In a major update, Apple will allow EU iPhones to set more default apps, expanding the customization options for users in compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. This move follows the company’s “ongoing and continuing dialogue with the European Commission” and will bring several changes to the iOS and iPadOS ecosystems.
Starting later this year, iPhones and iPads in the EU will have the ability to switch to non-Apple defaults for a wider range of apps. In addition to browsers, mail, app marketplaces, and contactless apps, users can now change the default apps for phone calls, messaging, password management, keyboards, and call spam filters. This new functionality will be introduced in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 under a newly created “Default Apps” section within the settings menu, making it easier to manage and customize these options.
As part of this update, Apple will also enable users to delete even more built-in apps. By the end of the year, iPhones and iPads in the EU will allow the removal of essential apps such as the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari. After these changes, only the Settings and Phone apps will remain mandatory and undeletable.
Further enhancing the experience, Apple will introduce a redesigned browser choice screen in the EU. This screen will appear to all users who have Safari set as their default browser, even if they’ve previously seen the option. The new interface will provide additional information about third-party browsers, and developers will receive more performance data from Apple about this screen.
If a user opts to switch to a different default browser, the chosen browser will automatically replace Safari in the Dock or on the first page of the Home Screen. If the preferred third-party browser is already installed, it will open upon selection. If not, the download process will begin immediately, streamlining the user experience.
In another noteworthy development, Apple plans to add support for setting defaults for navigation and translation apps by spring 2025, giving users more freedom in customizing their devices further. These changes reflect Apple’s commitment to adhering to the EU’s Digital Markets Act while providing more control and flexibility to its customers in the region.
As Apple continues to adapt to the EU’s regulatory environment, these updates mark a significant shift in how iPhone and iPad users in the EU will interact with their devices. With the ability to set more default apps and remove built-in ones, users will gain more control over their devices, fostering an environment of choice and personalization.
