Apple complies with EU regulations: iOS/iPadOS to allow users to delete pre-installed apps

Apple complies with EU regulations: iOS/iPadOS to allow users to delete pre-installed appsApple recently announced that it will update iOS and iPadOS for users in the European Union by the end of 2024, granting them the ability to delete certain pre-installed apps. This move follows the requirements of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates technology companies to allow users to delete unnecessary pre-installed apps and change default settings

Apple complies with EU regulations: iOS/iPadOS to allow users to delete pre-installed apps

Apple recently announced that it will update iOS and iPadOS for users in the European Union by the end of 2024, granting them the ability to delete certain pre-installed apps. This move follows the requirements of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates technology companies to allow users to delete unnecessary pre-installed apps and change default settings. After the update, EU users will be able to delete pre-installed apps such as Safari, App Store, Photos, Camera, and Messages, although the Settings and Phone apps will remain unremovable.

This update is Apple's response to the DMA investigation launched by the European Commission in March this year. The DMA requires tech companies to allow users to delete unnecessary pre-installed apps and change default settings. By making this adjustment, Apple aims to avoid potential fines of up to 10% of its global annual turnover for non-compliance with the DMA.

In the latest iOS 17.4 version, Apple has already started providing EU users with more options, including default app choices for the app store, email, browser, and NFC programs. Apple plans to further expand user choice in future iOS and iPadOS updates, including allowing changes to default apps for phone, messages, password management, spam call blocking, and keyboard input methods.

Apple promises to offer default options support for navigation and translation apps by spring 2025. Through these updates, users will be able to personalize their devices more effectively.

Apple's decision to allow EU users to delete pre-installed apps reflects its adherence to global regulatory trends. As countries worldwide strengthen their oversight of tech giants, companies like Apple are taking steps to comply with relevant regulations. This move also indicates the growing demand for customization among users regarding their device operating systems. Tech companies need to prioritize user experience and empower users with more choices.

However, it's important to note that this change currently applies only to users in the European Union. Whether it will be extended to other regions globally and whether other tech companies will follow Apple's lead remains to be seen.