Europe FTW: Apple lost its battle with the European Commission, and now the company must make significant changes to the default apps selection and management in iOS. Soon, European users will have the freedom to choose alternative apps for many services and default features on Cupertino's mobile OS.
Apple is gradually adapting to the new business rules enforced by Europe's Digital Markets Act (DMA). While still risking a fine amounting to 10 percent of its global revenue due to restrictions on third-party app developers, Cupertino appears willing to comply with the DMA's requirements regarding browser choice and default app selection.
Apple recently announced that iOS and iPadOS will undergo several changes related to browser selection, default apps, and app deletion by the end of the year. While the mobile ecosystem already allows users to choose a default browser other than Safari, the browser choice screen will soon provide additional information about available options.
An update to iOS and iPadOS will require users to go through the default browser selection process multiple times, according to Apple. After launching Safari for the first time, users will be prompted with the selection screen even if they have previously completed this task. The browser choice screen will also reappear when migrating to a new device, and the chosen browser will start downloading immediately if it is not already installed on the device.
Browser developers will gain access to new data through a specific API in App Store Connect, according to Cupertino. This will enable them to monitor their app's performance on the choice screen, including selection rates and default selection information. There is also an option for making alternative browsers available outside the official App Store, though interested parties will need to contact Apple directly at dma-data@apple.com.
In addition to browser selection, Apple has introduced more controls for default apps starting with iOS 17.4. The company plans to add a dedicated "Default App" section in the Settings app, allowing users to manage new default app options. The range of default apps that can be changed is expanding, enabling the use of third-party alternatives for phone calls, text messages, password management, on-screen typing, and more.
Starting in spring 2025, iOS will support setting alternative navigation and translation tools as default apps. Additionally, Apple will allow users to delete a broader range of native apps, including Messages, Camera, Safari, and the App Store. These new selection and deletion options will be available with iOS and iPadOS 18 in a few months, but initially, they will be exclusive to iPhone and iPad users in European countries.