Apple on Thursday announced several changes to iOS and iPadOS, set to take effect by the end of this year, specifically for users in the European Union (EU).
These updates are designed to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) requirements, including modifications to the browser choice screen, default apps, and app deletion processes.
Browser Choice Screen in the EU
New Information for Developers: Developers of browsers listed on the EU browser choice screen will now receive additional data regarding their browser’s performance.
This information will be accessible through an API in App Store Connect and includes metrics such as selection rates and default selection data.
Updated Display Rules: The browser choice screen will be displayed to all EU users who have Safari set as their default browser. This screen will appear upon the first launch of Safari after the update, even if users have previously seen the choice screen.
If a user has a different default browser, the screen won’t be shown. Additionally, the choice screen will now be displayed once per device instead of once per user.
Design Changes: Users will have the ability to set their default browser directly from the choice screen. Browser descriptions will now include subtitles from the App Store product page, and users will need to scroll through all browser options before making a selection.
If the selected browser is not installed, its download progress will be shown on the choice screen. If the chosen browser is installed, it will automatically open. If Safari is replaced, the new browser will take its place in the Dock or on the Home Screen.
Collaboration for Non-App Store Browsers: Developers offering browsers outside the App Store should contact Apple for potential inclusion in the choice screen.
New Default Apps Section in Settings
Default Apps Management: iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will introduce a new Default Apps section in Settings for EU users, allowing them to manage defaults for phone calls, messaging, password managers, keyboards, call spam filters, and more.
Future updates will add support for navigation apps and translation apps, expected to be released in spring 2025.
App Deletion Changes
Deletable Apps: In the EU, apps such as the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari will become deletable. Only the Settings and Phone apps cannot be deleted.
Availability
These changes apply exclusively to iPhone and iPad users in the EU with the upcoming iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates. These updates will not be available in other regions, such as the United States.
Additionally, Apple has recently begun allowing third-party app marketplaces on iPhones, starting with the Epic Games Store.
Apple aims to comply with the EU’s DMA requirements through these updates, ensuring adherence to regulations and avoiding potential fines.