Today’s 2-Minute UK AI Brief
23 October 2025
TL;DR — The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has designated Apple and Google with "strategic market status," granting it extensive oversight over their mobile platforms.
Why it matters
- This designation allows the CMA to regulate how Apple and Google operate their app stores, potentially increasing competition in the UK smartphone market.
- It may lead to Apple being compelled to allow rival app stores, enhancing consumer choice and innovation.
- The move reflects ongoing efforts by UK regulators to address the dominance of major tech firms and ensure fair competition.
Explainer
The CMA's recent decision to grant Apple and Google "strategic market status" marks a significant development in the regulation of technology giants in the UK. This new legal label empowers the CMA with broader authority to oversee the operations of these companies, particularly regarding their app stores and platforms. By designating these firms as having strategic market status, the CMA aims to foster a more competitive environment in the smartphone sector, where both Apple and Google currently hold substantial market power. One potential outcome of this designation is that Apple may be required to allow alternative app stores on its devices, which could provide consumers with more options and encourage innovation among developers. This action aligns with the UK government's ongoing strategy to regulate big tech companies and ensure that they do not stifle competition or harm consumers. The implications of this decision could resonate throughout the tech industry, influencing how mobile platforms operate in the UK and potentially setting a precedent for other markets.
Sources: go.theregister.com bbc.com gov.uk theguardian.com