CMA shelves app store probes to leverage digital market powers

Signalling its intent to leverage new powers granted by the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act (DMCCA), the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has closed its investigations into Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store.

The investigations – launched over concerns that both tech giants were unfairly leveraging their dominant market positions, to the detriment of UK app developers and consumers – focused primarily on rules mandating the use of proprietary...

21 August 2024 | Android

Microsoft faces new EU antitrust charges over Teams

Microsoft faces new EU antitrust charges over Teams app

The European Commission has accused Microsoft of illegally tying its chat and video app Teams with its popular Office package.

The recent antitrust complaint made by rival Slack (now owned by Salesforce) might result in a hefty fine for Microsoft if it is found guilty of these alleged antitrust breaches. The company faces a fine of 10% of its annual worldwide turnover.

The European Commission, the EU's competition watchdog, stated that Teams had been given an 'unfair...

26 June 2024 | Developer

EU classifies iPadOS as a ‘gatekeeper’ subject to DMA rules

The European Commission has classified Apple's iPadOS as a “gatekeeper" under the EU's new tech competition rules, subjecting it to strict requirements aimed at promoting fairness and expanding consumer choice.

"The Digital Markets Act is a dynamic tool which allows us to tackle the realities of digital markets," said Margrethe Vestager, the EU's competition chief

In a press release on Monday, the Commission stated that its investigation found Apple "presents the...

29 April 2024 | App Stores

Epic to launch iOS and Android store with controversial 12% cut

In the ongoing saga of tech giants battling over App Store fees and policies, Epic Games is being accused of hypocrisy as it attempts to introduce its own 12 percent commission store.

The gaming company – joined by heavyweights like Meta, Microsoft, X, and Match Group – is protesting against Apple's handling of App Store fees and its anti-steering policy in California.

Following a series of legal battles between Apple and Epic, which mostly ended in Apple's favour, a...

21 March 2024 | Android

Russia claims Apple has paid $13.4M antitrust fine

Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) claims that Apple has paid a $13.4 million fine relating to anti-competitive practices.

According to Russian news agency TASS, the fine – originally levied at 1.2 billion rubles (then worth $17.4 million) in September 2022 – was confirmed as received by Russian authorities.

"On January 19, 2024, Apple paid the fine. The money was received by the government of the Russian Federation," said the FAS.

The fine stems...

23 January 2024 | App Stores

Google proposes allowing Android developers to use alternative billing systems

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has invited developers and interested parties to respond to Google's proposal to allow Android developers to use alternative billing systems.

“Google’s complete control over in-app payments raised concerns this unfairly restricted app developers – by forcing them to use Google Play’s billing system – putting distance between them and their customers and reducing competition, to the detriment of Google Play users,” said...

20 April 2023 | Android

Apple letter urges lawmakers to reject sideloading bill

Apple has written a letter urging lawmakers to reject a bill that would force the company to allow any apps to be installed on its mobile operating systems.

The letter, addressed to Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin and Republican Chuck Grassley, claims the proposed bill will hurt user privacy and security if passed.

In question is the S. 2710 bill that would allow software downloaded from the web or other sources to be “sideloaded” on iOS.

“Sideloading...

4 February 2022 | App Stores

Apple is now facing an antitrust investigation in Germany

Germany’s competition watchdog, the Bundeskartellamt, has announced the launch of its own antitrust investigation into Apple’s practices.

Apple will now face yet another probe into its oft-criticised “walled garden” and whether it abuses its market position with unfair policies.

"An ecosystem which extends across various markets may be an indication that a company holds such a position,” the Bundeskartellamt said. “It is often very difficult for other...

21 June 2021 | App Stores

Apple refutes US antitrust report saying devs are ‘primary beneficiaries’

Apple has issued a statement in response to a US House Judiciary report which accuses the company of running a monopoly.

The report (PDF) specifically takes issue with the App Store and echoes concerns from lawmakers and developers around the world that Apple’s practices are anticompetitive.

Here is Apple’s statement in full:

"We have always said that scrutiny is reasonable and appropriate but we vehemently disagree with the conclusions reached in this...

7 October 2020 | App Stores