Apple is making further adjustments to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The company recently announced changes to its browser choice screens for iOS and iPadOS, which will be implemented in version 18 of its mobile software platforms later this year. These redesigned screens will provide users with a toolbar on the left-hand side of the list, allowing them to select a browser directly from the choice screen. Once selected, the chosen browser will be pinned to the top of the list as users scroll through their options.
In addition to the redesigned screens, users will now be required to scroll through the full list of available browsers, which will be displayed in a random order. The top 12 browsers available in their country will be shown, and each browser will have slightly more information displayed, including the app subtitle from the App Store product page. If a user selects a default browser that is already on their device, the app will open immediately, and a notification will confirm that it has become their default. The browser’s app icon will also replace Safari in the dock if Safari was previously in that slot. If the user selects a browser they don’t already have, it will automatically start downloading and open with a confirmation notification once the download is complete.
One significant change is that the choice screen will be displayed more frequently. Previously, it was only shown the first time a user opened Safari after updating to iOS 17.4. However, with iOS 18, the choice screen will be shown again if Safari is the default browser, even if the user migrates to a new device. This change aims to ensure that users have ongoing opportunities to choose their preferred browser.
Apple has also announced changes to default apps for EU users. There will be a new centralized setting where users can view a list of all available default apps. Moreover, Apple plans to expand the list of default settings to include dialing phone numbers, sending messages, translating text, navigation, managing passwords, keyboards, and call spam filters. Some of these changes are expected to roll out later this year, while navigation and translation apps’ defaults are slated for Spring 2025.
Furthermore, Apple is set to allow more of its default apps to be deletable by EU users, including the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari. If users delete any default apps, they will be able to re-download them from the App Store or the app installation section setting.
These changes come in response to criticism that Apple’s current browser choice screen design makes it difficult for users to switch away from Safari, which potentially violates the DMA’s user choice obligations. Apple, as a designated gatekeeper under the DMA, must open up its mobile ecosystem to boost competition and consumer choice. Non-compliance could result in significant penalties for the company. The European Commission has opened investigations into Apple’s compliance with DMA obligations, including the browser choice screen design and broader user choice obligations. Apple hopes that these changes will address the Commission’s concerns and resolve the enforcement without facing fines.
Overall, Apple’s adjustments to its browser choice screens and default apps for EU users demonstrate the company’s commitment to complying with the DMA and addressing the concerns raised by the European Commission. By offering users more options and flexibility, Apple aims to promote competition and enhance user choice within its ecosystem.
