EU iPhone Users to Gain Control Over Default Phone and Messaging Apps

Apple has declared its intention to greatly extend the possibility of personalization of iPhones and iPads in the European Union.

Beginning sometime in the second half of this year, users will be able to set their desired default apps for many activities, such as calling apps, messaging apps, keyboards, password managers, and many others, according to the official update by Apple.

Not just changing the default apps, but with this updated EU iPhone users will be able to remove pre-installed applications such as the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari. Although this flexibility cannot be applied to all apps (Settings and Phone are mandatory) it is a big step toward giving people more control over their devices and letting them configure them according to their needs.

• The new "Default Apps" feature which will be located in the Settings menu will give the users more control over the features and apps of the device.

Apart from the first round of customizable applications, Apple has suggested that it will add more of these options in the spring of the following year including the navigation applications, translation applications, and the call spam filter applications.

Apple has also altered its browser choice screen – the one that pops up when users first launch Safari. 

The company will now force EU users to scroll through a list of available default browsers before making a selection and will show the browser’s App Store caption on the choice screen. These changes are meant to help the users make better decisions and increase the level of transparency.

With these new customization options, Apple is answering to increasing demand for more user autonomy and competition in the app environment.

Highlights:

• Expanded Customization Options: Apple will allow EU users to choose default apps for various functions like phone calls, messaging, and keyboards.
• App Deletion Flexibility: Users can delete pre-installed Apple apps like the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari.
• Enhanced Browser Choice Screen: Apple has made changes to its browser choice screen to provide users with more information and transparency.

Such changes are believed to bring about a positive effect on user satisfaction and choice in the EU market.