The United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded its investigation into the mobile browser market, finding that Apple and Google's policies are "holding back" competition and innovation. The CMA's report highlights several issues, including Apple's requirement for all browsers on iOS to use its WebKit browser engine, giving Safari preferential access to features, and limitations on in-app browsing.

The investigation also identified concerns with Google's Android mobile ecosystem, particularly the pre-installation of Chrome as the default browser on most devices. While both companies have taken steps to address some of the concerns, the CMA believes more needs to be done to improve competition and choice for consumers.

The CMA's report proposes several remedies to address the issues, including forcing Apple to allow developers to use alternative browser engines on iOS, requiring Apple and Google to offer a browser choice screen during device setup, and prohibiting the revenue-sharing arrangements between the two companies. These suggestions are currently unenforceable, but that could change in the coming months.

In a related development, the CMA has launched separate investigations into Apple and Google's mobile ecosystems to determine whether they should be designated as having strategic market status (SMS) under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC). If designated as SMS, the companies could be subject to stricter antitrust requirements and fines of up to 10% of their annual turnover for non-compliance.

The CMA's investigation is significant, as it highlights the need for greater competition and innovation in the mobile browser market. The proposed remedies, if implemented, could lead to more choices and better services for consumers. The ongoing SMS investigations into Apple and Google's mobile ecosystems will be closely watched, as they could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry.

The CMA's Chair, Margot Daly, stated, "Following our in-depth investigation, we have concluded that competition between different mobile browsers is not working well, and this is holding back innovation in the UK. I welcome the CMA's prompt action to open strategic market status investigations into both Apple and Google's mobile ecosystems."

The investigation's findings and proposed remedies are likely to spark a lively debate about the role of tech giants in shaping the mobile browser market. As the CMA continues to scrutinize Apple and Google's practices, the industry will be watching closely to see how this unfolds and what implications it may have for consumers and businesses alike.