The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a significant investigation into the mobile ecosystems of tech giants Apple and Google, citing concerns over their market dominance. This move marks a major milestone in the implementation of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA), which came into effect in January.

The DMCCA grants the CMA the power to designate companies as having "strategic market status" (SMS) if they are deemed to be overly dominant in a particular market. This designation enables the regulator to propose remedies and interventions aimed at improving competition. The CMA's investigation into Apple and Google's mobile ecosystems will focus on their respective dominance in areas such as browsers, app stores, and operating systems.

This development comes on the heels of the CMA's announcement last week, in which it launched a probe into Google Search's massive market share, reportedly around 90%. The regulator's decision to investigate Apple and Google's mobile ecosystems is seen as a significant expansion of its efforts to promote competition in the digital market.

The CMA has invited relevant stakeholders to submit comments as part of the investigations, with a three-week period set for feedback. The outcomes of the probe are expected to be announced by October 22, 2025. The regulator's findings could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry, potentially leading to changes in the way Apple and Google operate their mobile ecosystems.

The DMCCA's provisions for digital markets regulation are designed to address concerns over the growing dominance of tech giants in various sectors. By investigating Apple and Google's mobile ecosystems, the CMA is taking a crucial step towards promoting competition and innovation in the digital market. The regulator's efforts are likely to be closely watched by industry stakeholders, policymakers, and consumers alike.

As the CMA's investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what specific remedies and interventions will be proposed to address any competition concerns. However, one thing is clear: the UK's regulator is taking a proactive stance in promoting a more competitive digital market, and its efforts could have significant implications for the tech industry as a whole.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.