Apple and Google Agree to Change App Stores Following ‘Effective Duopoly’ Claim
Apple and Google have recently announced their commitment to implement changes to their app stores in the UK, a decision influenced by an intervention from the UK’s markets regulator. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) revealed that these tech giants will adopt measures aimed at fostering fair competition and enhancing transparency.
Key Changes to Their App Stores
– No Preferential Treatment: Both Apple and Google have pledged not to prioritize their own apps over those of third-party developers.
– Transparency in Approval Processes: The companies will disclose how apps are approved for sale, making the process more transparent for developers.
– Use of Data: Apple and Google have agreed to refrain from unfairly using data collected from third-party developers.
This collaborative effort comes seven months after the CMA described Apple and Google as having an effective duopoly in the UK’s app market. According to CMA’s head, Sarah Cardell, these initial commitments are expected to boost the UK’s app economy and are just the beginning of a larger regulatory initiative.
Strategic Market Status
In October 2025, the CMA designated both Apple and Google’s app stores with strategic market status, giving the regulator authority to advocate for changes that would enhance competition and consumer choice. Cardell emphasized the significance of securing immediate commitments from these companies, showcasing the agility of the UK digital markets competition regime.
Monitoring Commitments
The CMA plans to closely oversee how Apple and Google enact these changes, with the capability to impose formal requirements if they find their commitments disregarded.
Industry Reactions
Both tech giants have welcomed these agreements. An Apple spokesperson noted that the company faces fierce competition in every market where we operate and is dedicated to providing top-quality products and services. Meanwhile, Google acknowledged that while it believes its current practices are already fair and transparent, it is eager to collaborate with the CMA to address any concerns.
Future Implications
Technology analyst Paolo Pescatore characterized the announcement as a pragmatic first step, but cautioned that it may only address the low-hanging fruit. There might be increased calls for more stringent regulations in the future, indicating that this development could be a precursor to more comprehensive measures.
The CMA has highlighted that the UK’s app economy stands as the largest in Europe in terms of revenue and the number of developers. It generates an estimated 1.5% of the UK’s GDP and supports about 400,000 jobs.
EU Comparisons
Both Apple and Google have previously cautioned against the UK mimicking the EU’s strict regulatory framework, which they argue could stifle innovation. In the EU, large online platforms designated as gatekeepers face rigorous requirements to ensure competition within the digital marketplace. Apple, for instance, has been compelled to enhance transparency and maintain fairness by introducing features such as alternative browser options in addition to its pre-installed Safari.
Apple indicated that the commitments made reflect its constructive engagement with the CMA, adopting a pragmatic stance toward regulation.
Conclusion
The agreement between Apple and Google to change their app stores underlines the CMA’s active role in promoting competition and addressing the ‘effective duopoly’ that has characterized the UK app market. As these changes take effect, the ongoing monitoring by the CMA will be crucial in ensuring compliance and fostering a more competitive environment for app developers.