The Competition and Markets Authority is consulting on new conduct requirements for Apple and Google under the UK digital markets competition regime. 

The proposed requirements would remove restrictions currently preventing UK app developers from ‘steering’ their customers away from Apple and Google’s platforms for payment.

‘Steering’ – the ability for developers to engage with customers about off‑platform options – is currently banned by Apple and restricted by Google in the UK. 

Lifting these constraints, the CMA says, would allow developers to bypass mandatory fees set by platforms.

The CMA also said that after hearing concerns from businesses that Apple’s high fees and strict terms prevented access to near field communication (NFC) functionality, it is designing a potential requirement to allow access for developers.