Apple and Google may be forced to make changes to their mobile platforms as current rules could be “limiting innovation and competition”, a UK watchdog has found.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the two tech giants had substantial and entrenched market power with their platforms.

It confirmed they were given so-called “strategic market status”, which is designated to the largest and most powerful businesses.

The decision means the regulator can choose to intervene to open them up to more competition that it says will benefit consumers and businesses.

Around 90% to 100% of UK mobile devices run on Apple or Google’s mobile platforms, according to the CMA.

People are unlikely to switch between the two devices, remaining either an Apple or Android user, it found.

The

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