Mobile browsers and cloud gaming
Source: gov.uk (2025-03-12)

The CMA carried out a market investigation in respect of the supply of mobile browsers and browser engines, and the distribution of cloud gaming services through app stores on mobile devices in the UK.

Administrative timetable

Market investigation

Final report

12 March 2025: The CMA has published its final decision report in its market investigation into mobile browsers and cloud gaming. It has found competition concerns in relation to mobile browsers and has issued its final decision confirming its recommendation.
- Summary of final decision (PDF, 613KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d0133cd107f3a16e0287a5/Summary_of_final_decision.pdf) (12.3.25)
- Press notice: Final report into mobile browsers and cloud gaming published (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/final-report-into-mobile-browsers-and-cloud-gaming-published) (12.3.25)
- Final decision report (PDF, 1.9MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d1abd1a005e6f9841a1d94/Final_decision_report1.pdf) (12.3.25)
- Appendix A: Browser comparison (PDF, 783KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d1abf60f8734b8791a1da1/Appendix_A_-_browser_comparison_1.pdf) (12.3.25)
- Appendix B: Google’s agreements with OEMs and their impact on Android choice architecture (PDF, 344KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d1ac36a005e6f9841a1d95/Appendix_B_-_Google_OEM_Agreements_1.pdf) (12.3.25)
- Appendix C: Consumer behaviour in the mobile browser markets: Methodological assessment of CMA research and other research (PDF, 455KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d1ae790f8734b8791a1da3/Appendix_C_-_Consumer_behaviour_in_the_mobile_browser_markets_1.pdf) (12.3.25)
- Appendix D: Remedies not taken forward in this market investigation (PDF, 629KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d1acbc830cc78f825c3307/Appendix_D_-_Remedies_not_taken_forward_1.pdf) (12.3.25)
- Appendix E: Terms of reference (PDF, 147KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d1ad06a005e6f9841a1d98/Appendix_E_-_Terms_of_Reference_1.pdf) (12.3.25)
- Glossary (PDF, 305KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d1ad540c569e0d48fb0a60/Glossary_of_Terms_1.pdf) (12.3.25)
Provisional decision report response hearing summaries
- Summary of PDR response hearing with Apple (PDF, 139KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67b5a3e0b56d8b0856c2fea2/apple_pdr_response_hearing_summary.pdf) (19.2.25)
- Summary of PDR response hearing with Google (PDF, 162KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67b5a3fb4e79a175a4c2feae/google_pdr_response_hearing_summary.pdf) (19.2.25)
Provisional findings

22 November 2024: The CMA has published its provisional decision in its market investigation into mobile browsers and cloud gaming. We have provisionally found competition concerns in the mobile browsers market.

