The Japanese Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has reportedly opened a new antitrust investigation against Apple and Google for their continued dominance over mobile operating systems. According to Nikkei Asia, JFTC General Secretary Shuichi Sugahisa announced the investigation on October 6 and has remained static. ”
The research will not be limited to smartphones; Nikkei Asia said the JFTC will also investigate “smartwatches and other wearable devices.” But what interests the Commission the most is why iOS and Android have been able to retain control of the smartphone market for so long.
This is the latest in a series of inquiries and complaints from regulators around the world regarding mobile operating systems and the app stores that depend on them. For example, Apple just completed a JFTC investigation into the App Store’s payment mechanisms just six weeks ago.
Apple, Google, and their respective platforms have also been under scrutiny by lawmakers and regulators in the United States, South Korea, and India in recent months. It seems clear that maintaining an effective duopoly in the mobile operating system market will no longer be overlooked.
