Radio -control model aircraft have been aroundsince early1950's when a single-channel, one-valve transmitter and a clockwork escapement were the norm.
Many huge models about, perfectly capable of lifting the weight (if not the bulk!) of a human.....over a certain size, they do, indeed, fall under the control of the CAA.
Ordinary-size models are pretty well unregulated and modern transmitters/ recievers will still operate effectively long after the aircraft has flown out of sight.
A model controlled by a phone, is, IMHO, just another (inferior) R/C concept.. again, many have equipped model planks and heli's with video and still cameras, real-time links etc and sucessfully flown them "remotely" ...plenty of stuff on youtube for those interested.
UAV's entirely flown by computer are also old-news. the cost puts them firmly in the "professional use" league.