Apple has announced a series of changes coming to its mobile operating systems to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). These modifications will significantly alter the user experience for iPhone and iPad owners in the EU, offering them more flexibility and choice in how they use their devices.
Third-Party Apps and Default Settings
One of the most notable changes is that Apple will allow European users to install third-party apps as replacements for native ones. This includes alternatives for the Safari browser, mail client, App Store, and contactless apps. Additionally, users will have the option to choose different default apps for various functions, including:
- Phone calls
- Messaging
- Password management
- Keyboard
- Spam filters
These new options will be accessible through a new section called Default Apps in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. While the ability to set new default apps will be implemented in an update later this year, Apple plans to expand this feature further. In spring 2025, support for setting defaults for navigation and translation apps will be added.
We’ll keep you updated on these developments as they unfold, ensuring EU users are aware of their new options as they become available.
Removing Pre-installed Apps and Browser Selection
In addition to allowing third-party app installations, Apple will expand the list of built-in apps that EU users can remove from their devices. An update coming later this year will enable users to delete the following apps:
- App Store
- Messages
- Camera
- Photos
- Safari
It’s worth noting that the Settings and Phone apps will remain as the only pre-installed applications that cannot be removed.
For EU users who currently have Safari set as their default browser, Apple will introduce an updated browser selection screen. This screen will provide more detailed information about third-party browsers, and their developers will receive additional data from Apple regarding how the selection screen functions. If you choose a third-party browser that’s already installed on your device, it will open immediately after selection. If it’s not installed, the download process will begin automatically. Users will also receive a notification confirming that the selected browser has been set as the default, adds NIX Solutions.
These changes represent a significant shift in Apple’s approach to its ecosystem within the EU, driven by the requirements of the Digital Markets Act. While maintaining the integrity and security of its platforms, Apple is adapting to provide EU users with more choice and flexibility in how they use their iOS and iPadOS devices.
As these updates roll out over the coming months and into 2025, we’ll continue to monitor and report on their implementation and impact on the user experience for EU customers.