Among the most unexpected updates is Apple's decision to permit the deletion of several fundamental apps that were previously deemed essential to the system. These apps include Messages, the App Store, Photos, Camera, and even Safari. While users have previously been able to uninstall some default apps, this represents the first instance where critical applications like Messages and the App Store can be entirely removed. For users in Europe, this grants an unparalleled level of flexibility in how they manage their devices. Historically, Apple has resisted pressure to allow such deletions, but it seems the company has found a method to sustain system stability even with these applications uninstalled. Users choosing to delete the App Store, for instance, will still be able to reinstall it via the settings menu, and other removed apps can be re-downloaded from the App Store itself.
Additionally, developers were previously mandated to distribute their apps exclusively through the App Store and utilize Apple’s payment system, from which the company collected a percentage of each transaction. This monopolistic approach to app distribution has been a significant point of contention among developers, many of whom believed that Apple’s policies hindered competition and innovation. Now, Apple will allow developers to distribute their applications through alternative marketplaces, diminishing the company’s control over app monetization. This change enables developers to promote their apps and offer payment options outside the App Store, effectively circumventing Apple’s revenue cut.
Earlier this year, Apple made headlines by permitting sideloading and third-party app marketplaces on its devices within the EU, marking an unprecedented shift for the company. These modifications are merely the initial steps, as the company prepares to roll out even more substantial updates to comply with the DMA. iPhone and iPad users in the EU will soon gain enhanced control over their devices, including the ability to customize default apps and remove core Apple applications that were previously integral to the system.
“By the end of this year, we’ll make changes to the browser choice screen, default apps, and app deletion for iOS and iPadOS for users in the EU. These updates stem from our ongoing dialogue with the European Commission about meeting the Digital Market Act’s requirements in these areas,” Apple stated in an official announcement.
A key focus of Apple's changes involves the browser choice screen for iPhone and iPad users. In earlier iOS versions, users were primarily restricted to Safari as their default browser, despite the option to install other browsers. With iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, Apple is introducing a new browser choice screen that presents detailed information about available browsers, including performance metrics, allowing users to make more informed choices regarding their default web browser.
Another significant change associated with these updates is the introduction of a new “Default Apps” section in the settings menu. This section will enumerate all currently used default apps and offer users the option to designate non-Apple applications as their defaults for various functions. Besides browsers and email, users will now be able to set default apps for activities such as dialing phone numbers, messaging, navigation, translation, password management, and spam call filtering.
