Apple, Google agree to improve fairness on app stores

Source: Mashable Tech

Background

The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations forced Apple and Google to make their platforms fairer. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is now pursuing similar changes.

Last year the CMA designated Apple and Google with strategic market status (SMS) in mobile platforms, stating that the companies held an “effective duopoly” over the UK market. This designation allows the CMA to introduce measures that demand changes to ensure “fair dealing, open choices, trust and transparency.”

CMA Commitments

The CMA has secured commitments from both Apple and Google regarding their app stores.

Review process

• Commit to a fair, objective, and transparent review of apps submitted to the App Store and Google Play.
• Ensure app rankings do not give the companies’ own apps an unfair advantage.
• Prohibit the use of data collected from developers for an unfair competitive edge.

Interoperability (Apple)

Apple agreed to consider providing developers with interoperable access to features and functionality within iOS.

Implementation timeline

These commitments are set to take effect in April.

Data Transparency

Apple and Google will supply the CMA with data that will be made public, including:

• The proportion of apps submitted for review, approved, rejected, and appealed.
• Time taken for each stage of the review process.
• Number of complaints received and their outcomes.
• Number of interoperability requests and their outcomes.

This transparency aims to address longstanding developer concerns about long wait times and opaque decision‑making in app store reviews.

Reactions

“Following designation of Apple and Google’s mobile platforms in October last year, the CMA has moved swiftly to secure a package of commitments from Apple and Google that will boost the UK’s app economy, giving developers the opportunity and confidence they need to invest and innovate,” – CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell.

Both Apple and Google welcomed the changes in statements provided to the BBC.