Apple is gearing up to introduce significant changes for iPhone and iPad users in the European Union, allowing them to select default apps for various functions, such as phone calls, messaging, keyboards, and password management.
This update, expected to roll out later this year, will be part of a new “Default Apps” section within the Settings menu.
Further enhancements are slated for the spring of next year when Apple will expand these options to include default apps for navigation, translation, and call spam filtering. In a notable shift, EU users will also be able to delete several core Apple apps, including the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari. However, the Settings and Phone apps will remain undeletable.
Alongside these changes, Apple is refining its browser choice screen in the EU. Currently, users can select their default browser, but the upcoming update will require those with Safari as their default to scroll through a list of all available browsers before making a choice. Additionally, the App Store descriptions for each browser will be displayed, and developers will receive more detailed data on the performance of the choice screen.
This update comes as Apple continues to open its ecosystem, as seen with the recent introduction of the Epic Games Store on iPhones in the EU. These changes reflect Apple’s efforts to comply with evolving regulations and offer users greater customization and control over their devices.
