The UK competition regulator claimed on Tuesday that Apple and Google hold a “vice-like” grip over how people use smartphones, killing any meaningful choice in the market and potentially hiking costs.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it had provisionally found that the two groups were able to leverage their market power to create largely self-contained ecosystems.
“Apple and Google have developed a vice-like grip over how we use mobile phones and we’re concerned that it’s causing millions of people across the UK to lose out,” CMA Chief Executive Andrea Coscelli said.
The CMA’s report set out a range of options, including making it easier for users to switch between Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android phones without losing functionality or data.
It is also looking at whether users could install apps through methods other than Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store.
MacDailyNews Take: There clearly is choice. You can buy a real iPhone or settle for a pretend iPhone from one of umpteen of Frangamdroid peddlers.
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Purchase is still a CHOICE last I knew.
So consumers have their choice of vice-like grips.
It’s the customer’s choice to use Apple’s highly integrated and cohesive ecosystem of devices and services. Regulators are just trying to justify their jobs with regulation almost no one wants.
Well sad Ken. When they’re not trying to say there isn’t choice (there is and consumer choice whittled it to these choices), they try arguing Apple is a monopoly inside Apple. That craftily worded argument makes headlines and may help political careers but it isn’t going to fly.
Remember this and the other political bluster 2 years from now. Apple will be the same while most politicians will be talking about a brand new bluster or have moved on to being lobbyists.
It’s true, I’ve been kidnapped by Apple and I can’t get away (said with the tempo of, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” from Lifeline pendant commercial).
Though I don’t disagree, can’t say i’m excited about what a ‘UK regulator’ proposes as a solution, as that empire is about as bleeped as a bleep could be, and about as bat**** insane as could be expected in that light. Thanks for stating the obvious, UK. We appreciate it. 🙄