Competition in the Mobile App Ecosystem

Mobile apps have become an essential tool for participation in much of daily life. Given both the growing importance of mobile apps and the need to promote innovation in this space, President Biden called for a study of the ecosystem along with recommendations for improving competition, reducing barriers to entry and maximizing the benefits for consumers as part of a 2021 Executive Order on competition.

NTIA undertook an extensive investigation of the competitive conditions in the mobile app ecosystem, including consultation with a diverse array of stakeholders – private industry, civil society and academia. As one element of this consultation, the agency reviewed more than 150 comments filed in response to a request for public feedback on the app ecosystem in April 2022.

NTIA’s “Competition in the Mobile Application Ecosystem” report found the current ecosystem is not a level playing field, which is harmful to developers and consumers. The report recommends policy changes to improve the ecosystem. 

The measures identified in the report will help open the app ecosystem to greater competition, innovation and potential benefits for users and developers.