A fresh investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has shed light on a pressing issue within the mobile browser market. According to the final report, the market “is not working well for consumers and businesses,” with Apple and Google primarily responsible for hindering competition. The CMA has raised concerns about both tech giants’ policies, especially those related to iOS, Safari, and Android, which seem to favor their own services while limiting alternatives.
Apple’s WebKit and iOS Policies at the Heart of Browser Restrictions
The report highlights a critical barrier to entry for third-party browsers on iOS. Apple’s strict control over the iOS ecosystem, including its requirement that all browsers on iPhones use WebKit as the underlying engine, places competitors at a disadvantage. This policy has effectively stifled competition and innovation, according to the findings of the independent inquiry group.
Safari, Apple’s default browser, is also given preferential treatment within iOS. In particular, features that are accessible to Safari are often not available to other WebKit-based browsers. This restriction limits the potential for innovation within the mobile browser space. Furthermore, limitations around in-app browsing and the prominence of Safari as the default browser contribute to the market’s lack of diversity. Even though users can technically change their default browser, the pre-installed nature of Safari on iPhones means many users are unaware of alternative options.
Google’s Role in Limiting Mobile Browser Competition
While Apple has been found to be the primary culprit, the CMA report also takes aim at Google’s practices within the Android ecosystem. The dominance of Chrome as the default browser on Android devices creates a similar issue. However, the report suggests that Google’s control over the browser market is less overt than Apple’s, yet still significant enough to raise concerns about a lack of competition.
The CMA’s findings highlight the near-impossibility of challenging these tech giants. Despite efforts from both Apple and Google to make it easier for users to switch to alternative browsers, the report indicates that these changes have only partially addressed the problems. The browser market is still plagued by a lack of choice and innovation, which continues to harm consumers.
The CMA Proposes Key Interventions to Address Browser Market Failures
The CMA’s investigation has led to some potentially game-changing suggestions aimed at boosting competition in the mobile browser market. Among the proposed remedies is a requirement for Apple to allow developers to use alternative browser engines on iOS. This would enable third-party developers to bypass the restrictive WebKit engine and provide more diverse browser options for users.
Additionally, the CMA recommends that both Apple and Google be required to introduce a browser choice screen during device setup. This measure would give users more control and make them more aware of alternative browser options. Another significant proposal is the prohibition of the lucrative revenue-sharing arrangements between Google and Apple, which sees Google pay Apple a substantial sum to remain the default search engine on iPhones. These arrangements are seen as diminishing the financial incentives for both companies to foster competition.
Despite the CMA’s recommendations, these interventions are currently unenforceable. However, they could be put into effect in the near future, especially if ongoing investigations into Apple and Google’s mobile ecosystems lead to stricter regulations under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC).
What’s Next for Apple and Google?
The CMA’s investigation is far from over. In January 2025, the UK regulators launched separate investigations into the mobile ecosystems of both Apple and Google to determine whether they should be designated as having “strategic market status” (SMS) under the DMCC. This designation would subject the two tech giants to stricter antitrust regulations.
The DMCC mirrors the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and allows UK regulators to impose specific requirements on companies with “substantial and entrenched market power.” If Apple or Google are designated as SMS companies, they could be forced to comply with additional conduct requirements designed to prevent anticompetitive practices. Violations could result in substantial fines—up to 10% of their annual turnover.
The SMS investigations into Apple and Google are expected to conclude later this year, but in the meantime, the CMA’s mobile browser report is urging the authorities to consider implementing its proposed remedies as soon as possible.
Apple Responds to CMA Report
Apple has voiced concerns over the CMA’s conclusions. A spokesperson for the company, Julien Trosdorf, stated: “Apple believes in thriving and dynamic markets where innovation can flourish. We face competition in every segment and jurisdiction where we operate, and our focus is always the trust of our users.” However, the company expressed reservations about the CMA’s proposed remedies, claiming that they could undermine privacy, security, and the overall user experience. Apple has committed to engaging with the CMA to address their concerns.
Google has yet to comment on the CMA’s findings, leaving many questions about the tech giant’s stance on the issue unanswered.
The CMA’s report represents a significant turning point for the mobile browser market in the UK. The investigation has exposed some of the most persistent barriers to competition, highlighting how Apple and Google’s dominance in the mobile space may be holding back innovation. With the potential for regulatory changes on the horizon, the future of mobile browsing in the UK could be set for a major overhaul.
As investigations continue and potential interventions move closer to becoming reality, the mobile browser market may soon see greater diversity and competition. For consumers, this could mean more choices, better performance, and, ultimately, a more dynamic digital experience. But whether these changes will come to pass remains to be seen.
In the coming months, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority will likely continue to scrutinize Apple and Google’s practices, making this an issue worth watching for anyone interested in the future of mobile browsing.