Under regulatory pressure, Apple introduces changes for the EU

StockholmApple announced Thursday that it will change the way users choose browser options in the European Union (EU), adding a specific section for changing default apps and making it possible to delete more apps.

The iPhone maker came under pressure from regulators to make changes following the entry into force on March 7 of the EU Digital Markets Act, which requires it to offer mobile phone users a choice from a list of available web browsers on a “choice screen” the first time they open Safari.

In an update coming later this year, Apple users will be able to select a default browser directly from the selection screen after going through a mandatory list of options.

The user will be shown a randomly sorted list of 12 browsers per EU country with brief descriptions, and the chosen one will be downloaded automatically, according to Apple. The choice screen will also be available on iPads via an update later this year.

Apple released a previous update in response to the new rules in March, but browser companies criticised its choice of screen design and the European Commission (EC) opened an investigation on 25 March over suspicions that the measures fell short of effective enforcement.

“We welcome Apple’s update to the Choice Screen, especially as it comes ahead of upcoming iPhone releases,” Andrew Frost Moroz of the Aloha browser told Reuters.

“For those less familiar with us, the description will highlight these benefits, and fewer taps to start browsing will improve the user experience and benefit third-party browsers.”

Apple said it has been in discussions with the Commission and believes the new changes will address regulators’ concerns. The Commission said Thursday it will monitor the effectiveness of the remedies in achieving the law’s goal and decide on next steps in the ongoing case.

Users will also be able to delete certain Apple-created apps, such as the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari. Only Settings and Phone will not be able to be deleted.