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CMA Secures Apple and Google Pledges to Curb App Store Bias and Boost Transparency

The CMA plans public monitoring, with binding conduct rules to follow if the voluntary measures fall short.

Stock image: Apple logo and Google Pixel.
A child uses Apple iPhone smartphone displayed at a store in London, Britain, October 6, 2024. REUTERS/Hollie Adams
The UK is demanding that Apple and Google improve fairness on their app stores.
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Overview

  • Apple and Google agreed to four commitments covering fair app review, fair ranking, safeguards on developer data, and an Apple-only process to request interoperable access to iOS features.
  • The UK regulator opened a consultation running until March 3, with the measures scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026 subject to feedback.
  • The CMA will publish metrics on implementation, including approval and rejection rates, review times, complaint outcomes, and the results of iOS interoperability requests.
  • Apple and Google welcomed the outcome, with Apple highlighting privacy and security priorities and Google saying its practices are already fair but that it supports resolving concerns collaboratively.
  • Key issues such as app store commission fees and broader distribution or steering rules remain under separate CMA work, drawing criticism from developer advocates who say the package is too limited.