The United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced plans to investigate the mobile ecosystem services of Apple and Google. This investigation will be conducted under the new Digital Markets Competition Regime powers.

Stephen Tulip, who serves as the UK country manager for the App Association, commented on this development. The App Association is an international trade group representing small and medium-sized technology companies and app developers. Tulip stated: “App developers are essential to the mobile ecosystem. Many of our members rely on app stores to reach a global audience and protect user security and privacy, ensuring apps can be installed with confidence.” He emphasized that consumer trust in apps is crucial for startups and smaller developers to compete with established brands.

Tulip further stressed that "the privacy and security of UK citizens cannot be sacrificed." He urged the CMA to consider the perspectives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of which are members of the App Association, as they play a significant role in driving growth and innovation within both the tech sector and broader economy.

The App Association represents entrepreneurs, innovators, and independent developers within the global app ecosystem across various industries. It aims to foster a policy environment that supports innovation while providing resources for its members to secure capital, create jobs, and develop advanced technology.