Apple has unveiled major changes to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 in the EU as part of its ongoing efforts to comply with the Digital Markets Act. European users will have more control over default apps, browser choice, and can even remove long-standing pre-installed apps like Safari.
The “browser selection screen”, introduced in March when the DMA came into force, appears the first time Safari is opened after updating the iPhone to iOS 17.4. It allows EU users to choose their default internet browser to open links, whereas previously this was automatically Safari.
iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 bring a number of changes to the browser selection screen, including the inclusion of browser descriptions.
Apple will expand the number of device features for which the user can select an alternative default app to include phone calls, messages, and password management. It will also increase the number of pre-installed apps that can be deleted from the device.
According to Apple’s official update, most of the changes will arrive “by the end of this year.”
The Cupertino-based company said: “These updates are the result of our ongoing and continued dialogue with the European Commission on compliance with the requirements of the Digital Market Act in these areas.”
A spokesperson for the European Commission told TechRepublic that it “takes note of Apple’s announcement” and will “monitor the effectiveness of the solutions in achieving the DMA objective” once they are implemented.
Changes to the browser selection screen
The new version of the browser selection screen gives users a clearer understanding of alternatives to Safari. EU users are now presented with 12 browser options, including Chrome and Firefox, with descriptions taken directly from each browser’s app store page.
In addition to displaying browser options, Apple asks users to scroll through the entire list of alternatives before allowing them to select a new default browser. If the selected browser is not installed on the device, the download will automatically start before opening and replace the Safari icon on the home screen.
All EU-based users of Apple devices with Safari installed will see the browser selection screen after downloading iOS 18 or iPadOS 18, unless they have already set a browser other than Safari as their default. They will see the screen again if they switch to a new device and their default browser on the old device is Safari.
Developers of browsers listed on the selection screen will have access to their browser’s performance data, including selection rates.
Expanding the standard app options
Apple is expanding default app options beyond the browser, email app marketplace and contactless payment clients. Later this year, EU users will be able to set third-party defaults for other features such as phone calls, messaging, keyboards, password management and spam call filters.
A new “Default apps” section will be added to the Settings app, where users can manage all their default apps. In spring 2025, EU users will also be able to choose the default apps for navigation and translation.
SEE: Apple Intelligence EU: Possible Mac release under DMA rules
Option to delete core apps
Apple will allow users for the first time to delete core apps such as the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera and Safari. This will give EU users more control over the apps they use most and significantly level the playing field for third-party app developers.
Apple against the DMA
Apple responded to the DMA’s requests in January, stating that accessing third-party apps on Apple devices poses security risks, including “malware, fraud and scams, illegal and harmful content.”
However, a number of changes have been made, including reducing the maximum commission Apple can charge on subscriptions and in-app purchases from apps listed on the App Store, and eliminating commission for apps distributed through third-party apps.
Despite these changes, after the deadline to comply with the EU DMA passed in March, it was announced that the EU was launching an investigation into Apple over alleged gatekeeping activities in apps and browsers – for example, Apple favoring its own services over those of competitors. Then, on June 24, Apple became the first tech giant to be formally charged with violating the DMA.
The law was violated in three ways:
- None of the three business rules for app developers allow developers to freely direct their customers to purchase options outside the app.
- Controlling purchase options outside of an iOS app is only possible through “link-outs,” where an in-app link directs the user to a web page to complete the transaction. This type of link is heavily restricted.
- The fees that Apple charges for bringing new customers to a developer by hosting their app on the App Store go beyond what is strictly necessary to compensate them.
At the same time, the Commission launched a new investigation into Apple’s terms and conditions for developers who wish to host their iOS apps on third-party platforms, to determine whether these terms are so restrictive that they deter developers from doing so. Specifically, it is investigating:
- The new Core Technology Fee provides for a fee of €0.50 for developers of third-party app stores and third-party apps per first app installation over one million.
- The different steps the user must follow to download alternative app stores or apps on an Apple device and the information screens they are presented with during the process.
- The participation requirements for developers relate to the ability to offer alternative app stores or distribute apps directly from the Internet to iPhones.
Apple still has a chance to respond or take action to address the concerns before a decision is made, which is likely why the tech giant has released its latest changes. However, if the preliminary findings are confirmed, a non-compliance decision will be made by March 25, 2025.
A European Commission spokesperson told TechRepublic that the next steps of the open investigation would be based on the effectiveness of the new solutions in achieving the DMA’s goal.
