Apple to expand on browser choice, default apps, and removing core apps in the EU

Apple is set to make further changes to the way default apps operate in the European Union in an effort to comply with the region’s Digital Markets Act. Users can expect updates to iOS and iPadOS to enable these changes “by the end of the year,” according to Apple’s latest developer news.

The changes include updates to the browser choice screen to give browser developers room to provide a little more info to users and more data about how the screen performs for them.

For EU users, iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will include a new Default Apps section in the Settings app. In updates later this year, Apple will add options for EU users to choose new defaults for dialing phone numbers, sending messages, translating text, navigation, managing passwords, keyboards, and call spam filters.

Apple will also allow users in the EU to delete the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari.