Apple Will Launch Ability To Change Phone Apps And Default Messages In The European Union

JAKARTA Apple made an important announcement regarding default system changes on the iPhone. Starting later this year, all iPhone users can change browsers and default apps, but only in the European Union. Through the developer's page, Apple says that this update was created to comply with the requirements set in the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Later, on the browser selection screen, Apple will also display browser options from third parties. "Browser developers offered on the browser selection screen in the EU will obtain additional information about their browsers displayed to users who see the selection screen," Apple said. Apart from freely selecting default browsers, iPhone users in the European Union can also set phone apps, messages, to password managers from third parties. This change will be implemented when iOS 18 is launched.

"In the upcoming software update, users get new default settings for contacting phone numbers, sending messages, translating text, navigation, managing passwords, keyboards, and spam calling filters," Apple explained. These changes not only roll out to iPhones, but also to iPads with iPadOS 18. Apple also says that Apple-made apps, which are currently default apps, can be removed from iPhones. These applications include App Stores, iMessage messaging apps, Photos, Cameras, to Safari browsers. Apple does not explain when these capabilities will be launched. It looks like, users will get this feature on iOS 18 as well.