08:29 AM EST, 11/22/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Apple ( AAPL ) and Google's ( GOOG ) mobile ecosystem activities should be investigated by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority, according to the provisional findings of the regulator's independent inquiry group published on Friday.

The inquiry provisionally concluded that Apple's ( AAPL ) policies on mobile browsers on iOS devices prevent competitors from offering "new, innovative features that could benefit consumers," the statement said.

Additionally, the group found that a revenue-sharing agreement between Apple ( AAPL ) and Google ( GOOG ) significantly lowers financial incentives to compete in the mobile browser market and that both companies can manipulate user choices to favor their own browsers.

The inquiry group recommended the CMA to investigate Apple ( AAPL ) and Google's ( GOOG ) mobile ecosystem activities under new digital market competition rules, which are set to come into effect next year.

The CMA is inviting comments on its provisional findings by 13 December and expects to make a final decision in March 2025.

Apple ( AAPL ) and Google ( GOOG ) did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires.