The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated an investigation into the mobile ecosystems of technology giants Apple and Google.

This inquiry comes in light of new digital market regulations designed to promote competition and consumer choice by imposing conduct requirements on firms with strategic market status.

The CMA's investigation will scrutinize Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating systems, as well as the firms' app stores and web browsers installed on mobile devices.

This inquiry aims to determine whether Apple and Google should be assigned a strategic market status, which would oblige them to comply with measures intended to foster greater competition in the sector.

Both companies have significant dominance in the UK mobile device market, with Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android pre-installed on virtually every mobile device sold in the country.

Their app stores and browsers thus hold exclusive or leading positions against third-party products.

The CMA's investigation will focus on the level of competition within and between the mobile ecosystems of Apple and Google, evaluating whether the companies might be leveraging their market power for other activities, and examining any potentially exploitative practices towards third-party app developers.

CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell highlighted the importance of competitive mobile ecosystems for driving innovation and providing consumers with diverse service options.

'More competitive mobile ecosystems could foster new innovations and new opportunities across a range of services that millions of people use, be they app stores, browsers, or operating systems,' she stated.

Apple responded to the investigation, emphasizing its commitment to dynamic markets and the importance of user trust.

An Apple spokesperson remarked that the iOS app economy supports a substantial number of jobs across the UK, facilitating opportunities for developers of all sizes to access users on a reliable platform.

The CMA's investigation follows the resignation of its chairman, Marcus Bokkerink, who stepped down due to strategic differences with the Government.

His position will be filled by Doug Gurr, a former country manager for Amazon UK. Despite the leadership change, government officials have assured that the CMA's independence remains unaffected, focusing on balancing regulatory duties with fostering economic growth.