The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has released a 600 pages report criticizing Apple’s mobile browser policies for stifling innovation.
After a four-year investigation, the CMA concluded that Apple’s requirement for all iOS browsers to use its WebKit engine prevents competition and limits advancements in the mobile browser market.
The report highlights that Safari enjoys unfair advantages, such as early access to exclusive WebKit features, while competitors like Chrome and Firefox are restricted from innovating independently.
The CMA argues that these policies create a stagnant browsing experience for users and hinder UK businesses from developing cutting-edge web technologies.
Looking ahead, the CMA is considering regulatory action under the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. If Apple is designated with “Strategic Market Status,” the CMA could enforce changes, such as allowing third-party browser engines on iOS.
However, Apple is likely to push back, citing security concerns. The outcome could shape the future of mobile browsing in the UK, potentially leading to more innovation and choice for consumers.
While the debate continues, the tech industry is watching closely to see if the CMA’s findings will lead to meaningful change or if Apple will maintain its control over iOS browsing.
Let’s break this down, step by step, and see what it all means.
If you use internet, you’re scrolling on your iPhone, flipping between apps, using web browser such as Safari, or maybe you’re one of those who are using Chrome or Firefox. Seems simple, right? Well, behind the scenes, the CMA says things aren’t so rosy.
Their report, titled Final Report into Mobile Browsers and Cloud Gaming, wraps up a probe that kicked off back in 2021. Apple’s rules are “holding back innovation” and making the UK’s mobile browser market “not work well” for anyone, users like you, or businesses trying to build cool new tech.
The main beef is with something called WebKit. It’s the engine that powers Safari, Apple’s built-in browser, and Apple forces every browser on iOS, like Chrome or Firefox, to use WebKit too.
Imagine if every car had to use the same engine as a Toyota, sure, it might run fine, but you’d miss out on the zip of a Tesla or the roar of a Ferrari.
The CMA says this setup stops other browsers from standing out with unique features, which is a real drag for innovation.
The report found that Safari gets special perks, like early access to fancy WebKit features or deeper hooks into iOS, that other browsers don’t.
Think of it like giving one kid in a race a head start and better shoes, while everyone else is stuck with hand-me-downs. This, the CMA argues, gives Apple an unfair edge, keeping Safari on top and leaving competitors scrambling to keep up.
Why should you care? Well, if browsers can’t experiment and push boundaries, we’re stuck with the same old experience.
No wild new tools, no game-changing speed boosts, just more of the same. And for UK businesses trying to build cutting-edge apps or services, it’s like trying to paint a masterpiece with only half the colors.
This isn’t some overnight drama. The CMA started sniffing around Apple and Google’s mobile empires back in June 2021 with a “market study.”
They quickly spotted a problem: these two giants control over 99% of the world’s smartphone market, iOS and Android, and in the UK, 97% of mobile web browsing in 2021 happened on browsers tied to their engines. That’s a chokehold, plain and simple.
Fast forward to November 2024, and the CMA released a teaser report with early findings.
Apple and Google scrambled to tweak a few things, like how easy it is to switch your default browser (Apple rolled out an update in December 2024) and Google showing off its nudges to pick Chrome on Android.
Those fixes got two minor issues off the table, but the big innovation problem? Still front and center.
Back in 2021, the CMA found that 97% of UK mobile browsing ran through Apple or Google’s engines. That’s not just dominance, it’s a near monopoly.
Globally, iOS and Android split the smartphone pie almost evenly, with Apple holding about 30% of the UK market, per Statista’s latest 2024 figures.
In January 2025, they kicked off a new probe under the shiny new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.
The goal was to decide if Apple and Google deserve “Strategic Market Status” (SMS), a label that’d give the CMA muscle to slap on rules and shake things up. Think of it like giving a referee a louder whistle and a rulebook with teeth.
If Apple gets the SMS tag, the CMA could push for changes like letting browsers use their own engines or making sure users really get to pick their favorite, not just stumble into Safari because it’s the default.
But don’t hold your breath; this decision might drag out ‘til fall 2025. In the meantime, it’s a waiting game to see if the CMA tries any quick fixes.
This isn’t some dusty regulatory footnote, it’s about the future of how we surf the web on our phones.
If the CMA cracks down, we could see a browser boom: faster apps, slicker designs, maybe even wild ideas we haven’t dreamed up yet.
For UK startups, it’s a lifeline to compete with Silicon Valley giants. And for you? It’s a shot at a better, more exciting digital life.
But it’s not all rosy. Apple’s likely to push back, saying WebKit’s a security must-have. And if the rules loosen too much, could we see a flood of sketchy browsers? It’s a tightrope walk, and the CMA’s still figuring out the balance.
So, where do we stand?
The CMA’s laid out a clear case: Apple’s browser lockdown is stifling the UK market, and it’s been four years in the spotlight.
With new powers on the table and a decision looming, 2025 could be a turning point.
Will we get a browser free-for-all, or will Apple hold the line?
