LONDON, Dec. 14 (Reuters) – Google and Apple have strong control over how consumers use their mobile phones, the UK’s competition authority said on Tuesday, fearing less competition and higher prices. costs.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it found after preliminary investigation that the two US groups were able to harness their influence in the marketplace to create largely self-sustaining ecosystems.

“Apple and Google have developed a vise-like control over the way we use mobile phones and we are concerned that millions of people in the UK are losing it,” said Andrea Coscelli, Managing Director of the CMA.

The statement is one more warning after the regulator, with the backing of the UK government, stepped up its oversight over the power of tech giants.

The UK authority presents several alternative options, including making it easy for users to switch from an iOS phone, Apple’s mobile operating system, to a Google Android phone without losing functionality or data.

Apple has claimed that its ecosystems provide security and privacy, allowing third-party companies to sell products and create jobs.

Google did not immediately comment.

The CMA said it would consult on its initial findings. The final report will be published next June. (Report Paul Sandle and Kate Holton, French version Laetitia Volga, edited by Sophie Louet)