iPhone users in the EU will soon be able to change default apps and remove the App Store
Apple announced on Thursday that it will soon offer iPhone and iPad users in the European Union (EU) region more options to change default apps, remove first-party apps and more. The decision was made in line with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which prohibits tech companies from implementing anti-competitive policies. The Cupertino-based tech giant had already allowed third-party apps and app marketplaces on its devices in the region and allowed users to change the default browser. With the upcoming update, the company is expected to integrate a more open ecosystem.
Apple lets EU iPhone and iPad users change default apps
In a newsroom after On its developer website, Apple announced that it will be making changes to three aspects of its operating system for iPhone and iPad users in the EU. It will allow users to see more information in the browser selection screen, change more default apps, and enable deletion for more first-party apps.
Most of these changes will be rolled out with a new update towards the end of this year, the company claimed, while the tech giant is also continuing its dialogue with the European Commission on compliance with the DMA requirements in these areas.
iPhone browser selection screen
Photo Credit: Apple
While Apple already allows iPhone and iPad users in the EU to change their default browser from Safari to others, it is now making the process of switching browsers easier for users. Once the update arrives, users in the EU region who are still using Safari as their default browser will see the full list of default browsers on a new screen where they can make their choice.
This selection screen also shows the browser’s App Store caption. In addition, users can also access more information about the performance of the selection screen.
Apple will also expand the list of default apps that can be changed with the upcoming update. It will also include a new Default apps section in Institutions which will display all the built-in apps available to users. The company said it will add options to change the default apps for phone calls, messages, keyboards, password managers and more.
Next year, users will also be able to change the default apps for text translation, navigation, call spam filtering apps, and more.
Finally, Apple will also allow users to remove more first-party apps in the EU region. These include the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari. Notably, the tech giant previously never let users remove their first-party apps.
