AEC, the CMA must demonstrate the conduct in question results in the purported harm to consumers,” it continues. “In fact, the CMA’s proposed remedies threaten to degrade the robust iOS security and privacy protections and performance enhancements that Apple has created.”
Apple claims that there is already sufficient competition in mobile browsers on iOS. It says that both developers and users are satisfied with the current situation.
What happens next
The CMA has now published its summary of Apple’s position, plus Apple’s filings, and also similar ones from Google, which also question the legality of the regulator’s findings. The regulator has not as yet published a final report.
It is due to do so, however. According to its own administrative timetable, the CMA should publish a final report in February or March 2025.
The timetable then lists what it calls a statutory deadline of March 16, 2025. It’s not clear yet what will happen immediately after this, because in certain investigations, the CMA has the ability to extend its consultation period.
Apple’s arguments that everything should be left as it appear reasonable. Its longstanding claim that harm to security and privacy will come from remedies such as allowing third-party app stores as the EU, are true.
Nonetheless, the UK could ultimately see third-party stores being required if the CMA chooses not to recognize the arguments against it.
