iPhone: Switching to Android and uninstalling Safari will be easier

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has a significant impact on Apple’s iOS ecosystem, especially for users in the EU. This legislation, aimed at promoting fairer competition in the digital marketplace, forced Apple to implement a series of consumer-oriented changes.

A key transformation is the introduction of alternative iPhone app stores. Previously, Apple’s App Store held a monopoly on app distribution for iOS devices. EU users now have the freedom to choose and install apps from third-party app stores. This encourages competition and potentially a wider choice of applications.

EU DMA ushers in a new era of consumer choice for iPhone in Europe

In addition, DMA forces Apple will loosen its grip on web browsing. iPhone users in the EU can now choose a default web browser that uses a rendering engine other than Apple’s WebKit. This empowers users with a wider range of browsing experiences and potentially enhanced functionality.

DMA extends its reach beyond app stores and browsers. Apple is actively developing a method to facilitate data transfer between iPhone and Android devices. Expected by the fall of 2025, it addresses a major pain point for consumers considering switching ecosystems. In addition, cross-browser data transfer within iOS will be available by late 2024 or early 2025, promoting flexibility for users in managing web browsing data.

The level of customization expands even further. By March 2025, EU users will be able to choose a preferred navigation app, a feature that was not available until now. Additionally, Apple will allow Safari to be completely removed, taking care of users who rely solely on alternative browsers. These changes, introduced by the end of 2024, offer a greater degree of customization for iPhone users in the EU.

It is important to note that for now these improvements are likely to be limited to the EU, as the DMA’s jurisdiction is limited to the European bloc. In addition, existing DMA-compatible features such as third-party app stores may have restrictions when used outside the EU.

Overall, DMA represents a significant change for Apple’s iOS in the EU. Users gain more control over their devices, experience a more open ecosystem, and enjoy greater flexibility in choosing apps, browsing the web, and managing data. This paves the way for a more competitive digital landscape and potentially influences similar changes for consumers in other regions.