Apple is changing how users in the European Union select their browser options, adding a dedicated section for changing default apps and making more apps removable, the company announced on Thursday.
The iPhone maker faced pressure from regulators to make the change after a sweeping EU digital markets law came into force on March 7, forcing big tech companies to offer mobile users the ability to choose from a list of available web browsers on a “choice screen.”
The new rules require mobile software makers to show users choice screens when setting up their phones that let them choose their browser, search engine and virtual assistant. Previously, these screens came with recommended options from Apple and Google.
In an update later this year, Apple users will be able to choose their default browser directly from a selection screen after reviewing a list of required options.
According to Apple, users will be shown a list of 12 browsers, randomly sorted for each EU country, along with a short description, and the selected browser will be automatically downloaded.
The selection screen will also be available on iPad with an update later this year.
Apple released an update to comply with the new rules in March, but browser companies criticized the design of the selection screen, and the European Commission launched an investigation on March 25 over suspicions that the measures had not yet led to effective compliance.
The company said it is in discussions with the European Commission and believes the new changes will address regulators' concerns.
There are also plans to introduce a dedicated area for default apps, allowing users to set defaults for messaging, phone, spam filters, password managers and keyboards.
Users will also be able to remove certain apps from Apple, including the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari.
Only the Settings and Phone apps cannot be deleted.