Apple Warns UK Mobile Market Shake-Up Could Impact Users and Developers

Apple has raised concerns over the UK’s proposed measures to boost competition in the mobile operating system market, warning that the changes could negatively affect both users and app developers. The tech giant also cautioned that it might be compelled to share its proprietary technology with foreign competitors at no cost.

Last month, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) urged Apple and Google to adopt fairer practices in app distribution, hinting at potential interventions as part of plans to grant the companies strategic market status, recognizing their dominant positions in the UK mobile sector.

Apple argued that such a designation could compromise privacy and security protections, stifle innovation, and disrupt the competitive landscape.

"We’re concerned these EU-style rules the UK is advancing are bad for users and bad for developers," said an Apple spokesperson. "This approach undermines the privacy and security protections our users expect, limits innovation, and forces us to give away our technology to competitors for free."

The CMA could impose behavioral rules on Apple and Google if designated strategically important, aiming to encourage fairer competition. Proposed measures include interoperability, requiring Apple to make its systems compatible with third-party apps, and steering, allowing developers to guide users to make purchases outside of the App Store.

Apple warned that these interventions might increase exposure to scams, limit investment in new technologies, and create an uneven playing field compared with competitors like Samsung and Google. The company also questioned the CMA’s evidence base, citing limited developer feedback.

The CMA clarified that the UK’s regulatory approach differs from the European Union’s, providing more flexibility to craft solutions that balance competition with user safety and business interests.

"Driving greater competition on mobile platforms need not compromise privacy, security, or intellectual property," a CMA spokesperson said.

The CMA is expected to finalize its decision in October 2025.