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App store changes agreed by Apple and Google with UK regulator
Summary
Britain's Competition and Markets Authority said Apple and Google committed to fairer store rankings, clearer review processes and protections for developer data, while commission fees and steering to alternative payments were not addressed.
Content
Apple and Google have agreed to make changes to their mobile app stores that Britain’s antitrust regulator described as fairer and more transparent for thousands of developers. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) designated both companies as having "strategic market status" in smartphones in October, giving it new powers to demand changes. Developers had complained that app review, ranking and distribution processes were unclear and inconsistent. The CMA said the commitments are an important first step under its tougher regime.
Known details:
- The CMA designated Apple and Google as having "strategic market status" in smartphones in October.
- The companies committed to ensure store rankings and reviews operate fairly and to safeguard data collected from developers.
- Developers will be able to request access to more iOS features to build competing products, including examples cited such as digital wallets and live translation.
- The commitments do not address the commissions Apple and Google charge for purchases, subscriptions and in-app purchases, which the CMA had earlier flagged as a key concern.
- The CMA said it agreed commitments with the companies rather than imposing formal requirements and will continue to engage with Apple and Google on payment steering.
- The European Union fined Apple €500 million in April for App Store restrictions, and Apple said it appreciated the ongoing dialogue with the UK regulator.
Summary:
The CMA described the agreed commitments as an early step intended to deliver quicker results for consumers and businesses. The regulator said it will continue to pursue additional measures and to engage with Apple and Google on outstanding issues such as steering users to alternative payment methods.