Apple Fails to Block UK Antitrust Investigation – What’s Next?
After a decision to halt the investigation was overturned by London judges, Apple Inc. now confronts a renewed and comprehensive investigation into its control over mobile browsers and cloud gaming.
The Competition and Markets Authority acted legally when it ordered a market investigation into the iPhone maker, judges at London’s Appeal Court ruled on Thursday. They said the antitrust court’s decision to overturn it would have had “serious consequences” for the UK agency’s powers.
In March, the regulator fought a Competition Appeal Tribunal decision to suspend its market investigation into the US firm’s market power. Apple had argued that the CMA did not follow procedural rules regarding timings, rendering the test invalid.
“We launched this research over a year ago to ensure that UK consumers get the best services and apps on their mobile phones and that UK developers can invest in innovative new apps,” said Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA.
The agency’s market research is pending Apple’s possible appeals to the UK Supreme Court.
The CMA had originally launched its investigation into the dominance of Apple and Google owner Alphabet Inc in the mobile browser market after a separate investigation found they had a “vicious grip” on mobile device operating systems, app stores and web browsers. Alphabet was not involved in the lawsuit.
An Apple spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
