Wire flash
TechApple: UK App Store proposal amounts to price regulation
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
Apple has told the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that proposed rules governing its App Store would amount to price regulation, arguing that plans to loosen its control over in-app payments could undermine innovation and investment. In a submission to the CMA, Apple said proposed 'steering' requirements would give the regulator a 'highly intrusive' role in managing its business. The CMA's consultation, part of Britain's new digital markets regime, would allow app developers to direct users to payment options outside Apple's and Google's app stores, with fees required to be fair and reasonable. Apple stated its App Store facilitated over £46.5 billion in UK billings in 2025, with commissions under 3.5% of the total, and argued there is no evidence changes would lower consumer prices. The Coalition for App Fairness countered that Apple uses its dominant position to gain unfair advantages. Apple and Google were designated under the UK digital markets regime last year.
Source report
By: Sam Tabahriti Source: Reuters
LONDON, July 29 (Reuters) – Apple said on Wednesday that proposed UK rules governing its App Store would amount to price regulation, arguing that plans to loosen its control over in-app payments could undermine innovation and investment.
In a submission to Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the iPhone maker said proposed "steering" requirements would go beyond promoting competition and give the regulator a "highly intrusive" role in managing its business.
Key Details
- The CMA's consultation, which closed on Monday, is part of its efforts to boost competition and consumer choice.
- Proposed measures would allow app developers to direct users to payment options outside Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store.
- Any fees charged for such steering would be required to be fair and reasonable.
Apple's Position
Apple stated that the App Store facilitated more than £46.5 billion ($61.8 billion) in UK billings and sales in 2025, with commissions accounting for less than 3.5% of the total. The company added that there was no evidence changes to its payment model would lower prices for consumers.
"Under the (consultation), the CMA would not only regulate Apple's prices, but also restrict the products and services for which Apple can charge a commission," the company said in its submission.
Industry Response
Gene Burrus, global policy counsel for the Coalition for App Fairness—which has long campaigned for restrictions on Apple and Google app store practices—said Apple's arguments overlooked the barriers developers face.
"Apple is using its position as the dominant platform gatekeeper to give itself unfair and unwarranted competitive advantages," Burrus said.
Background
- Apple has previously said developers already have multiple ways to transact with users outside its platform.
- The CMA consultation is part of Britain's new digital markets regime, which gives the watchdog powers to impose tailored requirements on companies designated as having "strategic market status."
- Apple and Google were designated under the regime last year.
($1 = 0.7521 pounds)
Reporting by Sam Tabahriti. Editing by Mark Potter.
Source
Yahoo FinanceWestern
Part of this Story
Apple says UK App Store proposal amounts to price regulation