UK regulator tightens focus on Apple and Google's app store ecosystem

Britain's competition regulator on Tuesday proposed measures that would allow app developers to direct users to alternative payment options outside Apple and Google app stores.

The move is aimed at reducing fees for developers and promoting greater competition in the digital marketplace.

CMA seeks to remove payment restrictions

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said its proposals would remove existing barriers that prevent developers from guiding users to off-platform payment methods.

According to the regulator, Apple currently prohibits developers from directing users to external payment options.

Google allows the practice only under limited conditions.

The CMA said removing these restrictions would give developers greater flexibility in how they process payments and could increase competition within the app ecosystem.

Lower fees are proposed for external payments

The regulator also outlined its expectations if Apple or Google decides to charge developers for enabling links to alternative payment platforms.

According to the CMA, any such fees should be reasonable and significantly lower than the commissions currently charged through their respective app stores.

The regulator added that these charges should ultimately benefit consumers or encourage further innovation within the app economy.

The proposal is intended to ensure that developers are not discouraged from offering alternative payment options because of high costs.

NFC access under consideration

In addition to payment-related changes, the CMA is considering a proposal that would require Apple to provide broader access to its near-field communication (NFC) technology.

If implemented, the measure would allow developers to integrate contactless payment functionality directly into their own iOS applications.

The proposal could reduce developers' reliance on Apple's existing payment system by enabling them to offer their own contactless payment services.

Google says recent policy changes address proposals

In an emailed statement to Reuters, Google said it has already implemented many of the changes proposed by the regulator.

The company said revised Google Play Store policies introduced earlier this month now allow developers to direct users to complete purchases outside the platform, although certain conditions continue to apply.

Google also said it has updated its app store fee structure as part of those policy changes.

Earlier this year, Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) secured commitments from Apple and Google to make their mobile app stores fairer and more transparent for developers as part of the UK's strengthened oversight of dominant digital platforms.

Under the agreement, Apple and Google pledged to ensure app review processes are fair, objective, and transparent, while giving developers clearer guidance on approval decisions and improved channels to raise concerns.

The CMA said the measures are intended to reduce uncertainty for developers and promote competition in a market where Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating systems dominate app distribution and mobile browsing.