United Kingdom: Competition and Markets Authority opened consultation on proposed commitments by Apple to improve fairness in app store processes and enhance iOS interoperability

On 10 February 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opened a consultation on proposed commitments by Apple intended to improve certainty, transparency, and fairness for United Kingdom businesses dependent on app stores, until 3 March 2026. The package covers app review and app ranking, requiring fair, objective, and transparent processes and non-discrimination against competing apps, and covers safeguards for developer app data gathered during app review, including commitments not to use the data unfairly. It also introduces a process for developers to request interoperable access to features and functionality within iOS and iPadOS, with commitments to consider requests fairly and objectively. The CMA will monitor implementation and report publicly using metrics on review outcomes and timings, complaints and outcomes, and interoperability requests, outcomes, and timeliness. The proposals are described as the first changes secured following the strategic market status (SMS) designation in October last year, with formal conduct requirements indicated if implementation is ineffective, and the commitments are stated to take effect from 1 April 2026, subject to views.