Apple will give its European customers the chance to delete some of its own default apps, including App Store, Camera, and Safari, after the tech giant came under fire from the European Commission to meet its competition rules.
Apple announced the news in a post to developers on Thursday, which follows the company’s announcement that it would split its App Store team to handle regulatory compliance, in a move which appears to appease EU officials.
“By the end of this year, we’ll make changes to the browser choice screen, default apps, and app deletion for iOS and iPadOS for users in the EU,” Apple said in a note to developers.
“These updates come from our ongoing and continuing dialogue with the European Commission about compliance with the Digital Market Act’s requirements in these areas,” the statement continued.
Later this year, EU users will see a new Default Apps section on iOS18 and iPadOS18 and future software settings will introduce new default settings for things such as navigation, sending texts, managing passwords and dialling phone numbers. Some of the other updates will arrive by Spring 2025. But users will still be able to re-download these apps from the App Store and can reinstall the App Store too.
Apple customers will also be required to scroll through the list of browser options, including Chrome and Firefox before they set the default browser.
Apple also announced that it would be easier for developers to choose alternative browsers as additional browser information will be shown to EU users viewing the choice screen.
In June, the European Commission informed Apple that its App Store rules breached the DMA, as they prevent app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content.