The European Union has been actively pushing big tech companies to adapt to new regulatory landscapes. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a significant legislation aimed at creating a fairer and more competitive digital market. As a result, tech giants like Apple are making substantial changes to their operations and ecosystems to comply with the new norms.
New Options for Default Apps
In a bid to align with the DMA, Apple has announced notable updates in its forthcoming iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 releases. One prominent change is the introduction of a new section in settings dedicated to default apps. This will allow EU users to select non-Apple apps as their default for a range of functions including calls, messaging, translation, navigation, and password management. This extended customization aims to offer users more freedom in choosing their preferred software solutions.
Ability to Delete Built-in Apps
Another significant change is the enhanced ability for EU users to delete more built-in Apple applications. With the new updates, users will have the option to remove core apps such as the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari. This change provides greater flexibility and declutters home screens, allowing users to tailor their devices more to their specific needs and preferences.
Impact on Browser Choice and Developer Data
Additionally, the DMA mandates that developers whose browsers appear on the EU’s browser choice screen will receive more detailed information about their browsers’ performance. This update not only offers transparency but also encourages developers to optimize their applications further. EU users will also see an updated choice screen prompting them to select their preferred default browser, enhancing user autonomy in software selection.
While these updates bring a new level of customization for iPhone and iPad users in the EU, they also come with trade-offs. Certain new features, like Apple Intelligence, may not be available due to regulatory constraints. Hence, the EU’s push for a competitive market offers both advantages and limitations for Apple’s ecosystem in the region.
