Apple is modifying its strategies to adhere to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), unveiling a new series of updates on Thursday. These include revamped browser selection interfaces set to arrive on iOS and iPadOS with the 18th iteration of these operating systems later this year.
The revised browser selection interfaces will offer a navigation toolbar on the list’s left side, allowing users to quickly choose a browser. This selection will then remain visible at the top as they browse through the entire list of options.
Additionally, whilst users will need to peruse the full array of browsers, only the top 12 available in their region will be shown, in a randomly sorted manner. Each option will now include more detailed information, sourced directly from the browser’s App Store subtitle.
Should a user set a pre-installed browser as their default, it will launch immediately after selection, accompanied by a notification verifying the choice. The chosen browser’s icon will also automatically take Safari’s place on the dock, should it occupy that position prior.
Choosing a default browser not already installed will trigger an automatic download. Upon completion, it opens by default with a notification to confirm the action.
A notable modification is the increased frequency of the choice screen display, as it will now appear on every device where Safari is the default browser after an update to iOS or iPadOS, not just once per user as previously.
After upgrading to iOS 17.4, the choice screen makes its first appearance when a user accesses Safari. This protocol changes with iOS 18; if Safari remains the default browser, the choice screen will prompt again. This repetition also occurs when moving to a new device with Safari still set as default.
Apple has also outlined modifications for EU users regarding default application settings, introducing a centralized options menu for easier customization of default services.
In subsequent updates, expected later this year, Apple plans to add new categories for default settings, including phone dialing, message sending, text translation, navigation, password management, keyboard selections, and call spam filters, with navigation and translation defaults targeted for Spring 2025.
Further adjustments will enable EU users to delete more pre-installed apps, such as the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari, later this year.
Apple assures that any default apps removed can be reinstalled from the App Store or through app installation settings, catering to users who might no longer have access to Apple’s store.
These upcoming changes, aimed for release later this year (though without a specific launch date), are designed to mitigate criticism over its current browser selection design and fulfill broader obligations under the DMA for user choice.
As an identified gatekeeper, Apple is mandated to diversify its mobile ecosystem accessibly, promoting competition and consumer choice, under the risk of severe penalties for non-compliance.
The EU began probing Apple in March for its adherence to the DMA, focusing on its browser choice design among other user options. The European Commission has disclosed preliminary findings from another investigation into Apple’s App Store but remains silent on the choice obligation probe.
With these changes, Apple aims to adequately address the EU’s regulations and avoid the consequences of non-compliance, potentially circumventing a significant financial penalty.
The DMA grants the Commission the flexibility to accept proposed remedies from gatekeepers, aiming for swift regulation adherence. When the Commission first announced its DMA probes on Apple, it voiced concerns over Apple’s compliance, especially in regards to user’s ability to effortlessly uninstall apps, modify default settings, and receive genuine service choices through selection screens on iOS devices.
Since iPads are now also categorized as “core platform services” under the DMA, Apple’s DMA compliance changes will affect both iOS and iPadOS. Apple has discussed these adjustments with journalists, expressing confidence that they align with the EC’s expectations and are part of a continuous dialogue for compliance.
Lea Zuber, a spokeswoman for the Commission, confirmed the ongoing investigation into Apple’s choice obligations, noting the collaborative effort between the Commission and gatekeepers towards compliance solutions.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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