Apple recently unveiled a new batch of changes to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). One of the key changes includes redesigned browser choice screens that will be introduced in iOS and iPadOS version 18 later this year. These updated screens will feature a toolbar on the left-hand side where users can directly select a browser. The selected browser will then be pinned to the top of the list for easy access as users scroll through the available options. Additionally, users will now be required to scroll through the entire list of available browsers, which will be the top 12 browsers in their country displayed in a random order. Apple has also added more information per browser by including the app subtitle from the App Store product page.
In addition to the changes in browser choice screens, Apple has also announced adjustments to default apps for EU users. A new centralized setting will allow users to view a list of all default apps available. This change is part of a larger update to the mobile platforms, set to roll out later this year. Apple plans to expand the default settings to include options for dialing phone numbers, sending messages, translating text, navigation, managing passwords, keyboards, and call spam filters. Navigation and translation apps are scheduled for release in the spring of 2025. Furthermore, EU users will soon have the ability to delete more default apps, such as the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari. Users can easily re-download any deleted default apps from the App Store or in the app installation section settings.
These adjustments by Apple come in response to criticisms that the current browser choice screen design makes it challenging for users to switch from Safari to other browsers. The company has been under scrutiny for allegedly failing to meet broader user choice obligations under the DMA. As a designated gatekeeper under the EU regulation, Apple is required to open up its mobile ecosystem to boost competition and consumer choice. Non-compliance with the DMA regulations could result in hefty penalties for the tech giant. Apple hopes that these changes will address the EU’s concerns and prevent a full-blown non-compliance finding.
The European Commission, responsible for enforcing the DMA, initiated investigations into Apple’s compliance with the regulation earlier this year. The investigations included scrutiny of Apple’s browser choice screen design and broader user choice obligations. While preliminary findings have been issued on other Apple probes related to anti-steering rules on the App Store, there has been no public announcement on the choice obligation investigation. Apple aims to resolve the enforcement concerns by implementing these changes and working closely with the Commission to ensure compliance with the DMA.
During a briefing on the latest DMA tweaks, Apple emphasized that it has taken feedback from stakeholders into account during this iterative process of compliance. Lea Zuber, a spokeswoman for the Commission, confirmed that the EU’s choice obligation investigation regarding Apple is ongoing. She highlighted that there are ongoing discussions between the gatekeepers and the Commission to find compliance solutions. The DMA allows the Commission to consider remedies proposed by gatekeepers to address concerns without resorting to full enforcement actions, aiming for swift results in enhancing competition and consumer choice in the digital market.
Apple’s adjustments to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act demonstrate the company’s commitment to addressing concerns raised by regulators. By introducing redesigned browser choice screens, updating default apps and settings for EU users, and engaging in ongoing compliance dialogues with stakeholders, Apple is working towards meeting its obligations as a designated gatekeeper under the DMA. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact user choice and competition in the digital ecosystem, but Apple’s proactive approach to compliance is a step in the right direction.