Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) have agreed to introduce changes to their mobile app marketplaces aimed at improving fairness and transparency for developers, Britain’s competition watchdog said on Tuesday.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the undertakings mark an important early move under its strengthened regulatory framework.
As part of the commitments, both companies will adopt app review processes that are fair, objective and transparent, according to the CMA.
The changes will also give developers greater ability to request access to additional Apple iOS functionalities, enabling them to build rival services — including in areas such as digital wallets and live translation tools — that compete more directly with Apple’s own offerings.