With the next iOS 18 upgrade, Apple—known for its closely monitored ecosystem—is bringing about some major changes for users of iPhones and iPads in the European Union (EU). The upgrade will provide customers more control over their devices by enabling them to remove pre-installed apps like the App Store, Safari, and others for the first time, in compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
This change follows the DMA’s implementation in March 2024, which attempted to stop big tech corporations from engaging in anti-competitive behavior. The legislation prohibits gatekeeper platforms—companies holding a dominating position in a market—from placing undue restrictions on consumers and enterprises. Regarding Apple, the DMA targets the company’s dominance in pre-installed apps and its control over app distribution through the App Store.
Deleting Core Apps and Choosing Defaults:
The iOS 18 update, expected later this year, will introduce a new level of user control unseen before on Apple devices within the EU. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
Deleting Pre-Installed Apps: Users will have the ability to delete several core Apple apps, including the App Store, Safari, Mail, Photos, Camera, and Stocks. This grants users the freedom to remove apps they don’t use and potentially replace them with third-party alternatives. It’s important to note that critical system apps like Settings and Phone will remain undeletable.
Setting Default Apps: iOS 18 expands on the browser choice screen introduced in iOS 17.4. Previously, users could only choose a default browser, but the new update allows them to set third-party apps as defaults for a wider range of functionalities. This includes functions like:
- Phone calls (e.g., setting a third-party VoIP app as the default dialer)
- Messaging (e.g., using a preferred chat app like WhatsApp instead of Messages)
- Keyboards (switching from the default keyboard to a third-party option)
- Password management (using a dedicated password manager app)
- Spam call filtering (utilizing a third-party app to block unwanted calls)
Users will be able to control all of their favorite default apps in one location with the addition of a dedicated “Default Apps” section to the Settings app. For the majority of categories, this feature is expected to be available later this year. An additional update scheduled for Spring 2025 will bring about the navigation and translation app defaults.
What Does This Mean for Users?
These modifications mark a significant move in the direction of a more open ecosystem for EU users of the iPhone and iPad. Customers will be able to customize their gadgets more easily and select the apps that work best for them. Since customers are no longer limited to Apple’s pre-installed selections, this could result in more competition in the app market.
Potential Challenges and Considerations:
Although having more control is a good thing, there may be certain difficulties to take into account. Users who are not familiar with alternate app sources may encounter problems if they delete essential apps like the App Store. It is probable that Apple will have to incorporate clear alerts and instructional materials to assist consumers during this procedure.
Additionally, utilizing third-party settings may restrict some functionality. A third-party messaging software, for instance, could not work as well with iMessage or other essential Apple features.
A Broader Shift in the Tech Landscape?
The DMA’s required modifications for Apple in the EU may have wider effects on the IT sector. Similar laws may force other gatekeeper platforms to give up control over default settings and app distribution. This may result in an overall mobile environment that is more competitive and open.
The Future of Apple’s Ecosystem:
Apple’s reaction to the DMA demonstrates how the regulatory environment for digital giants is changing. Despite having a reputation for having a strictly regulated atmosphere, the corporation is changing to comply with legal requirements and may be setting the stage for a future where a user-centric approach is adopted. It remains to be seen whether these developments in the EU will lead to more user control on a global scale, but for Apple and the tech sector overall, this is a huge turning point.
