UK Regulator Declares Apple and Google Hold ‘Effective Duopoly’ Over Mobile Ecosystem

Apple and Google Accused of Holding ‘Effective Duopoly’ Over UK Mobile Market 

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has called out tech giants Apple and Google for their overwhelming control over the mobile ecosystem, stating the two firms have an “effective duopoly” in the country. The regulatory body’s investigation could lead to sweeping changes in how the companies operate their app stores, browsers, and mobile operating systems.

According to the CMA, between 90% and 100% of UK mobile devices run on either Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android platforms—giving the companies immense power over how apps are distributed, how browsers function, and which services get prominence.

“This dominance is now causing real harm to consumers and to the businesses that depend on them,” said Rocio Concha of consumer rights group Which?.

What’s Being Proposed?

The CMA has proposed designating both Apple and Google as having “strategic market status”, a label that grants the regulator power to enforce changes in how these companies operate within the UK.

Among the areas under scrutiny are:

• The promotion of Apple and Google’s own apps over third-party alternatives.

• Restrictions in app stores that may limit developer choice or favor in-house services.

• Limitations in mobile web browsers that could impact innovation or competition.

A final decision is expected by October 2025, following a one-month consultation period where Apple and Google can respond to the findings.

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Reactions from Apple and Google

Both companies pushed back strongly against the CMA’s proposals.

“We’re concerned these rules could undermine user privacy and force us to hand over our technology to foreign competitors,” an Apple spokesperson said.

Google echoed similar concerns.

“It’s crucial that any regulation is proportionate and doesn’t become a barrier to innovation,” said Oliver Bethell, Google’s Senior Director of Competition.

Despite their objections, both firms expressed willingness to work with the regulator during the process.

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A Pattern of Global Scrutiny

This UK development is part of a broader wave of international scrutiny aimed at tech giants. In recent months:

• The EU fined Apple €500 million over anti-competitive practices in its App Store.

• The U.S. is probing Apple and Google over payment processing restrictions and alleged developer lock-ins.

• Google was separately designated by the CMA as having strategic market status in advertising and search—where it controls more than 90% of UK searches.

CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell stated that the proposed rules aim to “open up key digital markets” while keeping the UK at the forefront of mobile and app innovation.