Watchdog to take action over Android and iOS 'duopoly'

The competition watchdog has said it intends to take action to open up Apple and Google's mobile platforms to benefit consumers, businesses and app developers.

- Mark Sweney

The Competition and Markets Authority has proposed to designate the tech companies as having "strategic market status" - as they hold an "effective duopoly" for access on mobile devices - and now intends to force them to make changes to their mobile platforms.

The regulator said that it had published roadmaps for Apple and Google and would "promote competition in digital markets while protecting UK consumers and businesses from unfair or harmful practices".

The CMA said it would, in the first instance, focus on app stores - which have been criticised by developers over issues including fees of up to 30% for transactions - to ensure a "fair and transparent" app review process, as well as making sure that smartphone users could "steer" away from app stores to make purchases.

The watchdog, which launched an investigation into the US tech companies this year, will also address restrictions Apple imposes on digital wallets to ensure financial technology companies can compete.