Breaking Apple-Google's Mobile Browser Duopoly: UK's Next Move

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has recommended investigating Apple and Google's mobile browser dominance, citing hindrances to innovation and consumer choice. The provisional findings suggest that these companies' policies restrict competitors from offering full-fledged mobile browser features, such as faster webpage loading and progressive web apps on iOS. Additionally, a revenue-sharing agreement between Google and Apple reduces their financial incentives to compete in mobile browsers on iOS.



The CMA's new digital markets powers, coming into force next year, will enable it to designate firms as having Strategic Market Status (SMS) and impose appropriate interventions. By designating Apple and Google as having SMS, the CMA can mandate changes to open up their ecosystems to rival browsers, promote interoperability between browsers, enforce fair revenue sharing, and ensure clear user choice during browser selection.



Breaking up the Apple-Google mobile browser duopoly could revitalize the mobile ecosystem, fostering innovation and competition. This could allow alternative browsers to offer faster webpage loading and progressive web apps on iOS, enhancing user experiences. However, potential repercussions may include increased app store fees and reduced software standardization, making it crucial for the CMA to consider the interplay between mobile browsers and the wider ecosystem.

The UK should seize this opportunity to promote a more competitive mobile browser market, benefiting millions of phone users and UK businesses. By leveraging its new digital markets powers, the CMA can ensure that the mobile browser market works better for consumers, fostering innovation and improving user experiences. The CMA's invitation for comments on its provisional findings by 13 December and final decision in March 2025 presents an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to this process.