Apple Agrees to Fairer App Store Rankings and Improved iOS Access in the UK

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has secured a package of commitments from Apple and Google designed to improve fairness and transparency for app developers. The regulator announced today that the tech giants have agreed to change how they review apps, rank search results, and handle requests for access to their operating systems.



Under the proposed terms, Apple has agreed to make its App Store review process more objective and transparent. A key part of the agreement addresses long-standing complaints about ranking bias. Apple has committed not to discriminate against third-party apps that compete with its own services, such as Spotify competing with Apple Music, and will not apply preferential treatment to its own apps in search results or rankings.


The agreement also tackles the issue of data usage. Apple is now required to safeguard the information it gathers from developers during the app review process, ensuring that this data is not used to gain an unfair competitive advantage. This responds to developer concerns that information submitted during app review could be used to inform competing Apple features.

Beyond store mechanics, the commitments promise a shift in how developers access the iPhone's underlying technology. The CMA outlined a new requirement for Apple to allow developers to request interoperable access to features within iOS and iPadOS more easily. Apple has agreed to consider these requests fairly and objectively, giving businesses more certainty when investing in new product features. This creates a framework similar to one Apple recently implemented in Japan, where it established a formal process for developers to request interoperability with core iOS technologies.

To ensure Apple and Google comply with the commitments, the CMA is implementing a strict monitoring system. The companies will be required to provide regular reports on specific metrics, including app review turnaround times, rejection rates, and the outcomes of interoperability requests. Sarah Cardell, the CMA's Chief Executive, said the commitments allow the regulator to move faster on the issues it has identified. However, the regulator warned that if the companies fail to implement the changes effectively, it will move swiftly to impose formal conduct requirements.

This announcement comes as Apple faces increased regulatory pressure in the UK. The company lost a landmark lawsuit last year regarding unfair App Store fees and continues to face scrutiny over its control of the mobile ecosystem. While today's proposal focuses on app store processes, the CMA confirmed it is continuing work on other measures, specifically looking at ensuring fair access to digital wallets for fintech companies.


The CMA is consulting on the proposed commitments until March 3, 2026. Subject to feedback, the new rules are expected to take effect on April 1, 2026.