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
iPhones and iPads in the EU currently allow users to set non-Apple defaults for a few apps, such as browsers and mail clients. Apple will expand these options significantly with upcoming updates. Users will be able to set third-party apps as defaults for phone calls, messaging, password management, keyboards, and even spam filters. These changes will be available in a new Default Apps section at the top of the Apps settings in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. This update is expected to be released later this year and will give users more flexibility in how they use their devices.
Future Updates and More Controls
Apple isn’t stopping with the changes planned for later this year. In spring 2025, the company will further expand user choice by allowing default settings for navigation and translation apps. This means 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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Deleteable Apps and Browser Selection
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 like the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari. Only the Settings and Phone apps will remain undeletable. The move gives users more control over what apps are on their devices.
Another important change is the browser selection screen update, which is visible to all EU users who have set Safari as their default browser. This screen will provide additional information about third-party browsers, and developers of those browsers will receive more data from Apple about the performance of the selection 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 be downloaded and installed automatically.
Solution
These changes highlight Apple’s efforts to comply with the EU’s DMA and give users more flexibility in managing their devices. By allowing more non-Apple defaults and giving users the ability to delete more built-in apps, Apple is moving toward a more open and customizable mobile experience for its users in the EU.