Apple has introduced a new “Default Apps” section in the Settings app. This feature will let EU users set third-party apps as defaults for phone calls, messaging, keyboards, password managers, and other functions. Not only this, but EU users will be able to delete all the iPhone apps, but one—which one? You’ll find out.
In future software updates, users will get new default settings for dialing phone numbers, sending messages, translating text, navigation, managing passwords, keyboards, and call spam filters.
Not just this, Apple will enable EU users to delete previously undeletable core apps such as the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari.
BUT
The Settings and Phone apps will remain undeletable. If users delete the App Store, it can be reinstalled from the Settings app, while other apps can be reinstalled from the App Store after you delete the iPhone apps you no longer want.
Apple is also updating the browser choice screen that appears when EU users first open Safari. The updated screen will require users to scroll through all available browser options before selecting. It will include more detailed information about each browser. Developers will also gain access to more data about the choice screen’s performance.
These updates come from our ongoing and continuing dialogue with the European Commission about compliance with the Digital Market Act’s requirements in these areas.
Will you be deleting any iPhone apps?