By Paul Sandle and Pushkala Aripaka

LONDON, November 22 (Reuters) – Britain’s competition watchdog launched an in-depth investigation into Apple’s and Google’s dominance of mobile browsers on Tuesday.

Responses to inquiries launched in June expressed “substantial support” for a more complete investigation into the matter and whether iPhone maker Apple is restricting cloud gaming through its app store, said the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA, for its English acronym). ).

“Many UK companies and web developers have told us they feel held back by the restrictions imposed by Apple and Google,” Sarah Cardell, CMA’s interim chief executive, said in a statement.

“We plan to investigate whether the concerns we have heard are true and, if so, identify steps to increase competition and innovation in the sector,” he added.

Google says the Android mobile operating system offers users a greater choice of apps and app stores than any other mobile platform.

“It also allows developers to choose the navigation engine they want, and has become the launch pad for millions of apps,” said a spokesperson. “We are committed to building an open thriving platform that empowers consumers and helps developers build successful businesses.”

Apple said it will engage “constructively” with CMA to explain how its approach “encourages competition and choice, while ensuring the protection of consumer privacy and security.”

American tech giants, including Google owner Alphabet and Apple, are increasingly attracting the attention of competition regulators in Brussels, London and elsewhere.

(Edited in Spanish by Carlos Serrano)