Apple has conceded to the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) resuming its broad antitrust investigation into the company’s practices surrounding mobile browsers and cloud gaming services. (via. MacRumors)
This decision, confirmed after a 21-day grace period following a November Court of Appeal ruling, opens the door to potential changes in how we access the internet and play games on iPhones and iPads.
The CMA initiated the investigation in November 2022, focusing on Apple and Google’s control over key mobile technology segments. Concerns centered around potential stifling of innovation and increased costs for developers and consumers due to these tech giants’ dominant positions. However, the probe was initially halted by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) in May 2023, upholding Apple’s argument that the CMA had exceeded time limits for initiating the investigation.
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Despite that, the Court of Appeal overturned the CAT’s decision in November, clarifying that the relevant time limits applied only to “consultation processes within a market study” and did not restrict the broader investigative powers of the CMA. The court emphasized the CMA’s crucial role in safeguarding competition and consumer interests, highlighting the “serious consequences” of limiting these powers.
With the investigation set to resume in January 2024, several potential outcomes could emerge. One possibility involves increased browser choice on Apple devices. If the CMA deems Apple’s restrictions on alternative browsers like Chrome or Firefox unfair, users might gain pre-installed options beyond Safari.
Additionally, the investigation could push for greater access to cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass on the App Store, currently prohibited by Apple. Finally, potential adjustments to App Store fees are on the table if the CMA finds evidence of unfair practices that harm developers, ultimately impacting consumers.
It’s important to note that the investigation is in its early stages, and any definitive conclusions or potential actions are months, if not years, away. Nonetheless, this development marks a significant step towards scrutinizing the power dynamics within the mobile ecosystem, with broader implications for how we interact with technology on our smartphones and tablets.
