UK's CMA Targets Apple and Google Duopoly in Mobile Browsers Shake-Up

The UK's antitrust watchdog has announced a preliminary decision to investigate Apple and Google over their dominance in the mobile browser sector. This move is part of a broader effort to curb the monopolistic grip of tech giants on mobile operating systems.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has raised concerns about the mobile browser market's inefficiencies for both local enterprises and millions of smartphone users. It suggests that Apple's and Google's activities within the mobile ecosystem should be prioritized for investigation under the new digital markets competition rules set to come into effect next year.

A CMA independent investigative team has found that Apple and Google have effectively established a "duopoly" within the mobile ecosystem. This encompasses operating systems, app stores, and web browsers on mobile devices. The team believes Apple's policies have stifled innovation in mobile browsers. The CMA plans to invite public comment on the provisional findings by December 13 and aims to reach a final decision by March next year.