Apple's Browser Rules Stifle Innovation on iOS, Says UK Regulator

Apple's restrictions on mobile browsers are limiting innovation and holding back new features that could benefit iPhone users, according to provisional findings published today by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

app store blue banner uk fixed
In its report, the CMA's independent inquiry group determined that Apple's Safari browser policies prevent competing browsers from implementing certain features, such as faster webpage loading technologies. The investigation also revealed that many UK app developers would prefer to offer progressive web apps as an alternative to App Store distribution, but Apple's current iOS limitations make this impractical.

Adding to competitive concerns, the regulator highlighted a revenue-sharing agreement between Apple and Google that "significantly reduces their financial incentives to compete" in the mobile browser space on iOS. The CMA also found that both companies can manipulate how users are presented with browser choices, making their own offerings appear as the clearest or easiest options.

"Through our investigation, we have provisionally found that competition between different mobile browsers is not working well and this is holding back innovation in the UK," said Margot Daly, chair of the CMA's independent inquiry group.

The investigation initially covered both mobile browsers and cloud gaming concerns, but the CMA has decided not to pursue action regarding cloud gaming, noting that Apple has already addressed the primary issue by beginning to allow cloud gaming apps on the App Store.

In its summary of provisional decision, the regulator is recommending that these findings be addressed through the UK's upcoming Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, which takes effect in January 2025. This legislation will give the CMA new powers to designate firms as having "Strategic Market Status" and impose appropriate interventions to promote competition.

The CMA is accepting public comments on its provisional findings until December 13, with a final decision expected in March 2025. Similar investigations into mobile browser competition are currently being conducted by the European Commission and the United States Department of Justice.

Update: Apple provided MacRumors with the following statement:

"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. We disagree with the findings in the report regarding Safari, WebKit, and in-app browsing on iOS. We are concerned that the interventions discussed in the report for future consideration under the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act would undermine user privacy and security and hinder our ability to make the kind of technology that sets Apple apart. We will continue to engage constructively with the CMA as their work on this matter progresses."

Apple maintains that it fosters robust competition by offering a variety of WebKit-based third-party browsers on the App Store that compete alongside Safari, and that settings are included in iOS that allow users to easily switch their default browser.

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Top Rated Comments

Koudspeel Avatar
13 weeks ago
Better pull out of the UK, Apple
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wanha Avatar
13 weeks ago
The UK's laws and regulations stifle innovation, too, but somehow they don't seem concerned about that...

Sincerely,
The Devil's Advocate
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lihp8270 Avatar
13 weeks ago

No wonder why Gurman said Apple is probably relieved Trump won. This overseas bullying must end.
I assume the US will allow foreign companies to operate within the US with no regard for US law?
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jayducharme Avatar
13 weeks ago
It’s interesting to me that regulators are so focused on tech company monopolies and yet don’t seemed too concerned about the plethora of other monopolies that more directly affect our day-to-day lives.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Tago Avatar
13 weeks ago
By their take on things, the practice should strengthen other platforms like Android, Android derivates, Sailfish or whatever and thereby enhance the overall competition.

If dominance in the browser segment is an issue, they probably would do a better job if they had a look at Google`s dominance with chrome/engine, and how they dominate advertising.

Keeping iOS tight is beneficial for all sorts of reasons including safety and privacy. One would be a fool thinking that privacy is yours by using iOS, the name of the game is the lesser evil, and iOS is. Unless the likes of Sailfish actually do what they promise.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DelayedGratificationGene Avatar
13 weeks ago
No wonder why Gurman said Apple is probably relieved Trump won. This overseas bullying must end.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)