Britain’s competition regulator on Wednesday intensified its focus on Google and Apple, citing their “strategic” influence over mobile ecosystems and paving the way for possible measures to boost market competition.

The Competition and Markets Authority designated both U.S. tech giants as having “strategic market status,” a move that grants regulators greater oversight of their operations. The decision follows earlier investigations launched this year into Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS platforms under new digital market rules aimed at curbing unfair practices by major tech firms.

The decision, which had been anticipated, follows a proposal made by the regulator in July. The CMA had invited public feedback on the plan before finalizing the classifications.

Google described the ruling as “disappointing, disproportionate, and unwarranted,” maintaining that its Android system has benefited app developers by eliminating the need to tailor their products to multiple smartphone operating models.

“Following the CMA’s decision today, our mobile business in the UK faces a set of new – and, as of yet, uncertain – rules,” said Oliver Bethell, senior competition director at Google.

“The CMA’s next steps will be crucial if the UK’s digital markets regime is to meet its promise of being pro-growth and pro-innovation.”

Google had already been assigned “strategic market status” earlier this month, marking the CMA’s first use of its new powers in a separate probe into the company’s dominance in online search advertising.

The regulator clarified that the designation does not indicate any misconduct but grants it authority to introduce specific measures aimed at promoting competition and protecting consumers and businesses from unfair practices.