LONDON — Feb 10 (GeokHub) - Apple and Google have agreed to introduce changes aimed at making their mobile app stores fairer and more transparent for developers in the United Kingdom, following pressure from the country’s competition watchdog.
Britain’s antitrust regulator said the commitments mark an early milestone under its new digital competition regime, which grants it stronger powers over dominant technology firms.
New Obligations for App Stores
The regulator designated Apple and Google as having significant market power in smartphones last year, enabling it to demand targeted reforms to boost competition.
Under the agreement, the companies committed to ensuring that app rankings, reviews, and moderation processes are applied fairly and consistently. They also agreed to strengthen protections around how data collected from developers is used.
Developers will gain clearer insight into how their apps are reviewed and ranked, addressing long-standing complaints that app store decisions were opaque and unpredictable.
Expanded Access for Developers
Apple also agreed to allow developers to request broader access to certain operating system features, making it easier to build products that compete with Apple’s own services. These areas may include digital wallets, translation tools, and other core phone functions.
The regulator said the measures should help smaller businesses compete more effectively in app-based markets dominated by a handful of major platforms.
Commission Fees Still Unresolved
The agreement does not address one of developers’ biggest concerns: the commissions charged on in-app purchases and subscriptions, which can reach as high as 30%.
The regulator said steering users to alternative payment options remains a priority but added that any changes would need to align with developments in other countries. Discussions with both companies on payment rules are ongoing.
UK Takes Collaborative Approach
Rather than imposing immediate penalties or binding orders, the regulator said it chose to work collaboratively with Apple and Google to secure quicker results.
Officials described the deal as a first step, with further measures under consideration to improve competition in digital markets.
Company Responses
Apple said it welcomed continued engagement with UK regulators and said the commitments would allow it to maintain strong privacy and security protections while supporting developers.
Google said it believes its existing practices are fair but welcomed the chance to address regulatory concerns through cooperation.
The UK approach contrasts with tougher action taken elsewhere, as global regulators continue to scrutinize the power of major tech platforms.
