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 have more control over default apps, browser selection, and even the ability to remove long-standing pre-installed apps like Safari.
The “Browser Chooser” screen, introduced in March when the DMA went into effect, first appears when opening Safari after updating an iPhone to iOS 17.4. It allows EU users to choose the default web browser for opening links, whereas previously it was automatically Safari.
The browser selection screen in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will feature a number of changes, including browser descriptions.
Apple will expand the number of device functions for which a user can select an alternative default app to include phone calls, messaging, and password management. It will also increase the number of pre-installed apps that can be removed from a device.
According to Apple’s official update, most of the changes will be implemented “by the end of this year.”
The Cupertino company said: “These updates are the result of our ongoing and continuous dialogue with the European Commission regarding 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” once they are implemented.
Changes to the browser selection screen
The new browser selection screen will give users a clearer understanding of Safari alternatives. EU users will now see 12 browser options, including Chrome and Firefox, with descriptions pulled directly from each browser’s App Store page.
In addition to displaying browser options first, Apple will require users to scroll through a list of alternatives before selecting a new default browser. If the browser of your choice is not installed on your device, it will automatically start downloading before opening and replacing the Safari icon on your home screen.
All EU Apple device users with Safari installed 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 this screen again if they switch to a new device and their default browser on their old device is Safari.
Developers of browsers listed on the selection screen will be given access to performance data for their browsers, including selection metrics.
Extending Default App Options
Apple is expanding default app options beyond its browser, email app store, and contactless payment clients. 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 navigation and translation apps.
SEE: Apple Intelligence EU: Potential Mac Release Due to DMA Rules
Option to remove essential applications
Apple will allow users to remove core apps for the first time, including the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari. This will give EU users more control over their most-used apps and significantly level the playing field for third-party app providers.
Apple vs DMA
Apple responded to the DMA requirements in January, stating that accessing third-party apps on Apple devices poses security risks, including “malware, fraud and phishing, illegal content, and harmful content.”
However, a number of changes have been introduced, including reducing the maximum commission that can be earned for subscriptions and in-app purchases available on the App Store, and eliminating the commission charged for apps distributed by third parties.
Despite these changes, after the EU DMA compliance deadline passed in March, it was announced that the EU was opening an investigation into Apple for alleged gatekeeping in apps and browsers—such as promoting its own services over those of competitors. Then, on June 24, Apple became the first tech giant to be formally accused of violating the DMA.
It violated the law in three main ways:
- None of the three sets of business rules for app developers allow developers to freely induce customers to make purchases outside of the app.
- Directing a user to a purchase option outside of the iOS app is only possible via “outbound links,” where an in-app link directs the user to a website to complete a transaction, which is strictly limited.
- The fees Apple charges for developers to acquire new customers by placing their apps on the App Store go beyond what is strictly necessary to compensate them.
At the same time, the commission has launched a new investigation into Apple’s business terms for developers who want to host their iOS apps on third-party platforms to determine whether those terms are so restrictive that they discourage developers from doing so. In particular, it is examining:
- A new Core Technology Fee, under which app store and third-party app developers will be charged €0.50 for each first app install above one million.
- The multi-step steps a user must complete to download alternative app stores or apps to their Apple device, and the informational screens that appear as part of the process.
- Developer eligibility requirements for offering alternative app stores or directly distributing apps from the web to iPhones.
Apple still has the opportunity to respond or take action to mitigate concerns before a decision is made, which is likely why the tech giant released its latest set of changes. However, if the initial findings are confirmed, the non-compliance decision would be adopted by March 25, 2025.
A European Commission spokesperson told TechRepublic that the next steps in the open investigation will depend on the effectiveness of the new solutions in achieving the DMA’s objective.
