Apple is giving European iPhone users more freedom in selecting system apps in iOS. Apple is also complying with the Digital Markets Act.

Apple has a message for European iPhone and iPad users and developers. By the end of the year, Apple plans to add a new system apps menu to Settings, where users will be able to choose their preferred apps for calls, messages, camera, keyboard, and more. Starting in fall 2025, you will also be able to choose the system apps for navigation, translations, and spam filters.

Since iOS 17.4, there has been a browser selection menu, which means that users no longer have to set Safari as the default browser. The drop-down menu shows a list of twelve browsers to choose from. The selected browser is automatically installed on your phone. Browser developers have access to data about the selection screen.

The Apple App Store will also change significantly in the EU. Apple has, somewhat reluctantly, allowed third-party app stores for iOS and iPadOS. But that’s not all, because soon you’ll be able to delete the App Store entirely. This will also apply to other system apps like Safari and Messages, with the exception of the Settings and Phone apps.

Doors open

Apple says it has taken these measures after “ongoing dialogue with the European Commission.” The iPhone manufacturer is referred to as a gatekeeper in the Digital Markets Act. With the law, the European Commission hopes to open up Apple’s previously closed ecosystem to external parties.

Although Apple rarely agrees to the terms of the DMA, it seems to be increasingly complying with it. For example, Apple and the EU recently reached an agreement on NFC payments. Apple hopes that with these changes to iOS, the matter will be settled. The company does not seem willing to make any concessions on its Apple Intelligence suite for now, although there may be a glimmer of hope for macOS.