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Apple could be required to allow competitors to run separate application platforms on Apple devices across Britain, following a ruling from the market watchdog.

This represents a significant change to Apple's infamous "walled garden" where applications can only be downloaded from the company's official marketplace.

But the Competition and Markets Authority has designated both Apple and Google as having "dominant market position" - indicating they have a lot of power over mobile platforms.

Regulatory Findings

The regulator said the tech firms "could be restricting innovation and market rivalry".

But the regulator clarified it did not "determine or presume wrongdoing" from the companies.

"The app economy generates 1.5% of the UK's GDP and sustains around 400,000 jobs, which is why it's essential these markets work well for enterprises," stated a top executive from the CMA.

Approximately 90-100% of UK mobile devices operate using Apple or Google's operating systems, creating what the authority calls an "virtual monopoly".

According to recent analysis, nearly half of UK mobile owners use an Apple device - which runs the iOS operating system - with the overwhelming bulk of the rest using Google's Android.

Apple's Response

The regulatory probe focused on how prominent Apple and Google's own apps are compared with rivals - as well as their browsers and platform software.

It is unknown what changes the regulator will seek to implement, but earlier it published guidelines detailing potential measures it could take.

These include mandating it to be easier for people to transition between iOS and Android devices, and for both companies to list applications "fairly and openly" in their marketplaces.

Apple particularly may be compelled to allow alternative app stores on its products, and enable people to install apps straight from developer sites.

This would mirror a similar ruling in the EU, which previously imposed measures against Apple for restrictive practices.

The technology firm cautioned the UK could face delays to receiving updates - as has occurred in the European Union - which the company blames on heavy regulation.

For example, some Apple Intelligence features which have been rolled out in other parts of the world are not available in the European market.

"We faces fierce competition in every sector where we do business, and we work tirelessly to create the finest offerings, services and user experience," the company said in a statement.

"Britain's implementation of European regulations would weaken that, resulting in consumers with reduced data protection and safety, delayed access to new features, and a fragmented, less seamless user journey."

Google's Standpoint

Android users can currently use third-party app stores - though critics say they are not as user-friendly as the company's official Play Store.

The CMA's roadmap said Google may have to "change the user experience" of downloading apps directly from websites, as well as "remove user frictions" when using third-party platforms.

"There appears to be no the justification for the current classification," a Google competition lead remarked.

The representative said "the majority" of Google device owners use third-party platforms or install applications straight from a creator's site, and asserted there is a much wider selection of apps available for Google device owners versus those on iOS products.

"There are now 24,000 Android phone models from 1,300 device makers globally, facing intense competition from Apple's platform in the UK," the spokesperson added.

Google's platform is an freely available software, which means creators can utilize and develop on top of it for no cost.

Google argues this means it opens up market competition.

But consumer groups said restrictions on these firms' dominance in other countries "are already helping businesses to develop and giving consumers more options".

"Their dominance is now creating genuine problems by limiting options for consumers and market rivalry for companies," commented a consumer advocate.