Apple Announces Additional Changes for EU Users Affecting Browser Choice Screen, App Deletion, Default Apps

Apple has announced additional changes for users in the EU in order to meet the requirements of the Digital Market Act. The newly announced changes affect the browser choice screen, default apps, and app deletion for iOS and iPadOS. The company says the the changes will be implemented by the end of the year.

Browser Choice Screen
Developers of browsers offered in the browser choice screen in the EU will have additional information about their browser shown to users who view the choice screen, and will get access to more data about the performance of the choice screen. The updated choice screen will be shown to all EU users who have Safari set as their default browser. For details about the changes coming to the browser choice screen, view About the browser choice screen in the EU.

Default Apps
For users in the EU, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will also include a new Default Apps section in Settings that lists defaults available to each user. In future software updates, users will get new default settings for dialing phone numbers, sending messages, translating text, navigation, managing passwords, keyboards, and call spam filters. To learn more, view Update on apps distributed in the European Union.


App Deletion
Additionally, the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari apps will now be deletable for users in the EU.

Earlier this month, Apple announced loosened rules for external links; however, it also introduced two new fees on any digital goods and services sold. The first is an Initial Acquisition Fee of 5% that developers must pay for the first 12 months after initial app install. The second is a 10% Store Services Fee that also lasts for 12 months, but that time period resets with each app update or reinstall. The new EU fees have been criticized as 'unacceptable' and 'illegal'; however, the European Commission has yet to determine if they violate the DMA.

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