(qlmbusinessnews.com . Wed 11th Feb, 2026) London, UK —
UK's CMA Achieves Landmark Agreement with Tech Giants to Foster App Economy Competition
Apple and Google have consented to undertake modifications to their app marketplaces in Britain following the intervention of the nation's competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The technology behemoths have pledged to eliminate any preferential bias towards their own applications and ensure transparency in the approval process for other applications, along with other commitments.
This development emerges seven months after the CMA critiqued Apple and Google for establishing an “effective duopoly” in the UK, dominating the sector conspicuously.
Sarah Cardell, the CMA's chief, stated that these new commitments are poised to invigorate the British app economy and underscore just the beginning of several initiatives planned. “The ability to secure immediate commitments from Apple and Google showcases the distinct adaptability of the British digital markets competition framework, providing a straightforward path to promptly address the discrepancies we've pinpointed,” she elaborated.
In October 2025, the CMA identified both Apple and Google's app marketplaces as having “strategic market status”, empowering it to mandate changes to foster competition and consumer choice.
Included in the Tuesday announcement, the CMA revealed that Apple and Google also vowed not to exploit data from third-party app developers unjustly.
Cardell described these as “important initial steps” while the CMA pursues additional measures with the tech giants.
The watchdog has vowed to “meticulously monitor” the implementation of these changes by the firms, ready to enforce changes formally should the commitments be overlooked.
Both Apple and Google have expressed their approval of the agreements. An Apple spokesperson remarked, “Apple encounters intense competition in every market we are present, striving relentlessly to develop the finest products, services, and user experiences.”
Meanwhile, Google acknowledged the fairness and transparency of its existing practices for developers on its Play store but stated, “we welcome the opportunity to collaboratively address the CMA's concerns.”
Technology analyst Paolo Pescatore viewed the announcement as a “pragmatic initial step”, though he anticipated that some might regard it as merely tackling the “low-hanging fruit”.
“There will unquestionably be appeals for a more stringent crackdown from some sections, so this latest move should not be seen as the final play,” he commented.
The CMA noted that Britain's app economy is the most substantial in Europe in terms of revenue and the number of app developers, contributing an estimated 1.5% to the UK's GDP and supporting around 400,000 jobs.
Both Apple and Google have previously cautioned the UK against emulating the European Union's stringent regulations, which they argue could stifle innovation.
Under the EU's comprehensive regulations crafted to assure fair competition in the digital economy, large online platforms designated as “gatekeepers” in specific markets are subjected to more rigorous requirements. For example, Apple has had to implement changes to enhance transparency, fairness, and choice for users – such as suggesting alternative browsers to its pre-installed default, Safari. The company has argued that strict mandates on making its services compatible with competitors' have adversely impacted its products' privacy and security.
Apple stated that the commitments announced on Tuesday are indicative of its constructive dialogue with the CMA and its pragmatic approach towards regulation.
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