Apple is making adjustments to its compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) by revealing a new set of changes. The iPhone manufacturer showcased redesigned browser choice screens that will be implemented on iOS and iPadOS later this year with the release of version 18 of its mobile software platforms.
The updated browser choice screens will feature a toolbar on the left side of the list where users can directly select a browser from the choice screen, pinning it to the top of the list for easy access while scrolling through the options.
As part of the changes, users will now be required to explore the full list of available browsers, which will consist of the top 12 browsers in their country displayed in a random order. More detailed information about each browser will be displayed, with Apple pulling data like the app subtitle from the App Store product page.
When a user confirms their browser selection, if they choose a default browser that is already on their device, the app will open instantly with a notification confirming it as the default. The browser app icon will replace Safari in the dock if Safari was in that position.
If the user selects a default browser not currently on their device, the download will begin immediately upon confirmation. Once the download is complete, the browser will open automatically with a notification confirming it as the default.
Another significant change is that the choice screen will be shown more frequently, appearing on every device where an iOS or iPadOS user has Safari as the default browser, rather than just once per user.
Apple also announced changes to default apps for EU users, introducing a centralized setting where users can view all available defaults.
Further updates to Apple’s mobile platforms, expected later this year, will expand the list of default settings for dialing phone numbers, messaging, text translation, navigation, password management, keyboards, and call spam filters. Navigation and translation apps are planned to be added in Spring 2025.
Later this year, Apple will allow more of its default apps to be deleted by EU users, including the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari. Users will have the option to re-download any deleted default apps from the App Store or the app installation settings.
These changes, aimed at addressing criticism of the current browser choice screen design and meeting broader user choice obligations under the DMA, are expected to roll out later this year. Apple seeks to avoid potential non-compliance penalties under the regulation.
As a designated gatekeeper under the DMA, Apple must open up its mobile ecosystem to boost competition and consumer choice in accordance with the regulation’s requirements.
The EU initiated DMA investigations on Apple earlier this year, focusing on browser choice screen design and user choice obligations, with preliminary findings on other probes also underway.
Apple’s latest changes are positioned to address the EC’s concerns and work towards compliance solutions in collaboration with the Commission to avoid potential penalties.
The EU’s ongoing investigation into Apple’s choice obligation compliance remains open, with continued dialogue and cooperative efforts between the gatekeepers and the Commission.
