Apple is resisting a new policy from the UK government that echoes the ongoing App Store disputes seen worldwide.
Although the UK is not part of the EU, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that impacted the App Store last year does not apply in the UK. However, the UK still desires similar regulations.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK has been advocating for Apple and Google to open up their app stores. Apple is not in favor of this, as reported by the BBC.
Compared to other UK government interventions, this one is less extreme than the Home Office’s attempt to access iCloud data. Apple strongly opposed that, with support from US lawmakers. While the Home Office has backed down, Apple now faces challenges from another UK agency.
Apple argues that the CMA is attempting to implement \”EU-style rules\” that would negatively impact users and developers. However, the CMA refutes this, stating that their interventions will benefit users and UK developers.
[UK competition rules] are designed to help UK businesses, including our thriving app developer economy, innovate and grow while ensuring UK consumers don’t miss out on innovation being introduced in other countries.
Statement from the UK Competition and Markets Authority
Despite semantic arguments, the CMA’s proposed changes align closely with those in the EU and other countries like Japan, South Korea, and Brazil.
The CMA plans to enforce changes that would allow app makers to direct users to payment systems outside of Apple’s App Store, similar to the EU’s DMA and the Epic Games case injunction against Apple.
While the US has not enacted legislation yet, the court injunction stands unless Apple successfully appeals. Australia, India, Mexico, and Turkey may soon follow the UK in implementing similar laws.
Apple’s Concerns About the UK
Apple has cautioned UK regulators that enforcing anti-competition laws could result in the UK missing out on Apple’s latest innovations, similar to delays experienced in the EU.
Issues with the EU’s DMA delayed the launch of Apple Intelligence in the UK, with other features like iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing still absent in macOS Tahoe and iOS 26.
Apple believes complying with EU rules would require them to provide open access to features across various devices, leading them to potentially exclude these features in the EU market.
Although the UK regulations are not as extensive as the EU’s DMA, Apple argues they could hinder innovation and compromise user privacy by demanding access to sensitive data.
Apple warns that allowing alternative payment links could open the door to scams, while the CMA assures that promoting competition will not jeopardize privacy or security.
Apple and Google have a few weeks to respond formally to the new regulations before the CMA makes a final decision in October.
