Investigation into Apple AppStore
The CMA investigated Apple’s conduct in relation to the distribution of apps on iOS and iPadOS devices in the UK, in particular, the terms and conditions governing app developers’ access to Apple’s App Store.
Case timetable
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 21 August 2024 | Case closed on the grounds of administrative priorities |
| March 2022 to August 2024 | Further CMA analysis and review |
| March 2022 | Decision taken to proceed with investigation |
| March 2021 to February 2022 | Initial investigation: information gathering, including issue of formal or informal information requests. CMA analysis and review of information gathered. |
| 3 March 2021 | Investigation opened |
Change log
The case timetable was extended a number of times after it was first published.
| Date of change | Reason for change | Change made to timetable |
|---|---|---|
| 28 June 2024 | Additional time required | Further CMA analysis and review extended from June 2024 to August 2024 |
| 7 May 2024 | Additional time required | Further CMA analysis and review extended from April 2024 to June 2024 |
| 29 February 2024 | Additional time required | Further CMA analysis and review extended from February 2024 to April 2024 |
| 19 December 2023 | Additional time required | Further CMA analysis and review extended from December 2023 to February 2024 |
| 19 October 2023 | Additional time required | Further CMA analysis and review extended from October 2023 to December 2023 |
| August 2023 | Additional time required | Further CMA analysis and review extended from July 2023 to October 2023 |
| June 2023 | Additional time required | Further CMA analysis and review extended from May 2023 to July 2023 |
| 10 March 2023 | Additional time required | Further CMA analysis and review extended from January 2023 to May 2023 |
| 31 October 2022 | Additional time required | Analysis and review of information gathered extended from October 2022 to January 2023 |
| 2 December 2021 | Further evidence gathering and analysis | Initial investigation: information gathering, including issue of formal or informal information requests. CMA analysis and review of information gathered extended from November 2021 to February 2022 |
| 30 September 2021 | Ongoing evidence gathering | Initial investigation: information gathering, including issue of formal or informal information requests. CMA analysis and review of information gathered extended from September 2021 to November 2021 |
Case closure
21 August 2024: The CMA closed its Competition Act 1998 investigation into Apple’s conduct in relation to the distribution of apps on iOS and iPadOS devices in the UK on administrative priority grounds.
The reasons for closing the investigation are set out in the CMA’s case closure statement.
Case information
3 March 2021: the CMA launched an investigation under Chapter II of the Competition Act 1998 into suspected breaches of competition law by Apple. The investigation concerns Apple’s conduct in relation to the distribution of apps on iOS and iPadOS devices in the UK, in particular, the terms and conditions governing app developers’ access to Apple’s App Store.
- Press release: CMA investigates Apple over suspected anti-competitive behaviour (4.3.21)
Notes
- The investigation is under Chapter II of the Competition Act 1998.
- The CMA has not reached a view as to whether there is sufficient evidence of an infringement of competition law for it to issue a statement of objections to any party under investigation. Not all cases result in the CMA issuing a statement of objections.
- The CMA will consider any representations it receives before any decision is taken as to whether competition law has in fact been infringed.
- Further detail of the CMA’s procedures in Competition Act 1998 cases is available in CMA8.
- Changes to the timing of original entries in the case timetable will be made if the estimated timing changes.
Contacts
- Assistant Director: Nicholas Scola, Nicholas.Scola@cma.gov.uk
- Assistant Director: Amanda Adams, Amanda.Adams@cma.gov.uk
- Project Director: Geoff Steadman, Geoff.Steadman@cma.gov.uk
- Senior Responsible Officer: Ann Pope, Ann.Pope@cma.gov.uk
Updates to this page
Last updated 21 August 2024 + show all updates
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Case closure statement published.
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Case timetable and change log updated.
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Case timetable and change log updated
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Case timetable and change log updated
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Case timetable updated.
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Case timetable and changelog updated
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Case timetable and changelog updated
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Case timetable update published.
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Case timetable update published.
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Change to case timetable published.
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Update to case timetable published.
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First published.