7 Exciting Updates for EU iPhones: Change Default Apps and More Soon

EU iPhones to Get Freedom to Change Default Apps Soon

Apple is making some big changes for iPhone and iPad users in the European Union. Starting later this year, iPhone users in the EU will have the ability to change default apps for various functions such as phone calls, messaging, and more. These changes are part of a broader effort to give users more control over their devices and make it easier to customize the iPhone experience. With this update, EU users will have more freedom to set their preferred apps for different tasks, making the iPhone even more user-friendly.

New Default Apps Section in Settings

One of the major updates coming to iPhones and iPads in the EU is a new “Default Apps” section in the Settings menu. This section will allow users to easily change default apps for phone calls, messaging, keyboards, password managers, and more. This means that instead of using Apple’s built-in apps, users can select their favorite third-party apps to handle these tasks. Whether you prefer a different messaging app or a specialized keyboard, you’ll soon be able to set those apps as your default options.

This feature will provide more flexibility for users who want to personalize their devices. It’s a big step for Apple, which has historically kept a tight grip on default apps in its ecosystem.

More Customization Coming Next Year

The updates don’t stop there. In the spring of next year, Apple will expand this customization even further. Users in the EU will be able to set default apps for navigation, translation, and call spam filtering. This means that if you prefer using Google Maps or another navigation app over Apple Maps, you’ll soon have the option to set it as your default. The same goes for translation apps and call spam filters.

In addition, Apple will allow EU users to delete several built-in apps that were previously non-removable. These include the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari. However, there are some limitations – the Settings and Phone apps will remain undeletable, as they are essential for the basic operation of the iPhone.

These changes mark a significant shift in how Apple is approaching app customization on its devices, giving EU users more choices and greater control over their apps.

Browser Choices and More Control

Another area where Apple is loosening its grip is in browser choice. When this update rolls out, users in the EU who open Safari for the first time will see a new browser choice screen. This screen will allow users to select alternative browsers like Firefox, Chrome, or DuckDuckGo. While Apple already allows users to change their default browser, this new screen makes it easier for users to explore different options right from the start.

The update will also require EU users with Safari set as their default browser to scroll through a list of other browser options before making their choice. This process is designed to ensure that users are aware of all available options before deciding. In addition, Apple will provide more data to developers about how their browsers perform on this choice screen, allowing them to make improvements based on real-world usage.

Opening the iPhone to Third-Party Marketplaces

Apple has also started opening up the iPhone to third-party app marketplaces. Last week, the Epic Games Store launched on the platform, allowing users to access games and apps outside of Apple’s App Store. This move is part of a larger effort by Apple to comply with regulations in the EU that promote competition and give users more options for where they can download apps.

This is a significant change for Apple, which has long maintained strict control over its app ecosystem. The introduction of third-party marketplaces means that users will have more choices when it comes to downloading apps, and developers will have more opportunities to reach a wider audience.

Why These Changes Matter

These updates are part of a broader trend of increasing user control and customization on Apple devices. For years, Apple has been criticized for restricting users’ ability to change default apps and for limiting access to third-party app stores. By allowing users to change default apps and delete some built-in apps, Apple is giving users in the EU more control over their devices.

The ability to change default apps is a significant step forward for users who want to customize their iPhones to better suit their needs. Whether it’s using a preferred keyboard app, switching to a different messaging platform, or selecting a different browser, these updates provide more flexibility and choice for iPhone users.

Looking Forward: What to Expect

As these updates roll out later this year and into the next, EU iPhone and iPad users will enjoy a more customizable experience. Apple’s decision to allow changes to default apps and delete certain built-in apps shows that the company is adapting to the demands of its users and complying with regulations that promote competition and user choice.

While these changes are currently limited to the EU, they could set a precedent for similar updates in other regions. For now, iPhone users in the European Union can look forward to a more personalized and flexible user experience, with the freedom to choose the apps that work best for them.

Conclusion

The upcoming changes to iPhones and iPads in the EU mark a significant shift in how Apple is approaching user customization and app control. With the ability to change default apps, delete certain built-in apps, and access third-party marketplaces, users will have more freedom than ever before to tailor their devices to their liking. This update is a major win for those who have been seeking more flexibility and choice on their iPhones, and it signals a new era of openness for Apple’s ecosystem.

As these updates roll out, iPhone users in the EU will be at the forefront of this shift, enjoying a more customizable and user-friendly experience. Whether you want to change your default messaging app, switch to a different browser, or explore new app stores, Apple’s upcoming updates are set to make it easier than ever to personalize your device.