Apple Google Agree App Store Fairness Changes

NEW YORK: (Web Desk) – Apple and Google have agreed to introduce changes aimed at improving fairness and transparency in their app stores, the UK’s competition watchdog announced on Tuesday, calling the move an initial step under the country’s tougher digital market regulations.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) last year designated both companies with “strategic market status,” granting the regulator enhanced powers to enforce stricter rules on their mobile platforms due to their dominant market positions.

In response, Apple and Google have submitted a set of commitments designed to make their app store operations more equitable. The CMA has now launched a consultation process, inviting feedback from developers and other market participants on the proposed measures.

The commitments focus on how user data is collected, how apps are reviewed and ranked, and how developers access mobile operating systems. The proposals are intended to curb preferential treatment of Apple and Google’s own apps and provide fairer conditions for businesses distributing apps, including improved access to tools that compete with services such as Apple’s digital wallet.

CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell described the proposals as “important first steps” while stressing that further measures are under consideration to enhance competition in the UK’s app ecosystem.

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These commitments represent the first formal changes proposed by major US technology firms under the UK’s new digital markets regime, which came into force last year. The framework closely mirrors the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, legislation that allows regulators to impose substantial financial penalties for non-compliance.

Apple said the commitments would allow it to continue prioritising user privacy and security while supporting developers. Google maintained that its Play Store practices are already fair and transparent, adding that it welcomes working with the CMA to address concerns.

The CMA previously concluded that Apple and Google operate an effective duopoly, with nearly all UK mobile devices running on their platforms. The proposed changes are expected to come into effect in April, subject to the outcome of the consultation process.