The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced plans to launch an investigation over Google and Apple’s market power in mobile browsers and Apple’s restrictions in cloud gaming.

Following a year-long study of the companies, the CMA determined that Apple and Google had an ‘effective duopoly on mobile systems’ and that their practices enabled them to effectively exercise a stranglehold over these markets.

In the UK in 2021, 97 per cent of all mobile browsing happened on browsers powered by Apple or Google’s browser engine, and Apple bans alternatives to its own browser engine on its mobile devices.

The CMA noted that Apple had also blocked the emergence of cloud gaming services on its app store. By curtailing this market, Apple risks causing mobile users to miss out on the full benefits of cloud gaming, the CMA said.

Consequently, the CMA has assessed areas in which it can take immediate action to prevent the companies from maintaining their grip over these markets and continuing to restrict competition and limit incentives for innovators.

The CMA is now consulting on making a market investigation into mobile browsers and access to cloud gaming on mobile devices.

Andrea Coscelli, chief executive of the CMA, said: “When it comes to how people use mobile phones, Apple and Google hold all the cards.

“As good as many of their services and products are, their strong grip on mobile ecosystems allows them to shut out competitors, holding back the British tech sector and limiting choice.”

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