The deadline for submitting responses to the provisional findings was 5pm on Friday 13 December 2024.
- Summary of provisional decision (PDF, 638KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f2d334ebce30ac7baf035/Summary_of_provisional_decision.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Provisional decision report (PDF, 8.2MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67406fe502bf39539bdee865/Provisional_decision_report2.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Appendix A: Comparison of browser and browser engine outcomes (PDF, 758KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f2d992ff787d4e01b09ce/appendix_a_-_browser_comparison.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Appendix B: Google’s agreements with device manufacturers and their impact on Android choice architecture (PDF, 315KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f2dc22ff787d4e01b09cf/1._appendix_b_-_google_oem_agreements.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Appendix C: Consumer behaviour in the mobile browser market: Methodological assessment of CMA and other research (PDF, 350KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f2de34a6dd5b06db95a90/appendix_c_-_consumer_behaviour_in_mobile_market.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Glossary (PDF, 191KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f2dfd4ebce30ac7baf037/Glossary.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Notice of provisional findings (PDF, 151KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f635659aab43310b95aea/Notice_of_provisional_findings1.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Press notice: CMA publishes provisional findings in Mobile Browser and Cloud Gaming market investigation (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-publishes-provisional-findings-in-mobile-browsers-and-cloud-gaming-market-investigation) (22.11.24)
Responses to the provisional decision report
- ACT (PDF. 101KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f879d8ef66f3f5ea39813/ACT.pdf) (9.1.25)
- Apple (PDF, 1.9MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f87c3d721a08c006655c6/Apple.pdf) (9.1.25)
- BT Group (PDF, 138KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677fa3f899c93b7286a3982c/BT_Group.pdf) (9.1.25)
- DuckDuckGo (PDF, 81KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f87d96f01ae28ab5c0528/DuckDuckGo.pdf) (9.1.25)
- Ecosia (PDF, 174KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f87ed8ef66f3f5ea39814/Ecosia.pdf) (9.1.25)
- Eyeo (PDF, 314KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f87ff8ef66f3f5ea39815/Eyeo.pdf) (9.1.25)
- Google (PDF, 915KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f8814d119b345376655d1/Google.pdf) (9.1.25)
- Meta (PDF, 107KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f882499c93b7286a39810/Meta.pdf) (9.1.25)
- MobileUK (PDF, 232KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f8839d721a08c006655c7/Mobile_UK.pdf) (9.1.25)
- Movement for an Open Web (PDF, 903KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f885c99c93b7286a39811/MOW.pdf) (9.1.25)
- Mozilla (1 of 2) (PDF, 191KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f88c8d721a08c006655c8/Mozilla.pdf) (9.1.25)
- Mozilla (2 of 2) (PDF, 162KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f88dd22a085c5ff5c04f2/Mozilla2.pdf) (9.1.25)
- OEM (PDF, 201KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f88f022a085c5ff5c04f3/OEM.pdf) (9.1.25)
- Open Web Advocacy (PDF, 2.9MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f89078ef66f3f5ea39816/OWA.pdf) (9.1.25)
- Vivaldi (PDF, 47KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f89248ef66f3f5ea39817/Vivaldi.pdf) (9.1.25)
Hearing summaries
- Summary of hearing with Apple (PDF, 122KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f354dad6a5d7d2b1b0a00/Summary_of_hearing_with_Apple.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Summary of hearing with Google (PDF, 127KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f3561ad6a5d7d2b1b0a01/Summary_of_hearing_with_Google.pdf) (22.11.24)
Progress update
- Progress update on the Mobile Browsers and Cloud Gaming Market investigation (PDF, 126KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/667d19a697ea0c79abfe4cd8/Progress_update_on_the_Mobile_Browsers_and_Cloud_Gaming_Market_investigation.pdf) (27.6.24)
Working papers
- WP1: Nature of competition in the supply of mobile browsers and browser engines (PDF, 806KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/667d30ae7d26b2be17a4b3e1/Working_paper_1_Nature_of_competition_in_the_supply_of_mobile_browsers_and_browser_engines.pdf) (27.6.24)
- WP1: Glossary of terms (PDF, 109KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/667d1a574ae39c5e45fe4cfc/Working_paper_1_Glossary_of_terms.pdf) (27.6.24)
- WP2: The requirement for browsers operating on iOS devices to use Apple’s WebKit browser engine (PDF, 669KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/667d2f0caec8650b100900c0/WP2_-_The_requirement_for_browsers_operating_on_iOS_devices_to_use_Apple_s_WebKit_browser_engine_1.pdf) (27.6.24)
- WP2 Appendix: Comparison of browser and browser engine outcomes (PDF, 652KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/667d222497ea0c79abfe4cdd/Working_paper_2_Appendix_Comparison_of_browser_and_browser_engine_outcomes.2.pdf) (27.6.24)
- WP2: Glossary of terms (PDF, 114KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/667d1a977d26b2be17a4b3cf/Working_paper_2_Glossary_of_terms.pdf) (27.6.24)
- WP3: Access to browser functionalities within the iOS and Android mobile ecosystems (PDF, 410KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/667d31fa7d26b2be17a4b3e2/Working_paper_3_Access_to_browser_functionalities_within_the_iOS_and_Android_mobile_ecosystems.pdf) (27.6.24)
WP3: Glossary of terms (PDF, 108KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/667d1ab65b0d63b556a4b3e2/Working_paper_3_Glossary_of_terms.pdf) (27.6.24)
- WP4: In-app browsing within the iOS and Android mobile ecosystems (PDF, 1.3GB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/668807ac7541f54efe51ba6c/WP4_-_In-app_browsing_within_the_iOS_and_Android_mobile_ecosystems.pdf) (5.7.24)
WP4: Glossary of terms (PDF, 136KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6687baef899a6f92e5d9cd47/WP4_-_Glossary_of_Terms__3_.pdf) (5.7.24)
- WP5: The role of choice architecture on competition in the supply of mobile browsers (PDF, 2.9GB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/669111d949b9c0597fdafbbb/WP5_-_The_role_of_choice_architecture_on_competition_in_the_supply_of_mobile_browsers.pdf) (5.7.24)
WP5: Glossary of terms (PDF, 144KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6687b5104a94d44125d9cd10/WP5_-_Glossary_of_terms.pdf) (5.7.24)

