By Apple and Google Browser Monopoly: UK Regulator Finds Anti-Competitive Practices
A recent report by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded that Apple and Google are limiting competition in the mobile browser market, stifling innovation, consumer choice, and economic growth. The investigation, which examined the dominance of Safari and Chrome, found that Apple’s browser policies are particularly restrictive, forcing all iOS browsers to use its WebKit engine and giving Safari unfair advantages over competitors.
Google was also criticized for its default Chrome installation on Android and its revenue-sharing agreement with Apple, which reduces incentives for real competition. With Safari controlling 88% of browsing on iOS and Chrome accounting for 77% on Android, the UK regulator believes these practices harm consumers and businesses alike.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Apple and Google browser monopoly ruling, its implications, and how both companies have responded.
Apple and Google Browser Monopoly: CMA’s Key Findings
1. Apple’s Restrictions on Browser Competition
The CMA’s investigation found that Apple’s iOS policies are the most restrictive, preventing true competition among mobile browsers.
🔹 Key Issues Identified in Apple’s Policies:
- WebKit Requirement: All browsers on iOS must use Apple’s WebKit engine, limiting innovation.
- Preferential Treatment for Safari: Apple gives Safari exclusive access to advanced features, restricting rivals.
- In-App Browsing Limitations: Apple controls how third-party browsers function within apps, limiting flexibility.
- Default Safari Installation: Safari is pre-installed on all iPhones, discouraging users from switching browsers.
The CMA concluded that these restrictions reduce competition and prevent users from experiencing potentially better, faster, or more secure alternatives.
2. Google’s Chrome Dominance and Revenue Sharing with Apple
While Apple’s restrictions received the most criticism, Google was also flagged for anti-competitive practices.
🔹 Concerns About Google’s Browser Monopoly:
- Chrome is the default browser on most Android devices, discouraging competition.
- Google pays Apple a significant share of search revenue to remain the default search engine on iPhones.
- This revenue-sharing deal reduces Apple’s incentive to improve Safari or allow alternative browsers to compete fairly.
According to the CMA report, these practices create a duopoly that limits choice for consumers and developers, preventing new browser innovations from reaching the market.
How Apple and Google’s Market Control Affects Users and Developers
1. Limited Browser Innovation
Due to Apple’s WebKit requirement, developers are unable to introduce new browser technologies on iOS. This means:
✔ Slower development of web apps
✔ Limited improvements in browser speed and performance
✔ Fewer privacy-focused browser alternatives
With Google’s dominance on Android, alternative browsers like Firefox, Opera, and Brave struggle to compete fairly.
2. Less Consumer Choice
Since Safari and Chrome dominate mobile browsing, consumers are less likely to try alternatives.
✔ Many users are unaware that other browsers exist
✔ Switching browsers is difficult due to pre-installed defaults
✔ Google and Apple control key decisions, reducing user freedom
3. Higher Costs for Businesses
For businesses, Apple and Google’s restrictions increase costs by:
✔ Forcing them to optimize websites for WebKit, limiting cross-platform development.
✔ Making them pay higher advertising costs due to limited search engine competition.
The CMA believes these restrictions slow down digital economic growth and reduce business opportunities.
Apple and Google Browser Monopoly: UK Regulator’s Recommendations
1. Potential Regulatory Actions Against Apple and Google
The CMA has suggested possible measures to improve competition in the mobile browser market, including:
✅ Forcing Apple to Allow Alternative Browser Engines – This would allow Firefox, Chrome, and other browsers to operate freely on iOS without WebKit restrictions.
✅ Requiring a Browser Choice Screen – Both Apple and Google may be required to show a browser selection screen during device setup, encouraging competition.
✅ Ending Exclusive Revenue Sharing Deals – The CMA may ban or regulate Google’s search engine payments to Apple to create a fairer competitive environment.
While no immediate enforcement actions have been taken, the CMA has launched separate investigations into both companies to assess their market control.
Apple Responds to the CMA Report
Following the CMA’s findings, Apple issued a statement defending its policies:
“Apple believes in thriving and dynamic markets where innovation can flourish. We face competition in every segment and jurisdiction where we operate, and our focus is always the trust of our users. We have concerns with this report and believe the remedies it discusses would undermine privacy, security, and the overall user experience.”
Apple argues that its restrictions are in place to protect users from security threats. However, critics suggest that Apple’s policies are more about control than security, and that allowing competition would not compromise privacy.
What Happens Next? Potential Fines and Market Impact
1. Stricter Antitrust Regulations on Apple and Google
The CMA has launched further investigations to determine whether Apple and Google qualify as “strategic market status” entities under the UK’s Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act.
If Apple and Google are found guilty of violating competition laws, they could face:
🔴 Stricter antitrust regulations requiring more transparency.
🔴 Potential fines of up to 10% of annual turnover, which could cost billions.
🔴 Orders to change their browser policies in the UK and possibly other markets.
2. Possible Global Impact of the UK’s Ruling
If the UK successfully forces Apple and Google to open up their browser policies, other regions like the European Union and the United States may follow suit.
🌍 Potential Global Changes:
✔ Europe may introduce stricter rules under the Digital Markets Act.
✔ The U.S. could increase pressure on Apple and Google through antitrust lawsuits.
✔ Developers and alternative browsers may get better opportunities worldwide.
The final decision on these investigations is expected later in 2025, and it could have long-lasting consequences for mobile browsing.
Final Thoughts: Will Apple and Google Be Forced to Open Up?
The UK’s CMA report highlights how Apple and Google’s market dominance is limiting competition, consumer choice, and innovation.
🔹 Key Takeaways:
✔ Apple’s WebKit restrictions prevent true browser competition on iOS.
✔ Google’s revenue-sharing deals reduce incentives for fair competition.
✔ The CMA is considering strict regulations, including browser choice screens and fines.
✔ Apple and Google face increasing global pressure to change their policies.
With ongoing regulatory scrutiny, Apple and Google may be forced to make changes to their browser policies, shaping the future of mobile browsing worldwide.
