Apple Bows to EU Pressure: Major iOS Changes Allow Default App Customization and Core App Deletion

Apple has announced significant changes to its iOS and iPadOS operating systems to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The changes will allow users in the EU to set default applications and delete pre-installed apps such as Safari, App Store, Photos, Camera, and Messages, among others. The changes are scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. Currently, EU iPhone users can already set default apps for browsers, email clients, and contactless payments. With the new updates, users will soon be able to set default apps for phone calls, messages, password managers, keyboards, spam call filters, navigation, and translation. For example, a user could choose WhatsApp as their default messaging app or Waze for navigation instead of Apple Maps. Apple will introduce a new "Default Apps" section within the Settings app to manage the increased number of default applications. This section will list all available default apps for users to manage conveniently. In addition to setting new default applications, Apple will allow users to remove core apps. Only the Settings and Phone apps will be exempt from deletion. If a user removes an app like the App Store, it can be reinstalled from the Settings app, while other apps can be downloaded again from the App Store. From iOS 17.4, EU users can select a default browser from a randomized list of the top 12 browsers in their country. In future updates, if Safari is set as the default browser, the selection window will reappear for users to choose from available browsers. This window will show a brief description of each browser and an option to set it as the default directly. Users will not need to switch devices to see the browser selection, and it will display on the first opening of Safari after the update. If Safari is set as the default, the new selection interface will override the Safari icon on the home screen or dock. These changes will be exclusive to iPhone and iPad users in the EU who update to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, with other regions remaining unaffected. Apple has committed to implementing these changes to meet the DMA requirements and avoid potential fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue. These updates will enhance user experience by offering greater personalization and freedom in app choices.