WP6: Cloud gaming services, nature of competition and requirements for native apps on mobile devices (PDF, 639KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6687b9fd899a6f92e5d9cd46/WP6_-_Cloud_gaming_services__nature_of_competition_and_requirements_for_native_apps_on_mobile_devices.pdf) (5.7.24)

WP6: Glossary of terms (PDF, 114KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6687ba724a94d44125d9cd1b/WP6_-_Glossary_of_terms.pdf) (5.7.24)
- WP7: Potential remedies (PDF, 751KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66b484020808eaf43b50dea8/Working_paper_7_Potential_Remedies_8.8.24.pdf) (8.8.24)
- WP7: Glossary of terms (PDF, 126KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66b47db6ce1fd0da7b593497/Working_paper_7_Glossary_of_terms.pdf) (8.8.24)
The CMA welcomed comments on WP1 to WP6 until 29 July 2024, as well as on WP7 until 29 August 2024.

Responses to working papers
- Apple response to WP1 to WP5 (PDF, 1.5MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6c524c52d5fb4c82ddd65/2024-08-01_Apple_Response_to_Working_Papers_1_to_5_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Apple response to WP6 (PDF, 338KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6c53fc52d5fb4c82ddd66/2024-08-07_Apple_Response_to_Working_Paper_6_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Apple response to WP7 (PDF, 316KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f2ec659aab43310b95a84/Apple_-_WP7_response.pdf) (22.11.24)
- ACT response to WP1, WP2 and WP3 (PDF, 112KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6c55c9084b18b95709f05/240722_ACT_response_-_WP_1_2_3_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- ACT response to WP4, WP5 and WP6 (PDF, 84KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6c5725187a43f682ddd5e/240729_ACT_response_-_WP_4_5_6_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- ACT response to WP7 (PDF, 57KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f2ea5b3f0df6d2ebaf052/ACT_-_WP7_response.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Anonymous response to WP1, WP2 and WP3 (PDF, 87KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6c58a9084b18b95709f06/Anonymous_WP_1__2___3_-_publication_version.pdf) (3.9.24)
- DuckDuckGo response to WP5 (PDF, 87KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6c5a1c52d5fb4c82ddd68/DuckDuckGo_WP_5_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- DuckDuckGo response to WP7 (PDF, 316KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f33ee4a6dd5b06db95a93/DuckDuckGo_-_WP7_response.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Ecosia response to WP1, WP2 and WP3 (PDF, 120KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6c5b76eb664e57141db5b/Ecosia_WP_1__2___3_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Ericsson response to WP6 (PDF, 407KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66deb1a0608fb761b681121b/Ericsson_WP_6_-_to_be_published.pdf) (9.9.24)
- Eyeo response to WP3 (PDF, 516KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d03c6eb664e57141db6a/Eyeo_WP_3_response_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Gener8 response to WP7 (PDF, 161KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f340fb3f0df6d2ebaf058/Gener8_-_WP7_response.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Google response to WP1 (PDF, 931KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d050c52d5fb4c82ddd79/Google_-__WP1_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Google response to WP2 (PDF, 93KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d0639084b18b95709f12/Google_-_WP2_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Google response to WP3 (PDF, 107KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d0736eb664e57141db6b/Google_-_WP3_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Google response to WP4 (PDF, 524KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d084c52d5fb4c82ddd7a/Google_-_WP_4_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Google response to WP5 (PDF, 1.4MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d095c52d5fb4c82ddd7b/Google_-_WP5_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Google response to WP6 (PDF, 100KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d0a6701781e1b341db65/Google_-_WP6_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Google response to WP7 (PDF, 530KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f34334a6dd5b06db95a94/Google_-_WP7_response.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Meta response to WP4 (PDF, 273KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d0b9c63bb34da0709f1c/Meta_WP_4_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Meta response to WP7 (PDF, 157KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f344e2ff787d4e01b09d5/Meta_-_WP7_response.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Microsoft response to WP6 (PDF, 238KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d0d19084b18b95709f13/Microsoft_WP_6_Redacted_version_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED__1_.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Microsoft response to WP7 (PDF, 164KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f34632ff787d4e01b09d6/Microsoft_-_WP7_response.pdf) (22.11.24)
