Apple is set to give European end-users more options for default apps on their iPhones and iPads this year, with the move set to be implemented in the upcoming releases of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.
In a message to developers, the tech giant said that the new operating system will give European end users more freedom of choice when it comes to standard apps, as Apple intends to comply with the requirements of the European Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Which app?
With the arrival of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, Apple users in Europe will have a menu of choices to manage the default apps on their devices. Users can choose their preferred apps for making calls, sending messages, managing passwords, keyboards, and spam filters. In spring 2025, they will also be able to choose alternative apps for navigation and translation.
In addition, you can remove the default installed apps, App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari, but you cannot uninstall the Phone and Settings apps.
Improved browser selection
Additionally, Apple has announced that it will be rolling out a new browser choice screen that should provide more information about alternative browsers than Apple's Safari, and will soon be automatically displayed to all European end users who use Safari as the default.
Alternative App Stores
Until now, iOS 17.4 has allowed users to install apps from sources other than Apple's App Store, and it has become possible to choose an alternative to Apple Pay for contactless payments.
Read also: Apple changes DMA App Store policies again: What's changing?