Apple has confirmed plans to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates the inclusion of third-party alternatives to its in-house apps such as Safari, Apple Photos, and the App Store by the end of 2024. These new features in iOS and iPadOS will be specific to the EU region.
Historically, Apple has offered a streamlined and intuitive user experience by restricting core functions to its proprietary software. However, this approach has faced various criticisms, leading to regulatory measures like the DMA. This act will allow customization of default browsers on iPhones and iPads, and users will be able to delete stock apps, including the App Store itself, a first for the tech giant.
These changes are expected to roll out with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, following their major upcoming software updates. The deletion and customization features will remain exclusive to EU users, reflecting regional regulatory requirements.
