UK regulators warn against Apple, Google browser dominance

The dominance of Apple and Google in the mobile browser market is limiting consumer choice and stifling innovation, according to UK regulators.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) stated that Apple is preventing competitors like Mozilla and Firefox from introducing new features due to restrictions within its platform.

Apple has expressed "concerns" about the CMA's report.

Apple controls the Safari browser and the operating system that all competing browsers must use to operate on iPhones. This requires other browsers to rely on Apple’s WebKit engine, primarily to address cybersecurity concerns. However, the CMA argues that this restriction limits the ability of competing browsers to offer distinctive features, thus impeding competition.

The CMA also highlighted that Apple allowed Safari to implement full-screen video functionality almost four years before granting other browsers access to the necessary technology.

Apple and Google maintain a stronghold on the mobile market, with the CMA noting that nearly all mobile devices sold in the UK come pre-installed with Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android operating systems.

It comes after a digital markets competition regime took effect in the UK at the start of this year, giving the UK authorities new powers to issue “conduct requirements” to tech firms that are granted strategic market status.

Firms designated with the status can have conduct requirements imposed upon them which boost competition for UK businesses and choice for consumers.

The CMA is separately examining whether the US giants should be given this status.

If they are, they could be asked to to open up access to functionality within operating systems or app stores to third-party apps.

Margot Daly, chair of the CMA’s independent inquiry group, said: “Following our in-depth investigation, we have concluded that competition between different mobile browsers is not working well, and this is holding back innovation in the UK.”