Apple unveils iOS changes to comply with the EU's DMA: browser choice screen updates, more default app settings, and the ability to delete certain system apps
https://spyglass.org/... Mark Gurman / @markgurman : I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but I'd venture to guess under 0.1% of customers in the EU are asking for any of this.Β This is going to create a lot of confusion despite leveling the playing field for developers. Mastodon: @viticci@mastodon.macstories.net : Some really good changes coming for default apps on iOS in the EU.Β βΒ My realization in 2024 has been that the DMA fork of iOS is the best iPhone experience.Β We can finally use our phones like actual computers with more default apps and apps from external sources.Β βΒ Bring it on: https://www.macstories.net/... β¦ Nico Reese / @nicoreese@mastodon.social : @stroughtonsmith They did not give a damn when creating these screenshots.Β Wrong device for the screenshot, even the Dynamic Island is stretched.Β βΒ [image] X: Ryan Jones / @rjonesy : Exactly. Like. We. Said. Phil, You could have just redistributed the commission and allowed links. Apple would have kept control and profits. Now it's a god damn mess. Waisting billions of dev hours, worse for users, and worse for Apple. π &DAGGER Lucia Scarlet / @luciascarlet : deleting the App Store: [image] Thomas Ricouard / @dimillian : Congrats @ThierryBreton, I hope you'll be able to help all the people who can't receive phone calls anymore because they deleted their phone app. I'll forward you the support emails. Oh wait they also deleted their email app. https://www.macrumors.com/... Arun Maini / @mrwhosetheboss : Next up: The EU allows users to delete iOS and install Android π Dylan / @dylanmcd8 : Question, how do you get the App Store back if you delete it Tim Sweeney / @timsweeneyepic : @mysk_co So, if you delete the App Store, do you reinstall it from Apple's web site and go through all of Apple's scare screens and dead-end settings screens? @mysk_co : Deleting Apple's App Store isn't a viable option in practice. The vast majority of the developers aren't willing to accept the new terms so that they offer their apps on alternative marketplaces. Many popular apps will only be available on the App Store https://www.macrumors.com/... Forums: r/technews : EU iPhones will be able to change the default phone and messaging apps soon |Β Apple will let users easily set new default keyboard and password managers or even delete the App Store app. r/apple : iOS 18 adding default app controls for messaging, phone calls, navigation, and more in the EU
Context & Ripple Effects
Apple had already begun creating an EU-specific iOS model, including support for alternative app stores and plans for users to choose third-party browsers and browser engines. These changes extend that model from app distribution into everyday device configuration.
The story matters because control over defaults and preinstalled software determines which services are easiest to reach on a phone. It follows the earlier move toward a split EU App Store experience, broadening the DMAβs practical effect beyond the storefront.
First-order effects
- EU iPhone users gain more control over default phone, messaging, navigation, keyboard and password-manager apps, and can remove certain system apps.
- Browser providers get an updated choice-screen route to compete for selection, while Apple loses some of the immediate advantage conferred by Safari and other preinstalled defaults.
Second-order effects
- Apps that can become defaults have a clearer path to recurring use in the EU, increasing pressure on Appleβs own apps to compete on product quality rather than placement.
- Developers and platforms must account for a more fragmented EU iOS experience, alongside the earlier alternative-store rules and browser changes.
Third-order effects
- If this pattern persists, iOS will become more regionally differentiated: EU regulation will shape interface, distribution and default-setting rules that do not necessarily apply elsewhere.
- The DMA is shifting competition policy from policing individual transactions toward changing platform design choicesβespecially the defaults and preinstallation that govern user access.
The trend: Europeβs DMA is steadily converting mobile-platform gatekeeping from a single App Store issue into a broader contest over defaults, distribution and user choice.