Apple has announced significant changes for iOS and iPadOS 18 updates, set to roll out by the end of this year for European Union (EU) users. These updates will give EU users the ability to delete certain default apps on their devices and make more changes to default applications. Here are the details…

Apple to Offer More Freedom with iOS and iPadOS 18: Users Can Delete Apps like Camera, App Store, Photos, and Messages

Users will now be able to remove apps like the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari from their devices. However, the Settings and Phone apps will remain undeletable. Apple stated that these changes are being made to comply with regulations under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Apple plans to create a special space on iPhones to make it easier for users to change default iOS apps. This change will allow users to more easily manage default options such as browsers, email clients, store apps, and NFC programs.

The iOS and iPadOS updates, expected later this year, will also allow users to manage default settings related to phone calls, messaging, password management, blocking unwanted calls, and keyboard layouts. Additionally, Apple has committed to offering default options for navigation and translation apps by spring 2025.

This mandatory move by Apple is seen as a significant step towards granting more freedom to EU users and complying with regulatory pressures. These changes will provide users with greater control over personalizing their devices and offer notable flexibility within Apple’s closed ecosystem.

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