Australian antitrust watchdog goes after preinstalled iOS apps

As part of an investigation into app store dominance, namely Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission this week called for the two tech giants to give users more choice when it comes to preinstalled apps.

In an interim report (PDF link), the ACCC voiced concern over Apple and Google's handling of preinstalled apps, reports ZDNet. Specifically, the body notes the two companies, which share an effective mobile operating system duopoly, could prefer their own apps over competing third-party software."There is a need for consumers to have more choice through an ability to change any preinstalled default app on their device that is not a core phone feature," the report reads. "This would provide consumers with more control to choose the app that best meets their needs, and promote more robust competition in downstream markets for apps."

Read more...