Apple is planning to make a number of additional changes in the EU once again, and this time, the region is targeting the company’s stock apps. According to a to updateApple will soon allow users in the European Union to change their phone, messaging, passwords and keyboard apps, making the platform fully customizable when it comes to user experience.
EU seeks additional changes to iOS, aiming to replace and remove default apps
If you’re not familiar with it, Apple had to comply with the EU to open the App Store to developerswith the option to launch their own dedicated payment mechanisms. The company has already made several changes to the platform, and it looks like there are some additional changes that will be made later this year with the iOS 18 update.
Later this fall, the company will also allow users in EU regions to set navigation, translation, and spam filtering apps as default, moving away from the company’s default apps. If you think that’s getting out of hand, users will also have the option to delete default apps like the App Store, Camera, and Photos, as well as Safari apps. This will make the iPhone an open device, meaning users will be able to download and delete any app that suits their needs.
From a broader perspective, the new update calls for Apple to change how its ecosystem works, as most of these apps work in conjunction with Apple’s other devices. Additionally, the change will make the iPhone a much closer competitor to Android in terms of customization for users, allowing them to replace most of the default apps with third-party options.
We can also assume that the EU is looking to allow the iPhone hardware to be used with any app the user wants to install, as it is removing all the restrictions and limitations that Apple has set in the past. The company is already fighting the default browser debacle with the EU, which requires the company to set a choice screen for users that appears when they first opt into the Safari app on their iPhone.
Apple is waiving its grip on several aspects of iOS in the EU, including alternative app stores, which recently allowed Epic Games to bring Fortnite to the platform. We’ll keep you updated on further changes as more details become available.