In a move that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, Apple is ceding some control over its operating system to comply with European Union regulations. As part of its commitment to the Digital Markets Act, Apple will soon allow users in the EU to delete the App Store, along with other core apps, from their iPhones and iPads. This change marks a significant shift in Apple’s approach to its closed ecosystem, demonstrating the growing influence of EU legislation.
Previously, while users could remove Apple preinstalled apps from their home screens, these apps remained embedded in the system, accessible via the App Library. Now, users in the EU will have the option to completely remove these apps, including the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari.
This change comes on the heels of Apple’s earlier concession to allow third-party app stores on iOS, again under pressure from the EU. While the company warns about potential risks associated with using alternative app stores, such as possible subscription payment issues, it is clear that the EU’s influence is changing the landscape of iOS.
The new features are expected to roll out with the release of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 later this year. Alongside the deletable App Store, users in the EU will also see a more informative browser choice screen during phone setup, providing more details about the different options available. Moreover, when users update to iOS 18 or iPadOS 18, they will be presented with the browser choice screen even if they already have Safari set as their default browser, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to choose a different browser.
Adding to the list of unusual changes, if a user chooses a different browser and Safari is currently in the Dock, the new browser will automatically replace Safari’s position. This move further emphasizes the EU’s impact on Apple’s software development, forcing the company to prioritize user choice and control.
It is important to note that these changes are currently limited to users in the European Union. Apple iPhone owners in the U.S. will not have the ability to delete the App Store. Apple is expected to release iOS 18 to the public around September, coinciding with the release of the iPhone 16 series. The upcoming release will be interesting to watch, as it showcases the growing influence of EU regulations on the tech giant and the future of iOS.
