Apple is facing potential antitrust action in the UK due to Safari being set as the default web browser on iPhones. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has tentatively determined that Apple is misusing its dominance over iPhone applications.
This may compel Apple to implement the same changes it made in the EU—enabling users to select their default web browser while initially setting up a new iPhone…
Default web browsers
When setting up a new iPhone, Safari is designated as the default web browser, similar to how Chrome is the default on Android devices. Apple has further mandated that competing browsers utilize the same core web engine as Safari, effectively hindering these browsers from delivering features that are not supported by Safari, as well as impacting their performance.
Last year, the EU deemed this practice anti-competitive, prompting Apple to amend iOS 17.4 to encourage iPhone users to select their browser during the setup phase.
However, this change was limited to iPhones sold in the EU. The UK’s competition authority has now provisionally arrived at a similar conclusion as the EU—this behavior stifles innovation by preventing alternative browsers from surpassing Safari.
The group has provisionally concluded that Apple’s policies restrict other competitors from providing innovative features that would benefit consumers. Other browser developers have expressed concerns about their inability to offer a comprehensive range of browser functionalities, such as quicker page loading on iPhones. Furthermore, many smaller app developers in the UK indicated interest in utilizing progressive web applications—an alternative for businesses to deliver apps to mobile users without requiring downloads from an app store—but this technology has been unable to gain traction on iOS devices.
Google deal may also be illegal in the UK
Google reportedly pays Apple approximately $20 billion annually to be the default search engine in Safari. Last summer, a US federal judge ruled this arrangement illegal, citing an unfair advantage for Google in the search sector.
The CMA appears inclined to mirror this conclusion in the UK.
Additionally, the group has tentatively found that the revenue-sharing agreement between Google and Apple significantly diminishes their incentive to compete in mobile browsers on iOS.
No issue with cloud gaming
The CMA also looked into whether it was permissible for Apple to maintain a monopoly over cloud gaming applications. However, Apple has since updated its policy to allow third-party companies to provide these services, leading the CMA to conclude that the issue has been resolved.
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