Apple has introduced major changes to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 in the EU as part of its ongoing efforts to comply with the Digital Markets Act. European users will have more control over default apps, browser choice, and even the ability to remove long-standing pre-installed apps such as Safari.
The “browser choice screen,” introduced in March when the DMA came into effect, appears the first time you open Safari after updating your iPhone to iOS 17.4. It allows EU users to choose their default internet browser for opening links, whereas previously this browser was automatically set to Safari.
A number of changes are coming to the browser selection screen that will accompany iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, including the inclusion of browser descriptions.
Apple will expand the number of device functions for which users can choose an alternative default app, including phone calls, messaging and password management. It will also increase the number of pre-installed apps that can be removed from the device.
Most of the changes will arrive “later this year,” according to Apple’s official update.
The Cupertino company said: “These updates arise from our ongoing dialogue with the European Commission on compliance with the Digital Market Act requirements in these areas.”
A European Commission spokesperson told TechRepublic that it “takes note of Apple’s announcement” and will “monitor the effectiveness of the solutions in achieving the DMA objective” after they have been implemented.
Changes to the browser selection screen
The new version of the browser selection screen will allow users to better understand the alternatives to Safari. EU users will now see 12 browser options, including Chrome and Firefox, with descriptions taken directly from each browser's App Store page.
In addition to displaying the browser options first, Apple will require users to scroll through the entire list of alternatives before selecting a new default browser. If the chosen browser is not installed on the device, the download will automatically begin before opening and will replace the Safari icon on the home screen.
All Apple device users with Safari installed in the EU will see the browser selection screen after downloading iOS 18 or iPadOS 18, unless they already have a browser other than Safari set as their default. They will see the screen again if they migrate to a new device and their default browser on the previous device is Safari.
The developers of the browsers listed on the selection screen will have access to your browser's performance data, including selection rates.
Expanding default application options
Apple is expanding default app options beyond the browser, email app store and contactless payment clients. Later this year, EU users will be able to set third-party defaults for other features, including phone calls, messaging, keyboards, password management and spam call filters.
A new Default apps section will be added to the Settings app, where users will be able to manage all their default apps. In spring 2025, EU users will also be able to choose default apps for navigation and translation.
SEE: Apple Intelligence EU: Possible Mac launch amid DMA rules
Option to remove core applications
For the first time, Apple will allow users to delete important apps, such as the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera and Safari. This will give EU users greater control over the apps they use most and significantly level the playing field for third-party app providers.
Apple vs. DMA
Apple responded to the DMA's requests in January, saying that accessing third-party apps on Apple devices presents security risks including “malware, fraud and scams, and unlawful and harmful content.”
However, it did make a number of changes, including reducing the maximum commission it can claim on subscriptions and in-app purchases for apps listed on the App Store and eliminating its commission on those distributed by a third-party app.
Despite these changes, after the deadline for EU DMA compliance passed in March, it was announced that the EU was opening an investigation into Apple for alleged app and browser manipulation, such as promoting its own services over those of competitors. Then, on June 24, Apple became the first tech giant to be formally charged with violating the DMA.
He had broken the law in three main ways:
- None of its three sets of business rules for app developers allow developers to freely direct their customers to out-of-app purchasing options.
- Directing to purchasing options outside of an iOS app can only be done through “outlinks,” where a link within the app directs the user to a web page to complete the transaction, which are highly restricted.
- The fees Apple charges for attracting new customers to a developer by hosting their app on the App Store go beyond what is strictly necessary for remuneration.
At the same time, the Commission has also launched a new investigation into Apple's commercial conditions for developers wishing to host their iOS apps on third-party platforms, in order to determine whether these conditions are so restrictive that they discourage developers from doing so. Specifically, it is investigating:
- The new Basic Technology Fee, which stipulates that third-party app store and third-party app developers will be charged €0.50 for each first-time app install over one million.
- The multiple steps a user must follow to download alternative app stores or apps on an Apple device, and the information screens displayed as part of the process.
- Eligibility requirements for developers relate to the ability to offer alternative app stores or distribute apps directly from the web on iPhones.
Apple still has the opportunity to respond or take steps to alleviate concerns before a decision is made, so the tech giant has likely published its latest set of changes. However, if the preliminary findings are confirmed, a non-compliance decision will be made by March 25, 2025.
A European Commission spokesperson told TechRepublic that the next steps in open research will be based on the effectiveness of new solutions in achieving the WFD goal.