- MOW response to WP1 (PDF, 452KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d0f39084b18b95709f14/MOW_WP_1_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- MOW response to WP2 (PDF, 855KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d104c52d5fb4c82ddd7c/MOW_WP_2_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- MOW response to WP3 (PDF, 676KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d119c63bb34da0709f1d/MOW_WP_3_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- MOW response to WP4 (PDF, 12MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d1356eb664e57141db6c/MOW_WP_4_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- MOW response to WP5 (PDF, 484KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d147701781e1b341db66/MOW_WP_5_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- MOW response to WP6 (PDF, 360KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d15a9084b18b95709f15/MOW_WP_6_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- MOW response to WP7 (PDF, 633KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f34774ebce30ac7baf039/MOW_-_WP7_response.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Mozilla response to WP1, WP2 and WP3 (PDF, 134KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d175c63bb34da0709f1f/Mozilla__WP_1__2___3_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Mozilla response to WP4 and WP5 (PDF, 131KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d1886eb664e57141db6e/Mozilla_WP_4_5_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Mozilla response to WP7 (PDF, 141KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f348fb3f0df6d2ebaf059/Mozilla_-_WP7_response.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Open letter response (PDF, 601KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d1aa5187a43f682ddd71/Open_letter_-_A_call_for_competitive_and_fair_market_conditions_for_mobile_browser_extensions_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- OWA response to WP1 to WP6 (PDF, 22MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d1d5c63bb34da0709f21/OWA_WP_1__2__3__4__5___6_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- OWA response to WP7 (PDF, 340KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f34a3b3f0df6d2ebaf05a/OWA_-_WP7_response.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Samsung response to WP7 (PDF, 289KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f34bb4a6dd5b06db95a95/Samsung_-_WP7_response.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Summary of individial responses to WP7 (PDF, 100KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f3539ad6a5d7d2b1b09ff/Summary_of_individual_WP7_responses.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Vivaldi response to WP7 (PDF, 993KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f34d3b3f0df6d2ebaf05b/Vivaldi_-_WP7_response.pdf) (22.11.24)
- Vodafone response to WP6 (PDF, 254KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d6d1ea6eb664e57141db6f/Vodafone_WP_6_response_-_TO_BE_PUBLISHED.pdf) (3.9.24)
- Vodafone response to WP7 (PDF, 191KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f34ebad6a5d7d2b1b09fe/Vodafone_-_WP7_response.pdf) (22.11.24)
Market investigation recommenced

26 January 2024: Parties can make supplemental submissions on the issues statement (https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/mobile-browsers-and-cloud-gaming#issues-statement) until 23 February 2024.

24 January 2024: The market investigation has now recommenced in accordance a Court of Appeal order dated 30 November 2023. This followed an earlier order by the Competition Appeals Tribunal which had suspended the market investigation from 31 March 2023.

30 November 2023: In a unanimous judgment (available on the National Archives website) (https://caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewca/civ/2023/1445), the Court of Appeal has determined that the CMA’s decision to make a market investigation reference in relation to the market for mobile browsers and cloud gaming was lawful, setting aside the CAT’s judgment of 31 March 2023.

Inquiry group changes

24 January 2024: Robin Foster (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#robin-foster) has stood down from his role in the inquiry group. David Thomas (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#david-thomas) has been appointed to the inquiry group.

