The UK’s competition watchdog has found that Apple and Google are “holding back” the mobile browser market, making it difficult for third-party web browsers to compete with their own browsers. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) report says that Apple requires all iOS browsers to use its WebKit engine, giving Safari preferential access to features, and limits in-app browsing.
The CMA also found that Google’s Android mobile ecosystem restricts competition by requiring Chrome to be pre-installed as the default web browser on most devices. However, both companies have taken steps since the investigation announced its provisional findings to make it easier for users to switch to alternative browsers.
The report has recommended several remedies, including forcing Apple to allow developers to use alternative browser engines and requiring both companies to offer a browser choice screen during device setup. These suggestions are currently unenforceable, but could change in the coming months if Apple or Google are designated as having “strategic market status” under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC).
The CMA has launched separate investigations into Apple and Google’s mobile ecosystems to determine whether they should be subject to stricter antitrust requirements. If designated with strategic market status, companies could face fines of up to 10% of their annual turnover for violating DMCC rules.
“We have concluded that competition between different mobile browsers is not working well, and this is holding back innovation in the UK,” said Margot Daly, Chair of the CMA’s independent inquiry group.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/628472/apple-safari-ios-google-android-chrome-cma-competition