Apple to Offer EU Users More Browser Freedom and App Control This Year

Key Takeaways

• Apple is giving users more freedom of choice with applications and browsers.
• The iPhone maker’s new update is expected later this year.
• Companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Meta are facing new regulatory challenges from the Digital Markets Act.

Apple is giving EU users more control over their choice of applications and browsers on their devices, the company announced on Thursday, Aug. 22. 

As the tech giant continues to face pressure from the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), the iPhone maker said it is making deleting apps easier and adding a dedicated section for changing default apps. 

Apple To Give EU Users More Freedom

The new update, due later this year, will allow users to delete Apple-made apps, including Messages, Cameras, Photos, and its App Store. 

Apple also plans to introduce an area where EU users can set defaults for messaging, phone calls, keyboards, and password managers. Apple said it will also provide 12 browsers on a “choice select screen” with short descriptions for each. 

The iPhone maker released an initial choice screen update in March; however, browser companies criticized its design. 

EU regulators then launched an official investigation into the iPhone maker on March 25 for failing to comply with its DMA. 

Apple confirmed Thursday that it believes the changes will address the EU’s prior concerns.

The Commission said it would be observing whether the changes effectively meet the DMA’s objectives. 

The DMA Continues To Crack Down on Gatekeepers

These changes reflect the DMA’s broader effort  to reduce the dominance of “gatekeepers.” Companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Meta are facing new regulatory challenges as the DMA imposes stricter rules to foster competition.

In addition to changes in app distribution and the opening of platforms, the DMA restricts gatekeepers from self-preferring their products and services over its competitors.

Google can no longer prioritize its search results over those of rival search engines, and Amazon cannot give its products an unfair advantage in its marketplace.

The DMA also aims to impose more significant transparency requirements on gatekeepers. They must now provide detailed information about their advertising practices and data usage.

For gatekeepers like Meta and Google, this has resulted in increased scrutiny and potential limitations on their traditional data-driven business models.

Apple Criticized for Abuse of Market Power

The iPhone maker has long been criticized by companies that claim it has abused its market dominance to stifle competition and boost profits.

 Apple’s App Store policies have been the centerpiece of criticism, particularly its mandatory 30% commission  on in-app purchases, often called the “Apple Tax.” 

The issue gained significant attention during Epic Games’ high-profile legal battle against Apple, highlighting concerns over the company’s monopolistic control over app distribution on iOS devices.

In July, Epic Games claimed Apple  was stalling its attempts to set up a games store on iPhones and iPads in Europe.

The Fortnite maker claimed Apple rejected documents it submitted to launch its store twice because some of the buttons resembled those used on its App Store.

“We are using the same ‘Install’ and ‘In-app purchases’ naming conventions that are used across popular app stores on multiple platforms and are following standard conventions for buttons in iOS apps,” Epic wrote on X.

About the Author

Kurt Robson

Kurt Robson is a London-based reporter at CCN with a diverse background across several prominent news outlets. Having transitioned into the world of technology journalism several years ago, Kurt has developed a keen fascination with all things AI. Kurt’s reporting blends a passion for innovation with a commitment to delivering insightful, accurate and engaging stories on the cutting edge of technology.

See more

[email protected]