Primary research
- Jigsaw web developer qualitative research: full report (PDF, 1.16MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/667d1936aec8650b100900af/Jigsaw_web_developer_qualitative_research_full_report.pdf) (27.6.24)
- Verian consumer research: presentation of key qualitative research findings (PDF, 1.49MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/667d19584ae39c5e45fe4cfb/Verian_consumer_research_presentation_of_key_qualitative_research_findings_.pdf) (27.6.24)
- Verian consumer research: presentation of key survey findings (PDF, 5.4GB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6687bed9541aeb9e928f44f8/Verian_consumer_research_-_presentation_of_key_survey_findings.pdf) (5.7.24)
- Verian consumer research: technical report (PDF, 956KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6687be994a94d44125d9cd26/Verian_consumer_research_-_technical_report.pdf) (5.7.24)
- Verian consumer research: data tables (Excel, 2.9MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6687bf46d9d35187868f44ec/Verian_consumer_research_-_data_tables1.xlsx) (5.7.24)
- Verian consumer research: final report (PDF, 2.8MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66b47c8afc8e12ac3edb0c3e/Verian_Mobile_Browsers_Research_Final_Report.pdf) (8.8.24)
Updated responses to the issues statement
- Apple (PDF, 533KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6617ba00086b9d4398b95b0e/Apple_Non-confidential_Supplemental_Response_to_Issues_Statement_.pdf) (12.4.24)
- Eyeo (PDF, 223KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65f97b99703c42001158ef1b/Eyeos_submission_CMA_issues_statement_23.02.2024.pdf) (20.3.24)
- Google (PDF, 69.0KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65f9737eaa9b76001dfbda43/Google_Response_to_Issues_23.02.2024.pdf) (20.3.24)
- Movement for an Open Web (PDF, 4,33MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65f9739c9316f5001164c27e/MOW_Response_to_Issues_Statement_23.02.2024.pdf) (20.3.24)
- Coalition for Online Data Empowerment (PDF, 238KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65faaad7aa9b76001dfbdb4d/Code_issues_statement_response_23.02.2024.pdf) (20.3.24)
- Gener8 (PDF, 119KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65f973ccaa9b760011fbda3e/Gener8_response_to_the_CMA_Issues_23.02.2024.pdf) (20.3.24)
Market investigation timetable suspended following Competition Appeal Tribunal order and judgment

31 March 2023: The market investigation timetable was suspended with effect from 31 March 2023 following a Competition Appeal Tribunal judgment and order.

Invitation to comment on consumer survey draft questionnaire

15 February 2023: As part of its investigation into mobile browsing and cloud gaming, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) appointed Kantar Public (now Verian) to conduct a quantitative survey of UK consumers who own a smartphone. The below linked Questionnaire notice provides details of the research approach.
- Questionnaire notice (PDF, 104KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63ebbd07d3bf7f62edc8358b/Notice_for_draft_consumer_research_questionnaire__Mobileecosystems.pdf) (15.2.23)
- Draft questionnaire (PDF, 319KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63ecaf3ad3bf7f62edc83591/CMA_Mobile_Web_Browsers_questionnaire.pdf) (15.2.23)
The CMA welcomed comments on the draft questionnaire to be used in the proposed survey by 5.00pm GMT 22 February 2023.

Responses to the issues statement
- App Association (PDF, 71KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e22ee9e90e07626c868577/App_Association.pdf) (7.2.23)
- Apple (PDF, 547KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e22efa8fa8f50e893514f3/Apple_.pdf) (7.2.23)
- Developers Alliance (PDF, 218KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e22f14d3bf7f172f6ce870/Developers_Alliance_.pdf) (7.2.23)
- Gener8 (PDF, 89.9KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e22f278fa8f50e8b8984ae/Gener8.pdf) (7.2.23)
- Google (PDF, 1.41MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e22f38e90e0762692b96d7/Google_.pdf) (7.2.23)
- Individual response: Jesper van den Ende (PDF, 102KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e22f51e90e07626c868579/Jesper_van_den_Ende.pdf) (7.2.23)
- Individual response: Joshua Ryan (PDF, 105KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e22f64e90e07626c86857a/Joshua_Ryan.pdf) (7.2.23)
- Mojeek (PDF, 323KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e22f78e90e07625ea0bc19/Mojeek_Redacted.pdf) (7.2.23)
- Movement for an Open Web (PDF, 3.71MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e22f918fa8f50e87f37e96/Movement_for_an_Open_Web.pdf) (7.2.23)
- Mozilla (1 of 2) (PDF, 191KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/677f88c8d721a08c006655c8/Mozilla.pdf) (7.2.23)
- Open Web Advocacy (PDF, 5.79MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e22fb6e90e0762692b96d8/Open_Web_Advocacy__OWA_.pdf) (7.2.23)
- Vodafone (PDF, 69.9KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e22fcd8fa8f50e8deac203/Vodafone.pdf) (7.2.23)
Issues statement

