The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a fresh investigation into the dominance of Apple and Google in the mobile browser market. The regulator claims that the two tech giants have been stifling innovation and limiting competition by maintaining tight control over the ecosystem, preventing new players from emerging. This inquiry is part of a broader global scrutiny of the duo’s market power and could have far-reaching implications for the mobile industry.

The Core of the Investigation

The CMA’s probe centers around concerns that Apple and Google are hindering competition in mobile browsers and negatively impacting consumer choice. The investigation follows the regulator’s final report into mobile browsers and cloud gaming, which was published three days ago. The report outlines how these two companies maintain a duopoly that discourages alternatives from gaining traction.

Why Are Apple and Google Under Scrutiny?

The CMA’s key accusations include:

Restricting Alternative BrowsersApple mandates that all browsers on iOS devices use its WebKit engine, effectively blocking other web engines like Chromium or Gecko. This limits how much third-party browsers can differentiate themselves on iOS.
Google, while allowing different engines on Android, still enjoys an outsized influence due to its pre-installed Chrome browser.

Control Over App DistributionBoth Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store set strict policies that hinder competition. Developers find it challenging to distribute browser-based apps that bypass Apple’s WebKit restrictions.
Google has been accused of favoring Chrome over competitors through its control of search rankings and default settings on Android.

Slow Innovation in Browser TechnologiesDevelopers claim that Apple's WebKit requirement slows down innovation, as they cannot introduce new features or optimizations that compete directly with Safari.
Google, despite allowing competing browsers, dominates the market share to the extent that it discourages significant advancements from rivals.

How This Affects Users and Developers

The CMA’s findings suggest that Apple and Google’s restrictive policies harm both consumers and developers. Here’s how:

• Limited Choice: Users are often stuck with Safari on iPhones and Chrome on Android devices as default browsers, reducing variety and competition.
• Fewer Features: Developers argue that Apple’s WebKit requirement forces all iOS browsers to be similar, preventing the introduction of innovative features seen on Android.
• Higher Costs for Developers: Apple and Google’s control over browser distribution makes it harder for small companies to compete, resulting in fewer options and higher costs for developers.

Global Impact: Regulatory Scrutiny on Big Tech

The UK is not alone in its crackdown on Apple and Google’s practices. Around the world, regulators in the EU, US, and Australia are taking similar steps:

• European Union: The Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to prevent tech giants from enforcing restrictive policies like WebKit-only browsers on iOS.
• United States: The DOJ’s antitrust division is examining Google’s dominance in search and advertising, with a potential impact on Chrome’s market control.
• Australia: The ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) has criticized Apple and Google’s stronghold over browsers and app stores.

Possible Outcomes of the CMA’s Investigation

If the CMA concludes that Apple and Google are indeed restricting competition, it could impose several regulatory actions, including:

Forcing Apple to Allow Alternative Browser EnginesApple may be required to let developers use non-WebKit engines on iOS, which would introduce more diversity in mobile browsing experiences.

Mandating Pre-Installed AlternativesGoogle and Apple may be required to provide users with a browser choice screen, similar to past EU requirements for Windows operating systems.

Stricter App Store RegulationsThe CMA could impose new rules making it easier for third-party browsers to enter the market and compete fairly.

Final Thoughts

The UK’s CMA investigation into Apple and Google’s mobile browser dominance is a significant step in addressing big tech monopolies. As governments worldwide look to increase competition in digital markets, this probe could lead to meaningful reforms that benefit consumers, developers, and the broader tech ecosystem.

With increasing regulatory pressure, the way we experience mobile browsing might be on the verge of a major transformation. The final ruling from the CMA will determine whether these tech giants must loosen their grip—or face the consequences of anti-competitive behavior.