Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

UK watchdog to probe Google, Apple over mobile ecosystems

(Sharecast News) - The UK competition watchdog has launched an investigation into Google and Apple's dominance across smartphone ecosystems, it confirmed on Thursday. The Competition and Markets Authority said around 56m people aged 16 and over have access to a smartphone in the UK - around 94% of the population.

Nearly all of those devices will have come with either Apple's operating system iOS or Google's Android pre-installed. Both brands also have their own app stores and browsers with either leading or exclusive positions.

"This means Apple and Google are able to exert considerable influence over much of the content, services and technological development provided on a mobile device," the CMA noted.

The regulator has therefore decided to investigate competition between and within Apple and Google's mobile ecosystems, possible leveraging of their market power in other activities, and potential exploitative conduct.

Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: "The operating systems, apps and browsers installed on our phones and tablet devices act as our gateway into the digital world.

"More competitive mobile ecosystems could foster new innovations and new opportunities across a range of services that millions of people use, be they app stores, browsers or operating systems."

The announcement came just days after CMA chair Marcus Bokkerink left the business, reportedly after the Department for Business and Trade intervened. The government was allegedly concerned that the regulator was not sufficiently focused on growth.

Bokkerink - who started his five-year term in 2022 - has been replaced on an interim basis by Doug Gurr, the former head of Amazon's UK business and current director of London's Natural History Museum.

The CMA said it would it take a "proportionate and transparent" approach to the Apple-Google probe, working with a range of stakeholders as well as the companies themselves. It will accept comments until 12 February, before producing its final report by the end of October 2025.

Google, which is owned by Alphabet, said: "Android's openness has helped to expand choice, reduce prices and democratise access to smartphones and apps. It is the only example of a successful and viable open source mobile operating system."

Apple said it would "continue to engage constructively" with the CMA, adding: "Apple believes in thriving and dynamic markets where innovation can flourish."

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Berenberg raises target price on Warpaint London
(Sharecast News) - Analysts at Berenberg slightly raised their target price on cosmetics firm Warpaint London from 680.0p to 700.0p on Monday, noting the group's margin management was not to be overlooked.
UK Oil & Gas reports increase in production at Horndean
(Sharecast News) - UK Oil & Gas reported a significant increase in production at the Horndean oil field on Monday, following a successful workover campaign in late 2024.
Unilever nearing £230m deal to buy refillable cosmetics maker Wild - report
(Sharecast News) - Consumer goods giant Unilever is reportedly closing in on a £230m deal to snap up Wild, a premium producer of refillable personal care products backed by the founders of Innocent Drinks.
Light Science Tech secures distribution deal with Gavita International
(Sharecast News) - Light Science Technologies announced on Monday that it has secured a distribution framework agreement with Gavita International, granting it exclusive rights to sell Agrolux Nederland's horticultural LED lighting systems in the UK and Ireland.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.