Apple has revealed 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 now have more control over their default app and browser choices, as well as the ability to remove long-standing pre-installed apps like Safari.
The “browser choice screen,” introduced in March when the DMA came into effect, appears the first time Safari is opened after updating an iPhone to iOS 17.4. It allows EU users to choose their default internet browser to open links in; previously it was automatically Safari.
The browser selection screen that comes with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will have some changes, including the addition of browser descriptions.
Apple will expand the number of device features for which users can choose alternative default apps, including phone, messaging, password management, etc. It will also increase the number of pre-installed apps that can be removed from devices.
According to Apple's official update, most of the changes will be implemented “by the end of the year.”
“These updates result from our ongoing dialogue with the European Commission on compliance with the requirements of the Digital Markets Act in these areas,” the Cupertino company said.
A European Commission spokesperson told TechRepublic that the Commission is “closely monitoring Apple's announcement” and will “monitor the effectiveness of the solutions in achieving the objectives of the DMA once they are implemented.”
Changes to the browser selection screen
The new version of the browser choice screen gives users a clearer understanding of alternatives to Safari: EU users will now be shown 12 different browser options, including Chrome and Firefox, with descriptions taken directly from each browser's App Store page.
In addition to showing the browser option first, Apple will now require users to scroll through the entire list of alternative browsers before selecting a new default browser. If the selected browser isn't installed on the device, it will automatically begin downloading it, after which it will open and replace the Safari icon on the home screen.
All EU users with Apple devices that have Safari installed will see the browser choice screen after downloading iOS 18 or iPadOS 18, unless they have a browser other than Safari set as their default. If you move to a new device and Safari is your default browser on your old device, you'll see this screen again.
Developers of browsers listed on the selection screen are granted access to browser performance data, including selection rates.
Expanded default app options
Apple is expanding its default app options beyond its browser, email app marketplace and contactless payment client: later this year, EU users will be able to set third-party defaults for other features, including phone, messages, keyboard, password management and spam call filters.
The Settings app will have a new Default Apps section where users will be able to manage all their default apps, and in spring 2025, users in the EU will also be able to choose default apps for navigation and translation.
Read also: Apple Intelligence EU: Macs could be released under DMA rules
Option to remove core apps
For the first time, Apple will allow users to remove core apps like the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera and Safari, giving EU users more control over the apps they use most and significantly leveling the playing field for third-party app providers.
Apple vs. DMA
Apple responded to the DMA's request in January, saying access to third-party apps on Apple devices poses security risks, including “malware, fraud and misrepresentation, and illegal and harmful content.”
However, it also made some changes, such as lowering the maximum fees that apps listed on the App Store can charge for subscriptions and in-app purchases, and eliminating fees for apps distributed by third-party apps.
Despite these changes, after the deadline for complying with the EU DMA passed in March, the EU announced it was opening an investigation into Apple for alleged app and browser gatekeeping, such as promoting its own services over competitors. And on June 24, Apple became the first major tech company to be formally accused of violating the DMA.
The company violated the law in three main ways.
- None of the three sets of business rules for app developers allow developers to freely nudge customers to purchase options outside of the app.
- Directing users to purchase options outside of the iOS app can only be done through a “link-out,” where an in-app link directs the user to a web page where they complete the transaction, but this is heavily restricted.
- Apple's commission for bringing new customers to developers by hosting apps on the App Store goes beyond what is strictly necessary as compensation.
At the same time, the Commission will also launch a new investigation into Apple's terms and conditions for developers seeking to host their iOS apps on third-party platforms to determine whether those terms are restrictive enough to discourage developers from doing so. Specifically, the Commission will investigate:
- The new core technology fee will charge third-party app stores and third-party app developers €0.50 for every first app install over 1 million.
- The multiple steps that users must take to download alternative app stores and apps on their Apple devices, and the informational screens that appear as part of that process.
- Developer eligibility requirements related to the ability to provide an alternative app store or distribute apps directly from the web on iPhone.
Apple still has an opportunity to respond or take steps to allay concerns before a decision is made, which may explain why the tech giant announced its latest changes. However, if the preliminary findings are confirmed, the non-compliance decision will be adopted by March 25, 2025.
A Commission spokesperson told TechRepublic that the next steps in the public investigation will be determined based on the effectiveness of the new solution in achieving the DMA's objectives.