Apple is Apparently “Playing Hard Ball” in its Appeal against the Investigation into platform Restrictions being Conducted by the United Kingdom

Apple has appealed a UK competition regulator investigation into the company’s monopoly on mobile browsers and limitations on cloud gaming (via Reuters).

Apple is Apparently "Playing Hard Ball" in its Appeal against the Investigation into platform Restrictions being Conducted by the United Kingdom

In November, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) started investigating Apple and Google’s limitations on mobile browsers and cloud gaming. The CMA has spent nearly a year investigating Apple and Google’s “effective duopoly” that enables the businesses to “exercise a stranglehold over these industries.”

The CMA’s probe should be reviewed and dismissed. Apple’s attorneys argued in a notification sent to the Competition Appeal Tribunal earlier this week, arguing that the agency violated timing standards. With deadlines, the study had to be completed in 18 months. Apple sees a requirement for this timeframe to be properly followed as justification for a complete reevaluation.

Zach Meyers, a computer law specialist, pointed out that the fact that Apple’s complaints are just over formalities “suggests that Apple wants to play hard-ball.” Florian Mueller, an advocate for intellectual property and an app developer, thinks “this appeal might go either way.” If Apple prevails, the CMA might postpone action until the UK’s new digital competition bill enters Parliament next month, which could offer much more regulatory clout and extensive scrutiny.

In its response to Apple’s appeal, the CMA expressed its commitment to defending its position and carrying out the inquiry following the statutory timeline. “We began our investigation,” the CMA said in a statement, “to ensure that UK consumers have a better selection of mobile web services and that UK developers may invest in cutting-edge mobile content and services.”

Apple is Apparently "Playing Hard Ball" in its Appeal against the Investigation into platform Restrictions being Conducted by the United Kingdom

To reach findings and carry out legally enforceable remedies, including orders that call for Apple to make significant changes to its practices, the CMA’s investigation against Apple uses high-level powers to make comprehensive information requests from Apple. On January 24, a preliminary hearing regarding Apple’s appeal will be placed.

Governments worldwide, including those in the United States, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union, are paying closer attention to Apple’s ecosystem. Global regulators are interested in learning big tech positions on App Store policies, app sideloading, and interoperability.

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