Apple to Revamp Browser Choice and App Deletion Options in EU

Apple is set to overhaul how users in the European Union select browser options and manage default apps. The adjustments follow pressure from the EU's Digital Markets Act, mandating tech giants to offer a choice screen for browsers, search engines, and virtual assistants. Additionally, more Apple-made apps will become deletable.

Apple announced significant changes for its European users on Thursday, who will soon have a dedicated section for changing default apps and more options for deletable apps.

The shift comes in response to the EU's Digital Markets Act, which mandates that big tech companies provide mobile users the ability to choose from a list of available web browsers on a 'choice screen.' The new rules aim to curtail pre-installed, preferred options from companies like Apple and Google.

In a forthcoming update, iPhone and iPad users will be presented with a randomly ordered list of 12 browsers per EU country, allowing them to select and automatically download their preferred browser. Alongside this, Apple plans to let users set default apps for messaging, phone calls, and other functions, and delete certain built-in apps like Messages and Safari.

(With inputs from agencies.)