Apple will soon make major changes to its mobile platform in response to new European Union regulations called the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
As a result of the DMA, large technology companies identified as “gatekeepers” must open their core platforms to competitors or third-party alternatives. For example: Apple can no longer monopolize the distribution of apps on iOS in the EU through the App Store. This means, for example, that developers can distribute their apps through alternative app markets on iOS, circumventing Apple’s App Store content policies.
Apple announces first changes under DMA
By now, you’ve probably heard that Apple is allowing the App Store to compete in Europe.Apple has critical Microsoft, Meta, Epic Games, and Spotify provide rules and policies regarding these “alternative markets.” (Apple has formulated new and controversial DMA-related policies for Apple’s revenue sharing model, which has been the focus of peer criticism.)
However, Apple has been forced to make some other lesser-known changes to iOS that you might not be aware of yet.
On Thursday, the day the DMA officially came into effect in the EU, Apple publish The compliance report details some of the upcoming changes to its platform as a result of these new regulations.
Here are some of the most anticipated changes DMA will bring to EU iPhone users:
Browser selection
After EU users update to iOS 17.4, tThey will see the numerous web browser options available in the market.
As before, the iPhone simply defaults to Apple’s own Safari web browser. To change the default setting to another option, such as Firefox, Google Chrome, or Opera, you must navigate to Settings to change it. Now, thanks to DMA authorization, Apple will prompt EU users to make a choice.
Developers will also have a choice. Previously, developers could only use Apple’s WebKit to implement browser apps and in-app browser experiences. Now, they can also use alternative web browser engines.
Delete iPhone Safari App
Speaking of Safari, have you tried deleting the app from your iOS device? you can not.
Well, if you’re an EU user, that’s going to change soon.
Apple announced in its DMA compliance report that it plans to let users completely delete the Safari app from their iPhones. Previously, users were prohibited from doing this because Apple’s web browser is deeply integrated with iOS. However, Apple is now preparing to make this change.
Interoperability: First comes payments
Using Apple Pay is easy. Users simply scan their iPhone at the checkout counter and pay for items using any number of payment options in Apple Wallet.
Now, Apple will allow developers of third-party payment apps to access the NFC chip inside the iPhone, making this possible. Soon, users will also be able to use iPhone to pay for products and services through third-party payment apps.
Apple said it will also consider other interoperability requests from developers on a case-by-case basis.
Easier transfer to Android and other mobile operating systems
Want to ditch your iPhone for a replacement but feel confused by all the stuff tied to Apple?
DMA also prompted Apple to change this.
According to Apple, it is working to provide mobile operating system providers such as Android with “more user-friendly solutions” to help users transfer data from iPhone to non-Apple devices.
Most Apple changes affected by DMA will happen later this year or early next year, according to Apple. The latest scheduled feature – easier transfer from iPhone – is currently scheduled to launch in the fall of 2025.
