CMA to investigate Apple's & Google's influence over the mobile market
Jeffrey Rousseau
Staff Writer
Tuesday 14th June 2022
Apple
Last week, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that it intends to investigate Apple and Google for their influence on the mobile market.
It alleges that the tech firms hold a monopoly over mobile browsing and that the iPhone maker has restrictions over cloud gaming on its platforms.
"Without interventions, both companies are likely to maintain, and even strengthen, their grip over the sector, further restricting competition and limiting incentives for innovators," the CMA said.
The government department said that in terms of mobile browser use for the UK, 97% of web browsing during 2021 took place on browsers by both companies.
However Apple doesn't allow alternatives to web browsing, which the CMA notes is unique to the company.
In terms of cloud gaming, it says that the iPhone maker blocks developing cloud gaming services on its digital storefront.
"Gaming apps are a key source of revenue for Apple and cloud gaming could pose a real threat to Apple's strong position in app distribution," the CMA said.
"By preventing this sector from growing, Apple risks causing mobile users to miss out on the full benefits of cloud gaming."
In addition, the CMA has said that its started an investigation into Google's app store payment practices.
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