The UK could soon follow the European Union’s lead with tougher rules for Apple’s and Google’s app stores. As a result, developers could gain more freedom over payments and app distribution.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed a new set of measures (via Reuters).
These would require Apple to allow developers to direct users towards alternative app stores and payment systems. Additionally, Apple would have to open up the iPhone’s NFC technology to competing digital wallets.
If those proposals sound familiar, it’s because they’re similar to changes Apple has already been forced to make in the EU under the Digital Markets Act.
The move marks the latest step in the CMA’s efforts to regulate the two tech giants after both Apple and Google were designated as having “strategic market status” last year. Earlier this year, the companies agreed to make transparency changes to their UK app stores. These changes largely mirror commitments they had already introduced in Europe.
The new proposals, however, go much further.
According to CMA, Apple and Google should back any fees they continue to charge developers with a clear, evidence-based framework that reflects the actual value of their services. The regulator also argues that lower commission fees should ultimately benefit consumers through lower prices. However, similar changes in the EU haven’t consistently led to cheaper apps or subscriptions.
Apple has pushed back against the proposals, warning they could weaken the security protections built into its App Store. The company argues that directing users to external payment systems could expose them to scams, misleading payment flows and weaker parental controls. In addition, Apple says this could remove safeguards that users currently rely on.
It’s worth noting that none of these changes are final yet. The CMA is currently consulting with both companies before deciding whether to introduce the new rules. There is no timeline for when that process will conclude.
If the proposals do move forward, though, UK iPhone and Android users could eventually see app stores that look much closer to their European counterparts. There could be more payment choices and greater competition than is currently available; however, there’s also the chance this could come with less support, like the lack of Siri AI.
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