Europe FTW: Apple has lost its battle with the European Commission and must now make significant changes to the selection and management of default apps in iOS. Soon, European users will have the freedom to choose alternative apps for many services and default features of the Cupertino mobile operating system.
Apple is gradually adapting to the new business rules enforced by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Although the company still risks a fine of 10 percent of its global revenue due to restrictions on third-party app developers, the Cupertino company seems ready to meet the DMA’s requirements regarding browser choice and default app selection.
Apple recently announced that iOS and iPadOS will see several changes related to browser selection, default apps, and app deletion by the end of the year. While the mobile ecosystem already allows users to choose a default browser other than Safari, the browser selection screen will soon provide additional information about the available options.
An update for iOS and iPadOS, Apple says, requires users to go through the standard browser selection process multiple times. After launching Safari for the first time, users will be presented with the selection screen, even if they have completed this task before. The browser selection screen will also reappear when switching to a new device, and the selected browser will download immediately if it is not already installed on the device.
Browser developers will gain access to new data through a special API in App Store Connect, Cupertino said. This will allow them to monitor their app’s performance on the selection screen, including selection rates and default selection information. There is also the option to make alternative browsers available outside of the official App Store, but those interested must contact Apple directly at [email protected].
In addition to browser selection, Apple has introduced more controls for default apps starting with iOS 17.4. The company plans to add a dedicated Default App section in the Settings app where users can manage new default app options. The range of changeable default apps will be expanded and allow the use of third-party alternatives for phone calls, text messages, password management, screen typing, and more.
Starting in spring 2025, iOS will support setting alternative navigation and translation tools as default apps. In addition, Apple will allow users to delete a wider range of native apps, including Messages, Camera, Safari, and the App Store. These new selection and deletion options will be available with iOS and iPadOS 18 in a few months, but will initially be exclusive to iPhone and iPad users in European countries.