26 January 2024: Parties can make supplemental submissions on the issues statement until 23 February 2024.

13 December 2022: The issues statement outlines initial theories on what might be affecting competition and potential remedies. It doesn’t set out our findings or conclusions. Parties were invited to provide submissions commenting on the issues and possible remedies. The deadline for submissions on the issues statement was Tuesday 17 January 2023.
- Issues statement (PDF, 293KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63984ce2d3bf7f3f7e762453/Issues_statement_.pdf) (13.12.22)
Invitation to comment on research agencies

1 December 2022: As part of its browsers and cloud gaming market investigation, the CMA intends to carry out research with consumers and web developers. We have identified a number of firms to undertake this research and comments are invited on potential conflicts of interest or any other restriction on the firms’ suitability to carry out the work.
- Agencies invited notice (PDF, 133 KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63877134d3bf7f7371898b30/Invitation_to_comment_on_research_agencies.pdf) (1.12.22)
Consumer research: The central objective for the consumer research is to measure and develop our understanding of consumer behaviour in the mobile browser market, with a particular focus on understanding the drivers of browser choice on smartphone devices. We expect the research will involve both qualitative and quantitative research disciplines and we encourage agencies to propose research methodologies which best address our research objectives.

Web developer research: The central objective for the web developer research is to develop our understanding of the experiences of web developers in relation to browsers and browser engines. We believe qualitative research will be most appropriate for this project but again encourage agencies to propose research approaches which best meet our research objectives.

Inquiry group appointed

22 November 2022: The CMA appointed the inquiry group on 22 November 2022. Margot Daly (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#margot-daly) (Inquiry Chair), Robin Foster (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#robin-foster), Cyrus Mehta (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#cyrus-mehta) and Claire Whyley (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#claire-whyley).

CMA Board advisory steer

22 November 2022: The CMA Board’s advisory steer to the inquiry group can be found below.
- Board advisory steer (PDF, 181KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/637b76478fa8f5771eb23acc/Board_Advisory_Steer_.pdf) (22.11.22)
Terms of reference

22 November 2022: The terms of reference for the CMA’s investigation can be found below.
- Terms of reference (PDF, 87KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/637b657ce90e072848403c97/Terms_of_reference._A.pdf) (22.11.22)
Decision document

22 November 2022: The decision document for the CMA’s investigation can be found below.
- Reference decision (PDF, 251 KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/637b65c0d3bf7f7208f6c709/reference_decision__1_.pdf) (22.11.22)
Case opened

22 November 2022: The CMA has decided to refer the supply of mobile browsers and mobile browser engines, and the distribution of cloud gaming services through app stores on mobile devices (referred to as ‘mobile browsers and cloud gaming’) for an in-depth Phase 2 market investigation.
- Press notice: Investigation into cloud gaming and browsers to support UK tech and consumers (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/investigation-into-cloud-gaming-and-browsers-to-support-uk-tech-and-consumers) (22.11.22)
On 10 June 2022, the CMA published the final report of its market study into mobile ecosystems. In parallel, we launched a consultation on the proposal to make a market investigation reference into the supply of mobile browsers and mobile browser engines, and the distribution of cloud gaming services through app stores on mobile devices (referred to as ‘mobile browsers and cloud gaming’).

The final report of the mobile ecosystems market study can be found on the Mobile ecosystems market study case page (https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/mobile-ecosystems-market-study).

Responses to the consultation for the proposed market investigation

22 November 2022: Responses can be found on Mobile browsers and cloud gaming: Proposal to make a market reference consultation page. (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/mobile-browsers-and-cloud-gaming-proposal-to-make-a-market-reference)

Personal information

The CMA may collect, use and share personal data for its market investigations under the Enterprise Act 2002. This includes processing personal data for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.

For more information about how the CMA handles personal information, see the CMA’s Personal Information Charter (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/competition-and-markets-authority/about/personal-information-charter).

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition issues to xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).