What to know

  • Apple to introduce default app selection for iOS and iPadOS.
  • Users in EU can delete core apps, including the App Store.
  • Changes aim to comply with Digital Markets Act and offer more customization options to users.

In a groundbreaking move, Apple is set to revolutionize its app ecosystem by giving users unprecedented control over their devices. The tech giant announced that it will soon roll out a new feature allowing iOS and iPadOS users to set default apps of their choice, breaking away from the long-standing practice of pre-set Apple applications.

This shift doesn’t stop there. Apple will also permit users in the European Union to delete core apps from their devices. Yes, you read that right – even the App Store itself could be on the chopping block.

Initially, users will be able to remove the following apps: Messages, Camera, Photos, Safari, and the App Store. Only apps that are in the Settings app and the Phone app are spared.

Image: developer.apple

These changes are not just a whim but a response to the Digital Markets Act, a piece of EU legislation aimed at fostering fair competition in the digital realm. Apple, known for its “walled garden” approach, is now opening the gates a little wider.

For iPhone and iPad users, this means more freedom to customize their digital experience. No longer will they be bound to Safari as their default browser or Mail as their go-to email client. Users can now choose alternatives that better suit their needs and preferences.

The ability to delete core apps makes t. While Apple has allowed the removal of some pre-installed apps in the past, this new policy extends to previously untouchable applications.

This regional approach to the changes highlights the impact of local regulations on global tech companies. But one thing’s for sure – the Apple experience is about to become more customizable than ever before.