- In the EU, a higher number of apps have been removed from iPhones by Apple
iPhone and iPad users in the EU will soon have the ability to eliminate more of Apple's apps from their gadgets, as per upcoming updates. This list includes the App Store, the messaging app Messages, the web browser Safari, the Camera, and Photos apps. However, the settings and phone call apps will remain non-deletable.
In the settings app, a new section will be introduced, allowing users to opt for third-party providers' offers for individual functions in place of Apple's default apps. For instance, users can pick an alternative app for making phone calls apart from Apple's default one. Similarly, password managers and keyboards can also be replaced. By 2025 spring, users can also switch to different default applications for navigation and translations, as announced by Apple.
By the year-end, users of Safari have to decide again on each device regarding their default web browser.
Impact on Apple
These modifications are brought about due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), requiring big platform operators to maintain fairness between their offerings and competitors' apps.
For Apple, this alteration is significant, as it challenges the company's traditional business model rich in harmonized hardware and software. Revenue generated from service subscriptions and app fees has also grown crucial for Apple – in the last quarter, it amounted to $24.2 billion, representing over a quarter of the global revenue.
Moving towards standard apps and browsers for Apple.
In this new setup, users will have the option to utilize ['Other'] third-party apps for functions previously handled by Apple's default apps, such as using alternative web browsers instead of Safari. Following the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple is shifting towards ['Other'] standard apps to maintain fairness with competitors.
