Google and Apple formally face UK probe over mobile browser duopoly

• The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is officially looking into Google and Apple's mobile web browser dominance.
• Apple's App Store practices that supposedly restrict cloud gaming are also being investigated.
• The CMA is expected to conclude its market investigation within 18 months.

The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority has launched a probe into the possibility of a market duopoly by the two companies, reinforcing concerns that their practices need government intervention.

The UK's competition watchdog consulted on launching a probe into the duopoly of both companies. There are concerns that Apple and Google have exercised a stranglehold over the market.

The consultation resulted in substantial support for a full investigation into how Apple restricts cloud gaming through its App Store and how Apple dominates the mobile browser market. Browser vendors, web developers, and cloud gaming service providers received most of the responses.

Apple's restrictions have caused web developers to deal with additional costs in fixing bugs and glitch when building web pages. Apple did not reply immediately.

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Sarah Cardell said that many UK businesses and web developers feel that they are being held back by restrictions set by Apple and Google. The new Digital Markets regime is expected to address these issues.

Almost all of the UK's mobile web browsing took place on either of the two browsers. Regulators are worried that market restrictions will make it harder to develop innovative new apps for mobile phones and tablets.

"Android gives people a greater choice of apps and app stores than any other mobile platform," a representative from the search engine company said. It allows developers to choose the browser engine they want, and has been the launch pad for millions of apps.

Apple and Google have argued that there needs to be restrictions on their use. Building thriving, open platforms that empower consumers and help developers build successful businesses is one of the commitments of the search giant.

Tech giants' hold on mobile browsers is expected to be loosened by the probe. Within 18 months, the investigation is expected to be concluded.

Changes to the tech titans' operations could take years before regulators are able to implement them. The investigation is a good starting point.