An independent inquiry group in the British Competition and Markets Authority on Friday recommended an investigation into Apple and Google over their dominance of mobile web browsers and apps in the country.

A UK inquiry has found that Apple’s policies are "holding back innovation in the browsers we use to access the web on mobile phones."

Apple and Google aren't giving consumers a genuine choice of mobile web browsers, a British watchdog said Friday in a report that recommends they face an investigation under new U.K. digital rules taking effect next year.

Apple could be holding back innovation in smartphone browsers, according to a British regulatory report, which recommended that Apple's and Google's duopoly in mobile ecosystems should be investigated with its new powers.

Preliminary investigation finds a lack of fairness and choice of mobile browser on iOS devices like the iPhone is holding back innovation.

The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority said its experts recommended investigating Apple and Google’s dominance in smartphones under the country’s new digital competition rules, alleging the tech giants can manipulate users into choosing their own apps and services over rivals’.

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority’s independent inquiry group recommended the watchdog investigates Apple and Google’s activities in mobile ecosystems.

Apple and Google ‘should face investigation over mobile browser duopoly’ - An initial inquiry has recommended that the UK’s competition regulator investigate the two firms further.