Apple has announced several changes to its mobile operating systems in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). These changes aim to give users in the EU more control over their iPhones and iPads by allowing them to set non-Apple defaults for a wider range of apps. This is part of Apple’s ongoing dialogue with the European Commission to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
More Default App Options
Currently, iPhones and iPads in the EU allow users to set non-Apple defaults for a few apps, such as browsers and mail clients. With the upcoming updates, Apple will expand these options significantly. Users will be able to set third-party apps as the default for phone calls, messaging, password management, keyboards, and even spam filters. These changes will be introduced in a new Default Apps section at the top of the Apps settings in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. This update is expected to roll out later this year, offering users more flexibility in how they use their devices.
Future Updates and More Control
Apple is not stopping with the changes planned for later this year. In spring 2025, the company will further enhance user choice by allowing default settings for navigation and translation apps. This means that EU users will have the option to choose third-party apps for a wide range of tasks, making their iPhones and iPads more customizable and user-friendly.
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Deletable Apps and Browser Choice
In addition to the expanded default app options, Apple will also allow EU users to delete more of its built-in apps. Starting later this year, users will be able to remove apps such as the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari. Only the Settings and Phone apps will remain undeletable. This move gives users even more control over which apps are on their devices.
Another significant change is the browser choice screen upgrade, which appears to all EU users who have Safari set as their default browser. This screen will provide additional information about third-party browsers, and developers of these browsers will receive more data from Apple about the performance of the choice screen. If a user selects a different browser, it will replace Safari in the Dock or on the Home Screen. If the new browser is not available on the phone, it will automatically download and install.
Conclusion
These changes highlight Apple’s efforts to comply with the EU’s DMA and provide users with greater flexibility in managing their devices. By allowing more non-Apple defaults and giving users the ability to delete more built-in apps, Apple is making strides toward a more open and customizable mobile experience for its users in the EU.
