Competition and Markets Authority said on November 22 that Apple limits competition by restricting the use of rival browsers on its iOS devices, effectively requiring developers to use its WebKit browser engine. This can stifle innovation among competitors, reducing choice for consumers.
Currently, any browser available for iOS must use WebKit. The CMA report states that WebKit limits the ways in which browser vendors can differentiate one another. It also claims that third-party browsers built with WebKit do not have the same level of accessibility and functionality as Safari.
Browser competition ‘stifling innovation’ in UK, according to CMA executive
Third-party browser developers told CMA that they were unable to offer certain privacy and security features or faster web page loading due to these restrictions. They are also barred from creating so-called “progressive web apps,” low-cost apps that are built using web platform technologies and don’t need to be downloaded through the App Store.
Apple also limits the amount of traffic and customization options available for app browsing in third-party apps.
Margaret Daly, head of the CMA’s independent inquiry group, said in a statement Press release: “Markets work best when competitors are able to develop businesses and bring innovative options to consumers. Through our research, we have tentatively found that competition between different mobile browsers is not working well and It is stifling innovation in the UK.
Other issues raised by the watchdog include a dubious deal between Google and Apple, meaning they both receive significant revenue when they use their rival’s browser, Chrome or Safari, on iOS. Such revenue sharing reduces their incentive to compete with each other.
Apple and Google may also add their respective browser preference screens, which allow users to select their default Internet browser to open links, making Safari and Chrome the most obvious or convenient option.
See: Apple’s geoblocking practices may violate EU laws.
The investigation opened in 2021 when CMA ruled that Apple and Google have “an effective duopoly over mobile ecosystems, including operating systems, app stores and web browsers on mobile devices.”
The watchdog is exploring possible mitigations, including forcing Apple to loosen restrictions on its browser engine. The report tentatively recommends that the CMA prioritize its investigation into the duopoly of Apple and Google. Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Actwhich will come into effect early next year.
Interested parties can now comment on the inquiry groups’ provisional findings, and the final decision will be published in February or March 2025.
Google and Apple maintain they support competition in the mobile browser market but will comply with the investigation.
A Google spokesperson told TechRepublic: “Android’s openness has helped expand choice, lower prices, and democratize access to smartphones and apps. We’re committed to open platforms that empower users. empower and help developers build successful businesses and we will engage constructively with the CMA on these issues over the coming months.”
Meanwhile, Apple “disagrees[s] with report findings regarding Safari, WebKit, and app browsing on iOS,” according to the spokesperson. He told TechRepublic that “Apple believes in thriving and dynamic markets where innovation can thrive. We face competition in every sector and jurisdiction in which we operate, and our focus is always on the trust of our customers.
“We are concerned that the intrusions discussed in the report for future consideration under the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumer Act will harm consumer privacy and security and undermine our ability to create technology that differentiates Apple. We will continue to engage constructively with the CMA as their work on this issue progresses.
Apple also claims that allowing non-Safari browsers on iOS and enabling users to choose their default browser ensures continued competition.
It has previously defended its policies regarding WebKit, arguing that “‘mandating the use of third-party rendering engines on iOS would break the integrated privacy, security and performance model of iOS devices.’ . 2022 report from CMA in its mobile ecosystem.
The report’s authors also said that, by requiring apps to use WebKit, Apple “is able to quickly and effectively address security and privacy issues across all browsers on iPhone for all iPhone users.” ”
In the EU, browser engines other than WebKit can be used to create browsers for iOS and iPadOS due to the Digital Markets Act. The Cupertino giant has one Change in policy to comply in January 2024 Requirements that it “enables browsers running on iOS to use browser engines other than WebKit” and “provides access to key features and functions that Safari has access to.”
Apple also introduced a pop-up browser choice screen for EU users, when Safari opens for the first time after updating the iPhone to iOS 17.4 following the implementation of DMA in March. In the beginning there were alternatives to Safari. Not clear enough In the list of options, so Apple had to Make some changes In August
Global regulators are blaming Big Tech for stifling competition.
The CMA’s move is part of a wider investigation into the mobile ecosystem as regulators around the world test the tech giant’s market power. Add to.
Apple has also been in the crosshairs of European regulators and Britain charged the company in June. DMA Violation For a number of reasons, including not making it easy enough for developers to get their users to purchase options outside of the app that doesn’t benefit Apple financially. Commission also started. Investigation of non-compliance In whether Apple discourages developers from hosting their iOS apps on third-party platforms.
In August, Apple announced that it would Allow EU users to delete pre-installed apps on iOS 18. To comply with the DMA. It also clarified the browser’s preferences screen and expanded several default apps that third-party versions can replace.