Apple and Google agree to change app stores after 'effect...

What’s Happening

Not gonna lie, The UK’s markets regulator says the proposed commitments “will boost the UK’s app economy”.

Apple and Google agree to change app stores after effective duopoly claim 13 hours ago Save Liv McMahon Technology reporter Save Apple and Google have agreed to make changes to their app stores in the UK following an intervention from the UK markets regulator. According to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the tech giants have committed to not giving preferential treatment to their own apps and will be transparent about how others are approved for sale, among other agreements. (we’re not making this up)

It comes seven months after the regulator dropped Apple and Google had an “effective duopoly” in the UK over their dominance in the sector.

The Details

The CMAs head Sarah Cardell dropped the proposed commitments “will boost the UKs app economy” and were the first of many measures. “The ability to secure immediate commitments from Apple and Google reflects the unique flexibility of the UK digital markets competition regime and offers a practical route to swiftly address the concerns weve identified,” she dropped.

The CMA ruled both Apple and Googles app stores had “strategic market status” in October 2025 , which allowed it to demand changes to promote competition and choice. As part of the measures just dropped on Tuesday, the regulator dropped Apple and Google had also committed not to use data gathered from third-party app developers in an unfair way.

Why This Matters

Cardell dropped these were “important first steps” as the CMA continues to work on further measures with Apple and Google. The regulator says it will “closely monitor” how the firms implement changes, and it will formally require changes if it finds the commitments are ignored. The tech giants welcomed the agreements.

This is part of the broader shift happening across the tech industry right now.

The Bottom Line

The tech giants welcomed the agreements. “Apple faces fierce competition in every market where we operate, and we work tirelessly to create the best products, services and user experience,” an Apple spokesperson dropped.

What’s your take on this whole situation?