Apple Inc. has pushed back against the UK’s proposed measures to increase competition in the mobile operating system market, warning that the move could undermine user privacy, developer innovation, and data security. The company argues that the new rules may force it to share technology with foreign competitors for free and create an uneven playing field in the global mobile ecosystem.
UK Regulator Targets Apple and Google Duopoly
Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced plans to designate both Apple and Google as having “strategic market status” (SMS) in the UK. This designation would give the regulator more power to enforce behavioural rules on how apps are distributed on iOS and Android platforms.
The CMA says the changes aim to boost competition, allowing developers more flexibility and reducing reliance on Apple’s App Store and Google Play. A final decision is expected in October 2025.
Apple’s Concerns: Privacy, Security, and Innovation
Apple strongly opposes the CMA’s roadmap, claiming it mirrors EU-style regulations that could weaken protections for end-users.
An Apple spokesperson said:
“We’re concerned these EU-style rules the UK is advancing are bad for users and bad for developers. This approach undermines the privacy and security protections our users have come to expect, hampers our ability to innovate, and forces us to give away our technology for free to foreign competitors.”
The company warned that increased interoperability requirements could make iOS systems more vulnerable to scams, while allowing developers to “steer” users outside the App Store for payments could reduce investment in new technologies.
CMA’s Proposal: Interoperability and Fair Competition
According to the CMA, its priority measures include:
- Interoperability – requiring Apple to make iOS more compatible with third-party apps and services.
- Steering rights – allowing developers to direct users to purchase options outside the App Store, bypassing Apple’s 30% commission.
The regulator argues that its approach is different from the EU model, offering more flexibility to balance consumer protection with fair competition.
Apple vs. Competition: Samsung, Google, and More
Apple insists it already faces strong competition from Samsung, Google, and other global smartphone makers. The company argues that forcing it to alter its App Store and iOS structure would give rivals unfair advantages while putting consumers at risk.
Apple also questioned the CMA’s evidence base, citing limited developer feedback and survey data as insufficient grounds for sweeping regulatory changes.
What’s Next?
The CMA’s final decision in October 2025 could reshape how mobile apps are distributed in the UK, with significant implications for developers, users, and tech giants. If enforced, Apple may be required to overhaul parts of its App Store model, a move that could ripple across the global tech industry.
Key Takeaways
- Apple warns the UK’s mobile regulation plans could harm users and developers.
- The CMA seeks to impose new rules on Apple and Google under “strategic market status.”
- Measures include interoperability and developer steering rights.
- Apple says the move threatens privacy, security, and innovation.
- Final CMA decision expected in October 2025.
