Apple Bends to EU Pressure: iOS to Allow Removal of Pre-Installed Apps

Apple Bends to EU Pressure: iOS to Allow Removal of Pre-Installed AppsIn March 2024, the European Commission launched the first round of investigations into Apple under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The regulations require tech companies to allow users to remove pre-installed apps and change default settings

Apple Bends to EU Pressure: iOS to Allow Removal of Pre-Installed Apps

In March 2024, the European Commission launched the first round of investigations into Apple under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The regulations require tech companies to allow users to remove pre-installed apps and change default settings. Recently, Apple announced that it will adjust iOS and iPadOS by the end of 2024, allowing users in the European Union to delete pre-installed apps on their iPhones and iPads and provide more default application change options, including browsers. It is reported that users in the EU region will be able to delete all apps except for Settings and Phone, including Safari, AppStore, Photos, Camera, Messages, etc.

This policy adjustment means that Apple has been forced to relinquish its strict control over the iOS system under pressure from EU regulators. Previously, Apple had insisted that pre-installed apps were crucial to the user experience, and allowing users to delete them could lead to system instability or security risks. However, the European Commission argued that this practice restricted user choice and could hinder competition.

In recent years, the European Commission has repeatedly "made life difficult" for Apple. In early 2024, Apple announced that, in order to comply with new regulations, it would implement major updates to the iOS system, Safari browser, and AppStore in the EU region. iOS 17.5 adjusted the AppStore policy, allowing users in the EU region to download iOS applications directly from developer websites.

These measures indicate that the European Commission is actively promoting an open market for tech giants and giving users more choice. Apple's compromise also reflects the challenges it faces in responding to regulatory pressure from the EU. In the future, how Apple will balance user experience and regulatory requirements will be a question it needs to consider carefully.