Apple Yields to EU's Digital Markets Act: iPhone Users Can Delete Pre-installed Apps, Change Default Browser

Apple Yields to EU's Digital Markets Act: iPhone Users Can Delete Pre-installed Apps, Change Default BrowserTo comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple announced on August 23rd that it will make adjustments to iOS and iPadOS by the end of the year, allowing iPhone users in the EU to delete native applications, including the AppStore and Safari, and making third-party tools more readily available.

Apple Yields to EU's Digital Markets Act: iPhone Users Can Delete Pre-installed Apps, Change Default Browser

To comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple announced on August 23rd that it will make adjustments to iOS and iPadOS by the end of the year, allowing iPhone users in the EU to delete native applications, including the AppStore and Safari, and making third-party tools more readily available.

This adjustment is Apple's latest response to the EU's increasing regulatory pressure. The DMA, which came into effect on March 7th, aims to curb the dominance of major tech platforms and ensure that consumers have more choices. The act's implementation has been dubbed a "turning point in regulating Big Tech" and is considered to reshape the global tech industry.

Apple stated that a software update later this year will enable iPhone and iPad users to delete the company's pre-installed applications, including "Safari web browser," "App Store," and apps like "Photos," "Camera," and "Messages." Only Settings and Phone will remain undeletable. Additionally, Apple will simplify the process of setting third-party applications as default, such as default browsers, contactless payment methods, etc. By next spring, users will also be able to set default navigation, translation, and call-screening applications.

These updates come from our ongoing dialogue with the European Commission about meeting the DMAs requirements in these areas, the company said in its latest statement. Apple indicated that it plans to create a dedicated space on iPhones to facilitate the process of changing default applications.

The DMA has a significant impact on Apple, forcing the company to open up its closed ecosystem. Back in March, after the DMA came into effect, Apple began allowing European iOS users to download applications from third-party sources, no longer limiting them to its own AppStore. Simultaneously, the app commission fees for iOS apps in the EU region dropped from the original 30% to 17%, or from 15% (after discounting) to 10%. Users can also use alternative payment methods and more easily select a new default web browser.

Previously, Apple also provided EU users with more choices in iOS 17.4 and later versions, allowing them to freely select their preferred app stores, mail, browsers, and NFC programs.

Apple's latest announcement signifies that the company is adapting to the EU's regulatory landscape. With the enforcement of the DMA, it is expected that more major tech companies will be compelled to make similar adjustments to conform to the new regulatory rules. This signifies a potential transformation in the competitive landscape of the tech industry, offering consumers greater choice.