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A document published by Apple today revealed how the tech giant is complying with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
This includes adding a new “Default Apps” section to the Settings app on iPhones and iPads. From spring 2025, users in the EU will be able to set default apps for navigation and translation. That means instead of Apple Maps, users could choose alternatives such as Google Maps, while Microsoft Translator or Google Translate could be chosen as a replacement for Apple Translate.
The fact that these updates are landing in spring 2025 likely means they’ll roll out with iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, which is expected in April. This is big news for Apple users in the EU, but users elsewhere are still stuck with Apple’s default apps.
In iOS 17.4 and later, Apple allowed EU residents to change other app defaults, including selecting alternatives for mail, browser, phone call, messaging, password manager, and app store apps. There are also options to set defaults for software keyboards and call filtering.
EU Apple Users Can Delete Preinstalled Apps
Users in the EU can also delete preinstalled apps from their Home Screen on iOS and iPadOS. Apple says an update “later in 2024” will allow users to delete Messages, Safari, Camera, Photos, and the App Store apps. Only Settings and Phone (on iOS) will not be deleted.
Today, the European Commission also revealed its plans to assess whether Apple’s changes to iPadOS are compliant with the DMA. In particular, there are queries about whether Apple’s accessory interoperability is compliant.
Though seamless integration of Apple accessories like the Apple Pencil and AirPods is a given, the Commission may ask whether the tech giant’s level of support for third-party accessories meets the DMA’s requirements.
