ACCC sends a warning shot at Apple and Google app stores

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has sent a scathing warning shot at app store providers Apple Inc (NASDAQ: APPL) and Google’s parent, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOGL) today.

App marketplaces were the focus of the competition watchdog’s second Digital Platform Services inquiry interim report. The findings of which were handed out today.

App store duopoly  

The ACCC dug into the competition and consumer concerns surrounding the two key app marketplaces used in Australia: Apple’s App store and Google’s Google Play store. As many smartphone owners would know, these two app marketplaces are the go-to when it comes to downloading an app on your mobile phone in Australia.  

Astoundingly, between the two…