London, February 10, 2026 — The UK Competition and Markets Authority has secured commitments from Apple and Google aimed at improving fairness, transparency, and certainty in app store processes, marking the first changes following the companies’ designation under the UK’s digital markets regime.
The commitments are intended to deliver immediate improvements for thousands of UK developers that rely on app stores to reach customers. They address app review procedures, app ranking, data collection practices, and, in Apple’s case, access to interoperable features within iOS and iPadOS.
App Store Fairness Measures
Under the proposed commitments, Apple and Google will ensure apps are reviewed and ranked in a fair, objective and transparent manner and will not discriminate against apps that compete with their own services. The companies also committed to safeguarding data collected during app review and not using that data unfairly.
The CMA said it will monitor implementation closely, with Apple and Google required to provide metrics on app approvals, rejections, appeals, review timelines and complaints.
The measures follow the CMA’s October designation of both companies with strategic market status in mobile platforms, after finding an effective duopoly in the UK, with around 90–100% of mobile devices running on Apple or Google systems.
Interoperability Commitments
Apple has additionally committed to improving how developers request interoperable access to iOS and iPadOS features, which the authority described as a step change in certainty for businesses developing innovative products.
Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: “Following designation of Apple and Google’s mobile platforms in October last year, the CMA has moved swiftly to secure a package of commitments from Apple and Google that will boost the UK’s app economy, giving developers the opportunity and confidence they need to invest and innovate.”
She added that the regime’s flexibility allows concerns to be addressed quickly without a lengthy formal process.
The CMA is consulting on the commitments until March 3, 2026. Subject to feedback, they are expected to take effect on April 1, 2026. The authority said further measures related to app distribution terms and digital wallet competition are under development.
