UK Launches Investigation Into Apple and Google Over Cloud Gaming and Mobile Browsers

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has announced a market investigation into cloud gaming and mobile browsers after receiving widespread support for a full probe.

This follows the Authority's "Mobile Ecosystem Market Study", which found that Apple and Google have an effective duopoly on mobile ecosystems that allows them to exercise a stranglehold over operating systems, app stores and web browsers on mobile devices.

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Responses to the consultation, which have been published today, reveal substantial support for a fuller investigation into the way that Apple and Google dominate the mobile browser market and how Apple restricts cloud gaming through its App Store. Many of those came from browser vendors, web developers, and cloud gaming service providers who say that the status quo is harming their businesses, holding back innovation, and adding unnecessary costs.


Web developers have complained that Apple’s restrictions, combined with suggested underinvestment in its browser technology, lead to added costs and frustration as they have to deal with bugs and glitches when building web pages, and have no choice but to create bespoke mobile apps when a website might be sufficient.
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"Many UK businesses and web developers tell us they feel that they are being held back by restrictions set by Apple and Google," says Sarah Cardell, interim Chief Executive of the CMA. "When the new Digital Markets regime is in place, it’s likely to address these sorts of issues. In the meantime, we are using our existing powers to tackle problems where we can. We plan to investigate whether the concerns we have heard are justified and, if so, identify steps to improve competition and innovation in these sectors."

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