Apple and Google commit to four app store reforms in the UK to ensure fair app reviews, rankings, and data use. Developers gain transparency and better access under CMA‑led changes.
Apple and Google Agree Four App Store Commitments After UK CMA Pressure: What It Means for Developers and Competition
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has successfully secured four key commitments from Apple and Google aimed at making their mobile app marketplaces—the App Store and Google Play Store—more fair, transparent, and developer‑friendly. These commitments are part of the UK’s evolving digital markets regulation and follow concerns about the companies’ dominant position in mobile platform distribution.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the new provisions, how they change app store operations, and why this regulatory step matters for developers, users, and the broader mobile ecosystem.
Background: Strategic Market Status and Regulatory Context
In October 2025 the UK’s competition regulator designated both Apple’s and Google’s mobile platforms as having Strategic Market Status (SMS), a classification triggered under the UK Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. This designation gives the authority enhanced powers to require specific commitments that tackle dominant platform behavior without immediately imposing binding conduct requirements.
Developers and industry observers have long criticized both marketplaces for opaque review processes, unpredictable app ranking systems, and opaque use of developer data. The CMA’s move aims to address these long‑standing concerns.
The Four Commitments in Detail
According to the CMA announcement and industry reporting, Apple and Google agreed to implement the following four commitments to improve fairness and transparency:
1. Fair, Objective, and Transparent App Review Processes
Both companies will ensure that apps submitted for distribution on the App Store and Google Play are reviewed in a consistent and transparent manner—preventing arbitrary decisions and reducing uncertainty for developers. Earlier criticism stemmed from ambiguous rejection reasons and inconsistent criteria.
2. Non‑Discriminatory App Ranking and Visibility
App rankings will be conducted fairly without preferential treatment for the companies’ own applications. This addresses a key developer concern that platform‑owned apps receive undue visibility compared to third‑party competitors.
3. Safeguarding Developer Data
Any data collected during the app review or submission process will be protected and must not be used unfairly to benefit platform‑owned products. This commitment is intended to prevent anti‑competitive advantages derived from sensitive developer insights.
4. Improved iOS Interoperability Access (Apple‑Specific)
Apple has committed to consider requests from developers for interoperable access to iOS and iPadOS features in an objective and transparent way. This could eventually allow developers greater flexibility in building services that might compete more directly with first‑party solutions.
What Developers Will Gain
Under these new commitments:
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Developers can expect more predictable app approvals and rejections, with clearer timelines and outcomes published by both app stores.
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App rankings will be more transparent, helping smaller developers compete on merit rather than platform bias.
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Data collected during the review process will be protected against unfair use, alleviating fears of competitive abuse.
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On Apple’s platform, developers may have more certainty when requesting access to advanced system capabilities.
The CMA is also seeking public feedback on these proposed commitments through March 3, 2026, before they take effect on April 1, 2026. If Apple or Google fail to implement them effectively, the regulator has signaled that formal conduct requirements could be imposed.
Limitations and Ongoing Issues
While the commitments represent a step toward fairness, several core issues remain unresolved:
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App store commission fees of up to 30% charged by both companies were not addressed in the commitments. CMA officials continue to engage on this topic, but no immediate change has been announced.
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Critics argue that the commitments are voluntary and non‑binding initially, potentially limiting their long‑term impact unless monitored and enforced.
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The CMA’s approach is notably more collaborative than the EU’s stricter regulatory stance, which has already resulted in significant fines and mandatory compliance measures.
Why This Matters
These developments signal a shift in how regulators engage with powerful tech platforms. By securing early commitments rather than immediately imposing rigid rules, the UK CMA is trying a flexible enforcement model that aims to yield tangible improvements quickly while retaining the leverage to escalate action if necessary.
For developers around the world, the UK’s action may set a precedent for how app marketplaces evolve, particularly in markets where competition concerns are rising.
FAQs
1. What are the four commitments Apple and Google made to the UK CMA?
Apple and Google have agreed to fair, objective app reviews, transparent rankings, developer data safeguards, and improved interoperability access for iOS apps.
2. Why did the UK CMA push for changes to the App Store and Play Store?
The CMA designated Apple and Google as having strategic market status and sought to improve fairness and transparency for developers in app distribution.
3. When will the new app store commitments take effect in the UK?
The commitments will take effect from April 1, 2026, following a public consultation period ending March 3.
4. Do the commitments address app store commission fees?
No. The commitments do not immediately change the app store commission fees that Apple and Google charge developers.
5. What happens if Apple or Google fail to implement the commitments?
The CMA has stated it may impose formal conduct requirements with penalties if the companies do not fulfill the agreed commitments.
Disclaimer: The content in this article is based on leaks and reported regulatory developments. Final policies and implementation details may vary as they are subject to public consultation and regulatory review.
