Apple has strongly criticised new proposals from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), warning that the rules risk delaying innovation and weakening user security.
The CMA is pushing forward with measures to open up mobile ecosystems, arguing that Apple and Google’s dominance of the UK mobile market, accounting for “90–100% of devices”, creates an effective duopoly. The regulator wants to give UK app developers more freedom, including:
- Interoperability: Giving developers easier ways to link their apps with Apple services, such as digital wallets and Apple Watch.
- Payment flexibility: Letting apps offer alternative payment routes, avoiding Apple’s App Store fees.
Apple’s Concerns
Apple argues that these proposals could:
- Undermine security and privacy: Weaken its tightly controlled security model, creating more risk of scams and data misuse.
- Delay innovation: Apple points to the EU’s experience, where new regulations have delayed some product launches.
- Give rivals free access to tech: Force it to open up proprietary systems and user data to competitors, something Apple claims undermines its intellectual property.
The company insists that the CMA is repeating EU mistakes, claiming the rules “hamper our ability to innovate, and force us to give away our technology for free to foreign competitors.”
CMA’s Response
The CMA has rejected Apple’s claims, stressing that its approach is different from the EU’s DMA and tailored to UK business needs.
In a statement, the regulator said:
“Driving greater competition on mobile platforms need not undermine privacy, security or intellectual property. Our goal is to help UK businesses innovate and grow while ensuring UK consumers don’t miss out on technology being introduced elsewhere.”
A final decision on the rules is expected in October 2025.
Wider Political Backdrop
The row also comes amid growing political tension over tech regulation. US President Donald Trump this week attacked international digital regulations, describing them as “designed to harm American technology” and threatening tariffs or restrictions against countries that impose what he sees as discriminatory rules.
What This Means for UK Businesses
For UK firms, particularly those developing apps and digital services, the CMA’s reforms could open up new opportunities:
- Easier access to Apple technologies could accelerate product development.
- Lower App Store fees might reduce costs for developers, potentially passed on to consumers.
- More competition could foster innovation across digital payments, health apps, and smart device integrations.
However, there are risks too:
- If Apple delays rolling out new features in the UK, businesses and users could face slower access to tools compared to other markets.
- Security models may become more complex if third-party payments and integrations become the norm.
Dr Logic’s Take
This debate highlights the tension between openness and security in the tech ecosystem. While regulators want to level the playing field, Apple continues to argue that tight control is necessary to protect users.
For UK businesses, the key takeaway is to prepare for a shifting regulatory environment:
- App developers may gain more freedom and reduced costs.
- Firms relying on Apple ecosystems should be aware of potential delays in new features.
- Cybersecurity considerations must remain front and centre, particularly if alternative payment systems or integrations become standard.
As the CMA heads toward its October ruling, now is the time to assess how changes could affect your Apple-based systems. Dr Logic’s Apple IT experts can help your business adapt securely, whether it’s protecting sensitive data, managing compliance, or planning for feature rollouts.
