United Kingdom: Competition and Markets Authority published Apple's commitments on app distribution

On 23 April 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published Apple's commitments on application (app) distribution and interoperable access. Apple committed to a series of obligations to the CMA concerning the operation of its app store and iOS and iPadOS platforms, covering app review, app store search, use of third-party developer data, and interoperability. The commitments apply to UK-based app developers and require Apple to conduct app reviews fairly, objectively, and transparently, with the app review team operating independently from teams responsible for Apple's own apps and services, and a target of completing 90% of reviews within 24 hours. Apple must ensure its app store search algorithm prioritises user engagement and app quality without favouring first-party apps, and must not use non-public developer data submitted during App Review to compete with third-party developers. Apple is also required to additionally launch a dedicated interoperability feedback channel through which eligible UK developers may submit requests for access to iOS and iPadOS functionality, with responses due within four weeks. Across all four areas, Apple must publish annual transparency reports and public attestations of compliance, maintain dedicated complaints channels, and submit confidential bi-annual compliance reports to the CMA, with the first reports covering the period from 1 January 2026.