United Kingdom, July 23 -- Apple and Google could face stricter regulations in the UK after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) concluded that the two tech giants hold an "effective duopoly" in the smartphone ecosystem.

According to the CMA, the companies' dominant positions in mobile operating systems, app stores, and web browsers limit competition and give them extensive control over consumer choice and pricing.

The regulator said its findings could lead to "binding conduct requirements" for both companies under the UK's new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.

Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA, said: "Apple and Google's hold over mobile ecosystems means they can dictate the terms that app developers and device makers ...