United Kingdom, Oct. 22 -- The UK's competition watchdog has formally designated Apple and Google as possessing "strategic market status" (SMS) under the country's new Digital Markets Competition Regime.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed that both companies meet the legal threshold for SMS designation across their mobile operating systems, app stores, and browsers, including Apple's iOS and Safari, and Google's Android and Chrome.

As a result of the finding, regulators will be allowed to impose stricter oversight on how the tech giants operate their mobile ecosystems.

The decision follows months of consultation with more than 150 stakeholders, including developers, device makers, and consumer groups.

Will Hayter, E...