovation and potentially curbing growth across the U.K. The spotlight falls heavily on Apple, with the report pinning most issues on policies that shape how browsers operate on iOS devices.The investigation, led by an independent inquiry group, confirmed nearly all concerns raised in its November 2024 provisional report. Apple's tight grip on iOS, for instance, forces all browsers to use its WebKit engine, allegedly limiting competitors like Mozilla or Microsoft from rolling out unique features like faster load times, beefier security, or enhanced privacy options. The report also flags Apple's revenue-sharing deal with Google, which hands Apple a hefty cut of search ad revenue from Safari and Chrome on iOS. This setup, the CMA argues, dulls the financial incentive for either tech giant to outdo the other. On top of that, Apple's rules are said to choke progressive web apps and restrict in-app browsing, keeping rivals from gaining traction.Two concerns did ease up since the provisional report. Apple's iOS 18.2 update in December 2024 simplified switching default browsers, addressing some user choice gripes. Google, meanwhile, offered fresh evidence showing it's dialed back aggressive prompts pushing Chrome on Android users. Still, the report stresses that broader competition problems persist.Continue ReadingShare Article:Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, EmailFollow iClarified:Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Newsletter, App Store, YouTube

Mar 13, 2025 - 22:41

CMA: Apple's Policies Stifle Mobile Browser Competition

The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has released its final report into mobile browsers and cloud gaming. The investigation found that several markets tied to mobile browsers aren't functioning well for consumers or businesses, stifling innovation and potentially curbing growth across the U.K. The spotlight falls heavily on Apple, with the report pinning most issues on policies that shape how browsers operate on iOS devices.

The investigation, led by an independent inquiry group, confirmed nearly all concerns raised in its November 2024 provisional report. Apple's tight grip on iOS, for instance, forces all browsers to use its WebKit engine, allegedly limiting competitors like Mozilla or Microsoft from rolling out unique features like faster load times, beefier security, or enhanced privacy options. The report also flags Apple's revenue-sharing deal with Google, which hands Apple a hefty cut of search ad revenue from Safari and Chrome on iOS. This setup, the CMA argues, dulls the financial incentive for either tech giant to outdo the other. On top of that, Apple's rules are said to choke progressive web apps and restrict in-app browsing, keeping rivals from gaining traction.

Two concerns did ease up since the provisional report. Apple's iOS 18.2 update in December 2024 simplified switching default browsers, addressing some user choice gripes. Google, meanwhile, offered fresh evidence showing it's dialed back aggressive prompts pushing Chrome on Android users. Still, the report stresses that broader competition problems persist.

Continue Reading

Share Article:
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, Email

Follow iClarified:
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Newsletter, App Store, YouTube