Apple, Google get 'strategic market status' in UK
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) just gave Apple and Google "strategic market status"—basically, official recognition that these two control a huge chunk of the mobile world.
This comes after a months-long investigation in 2025, during which over 150 people and companies weighed in on how these tech giants run their app stores and platforms.
CMA's goal is to ensure effective competition
With this new status, the CMA can step in to encourage more competition—though they're clear it doesn't mean Apple or Google broke any rules.
The CMA worries that strict platform rules could hold back new ideas.
Meanwhile, Apple's worried this might slow down new features for UK users (they mention past delays with things like Apple Intelligence), while Google isn't sure why the move was needed at all.
The CMA says their goal is to ensure effective competition and fairness for everyone who depends on these platforms.