Apple recently announced changes to its browser choice screens in compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The redesigned screens will provide users with a toolbar for easier selection of browsers, which will be pinned to the top of the list as users scroll through the available options. Users will now be required to scroll through the full list of available browsers, which will be the top 12 browsers displayed in a random order in their country. Additionally, more information will be displayed per browser, including the app subtitle from the App Store product page.
Once a user confirms their selection, the default browser will open immediately if it’s already on their device. The browser’s app icon will replace Safari in the dock, if Safari was in that slot. If the user selects a default browser not already on their device, it will start downloading upon confirmation and open automatically once the download is complete. This allows for a smoother transition in changing default browsers.
One significant change is the increased frequency of the choice screen display. Previously, the choice screen was shown only the first time a user opened Safari after updating to iOS 17.4. With the upcoming iOS 18 update, the choice screen will be shown again if Safari is still the default browser, even on new devices. This change aims to provide users with more opportunities to explore and select their preferred browsers.
Apple has also announced changes to default apps for EU users, including a centralized setting to view all available defaults. In future updates, Apple plans to expand default settings for various functionalities, such as dialing phone numbers, sending messages, translating text, navigation, managing passwords, keyboards, and call spam filters. The ability to delete more default apps, such as App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari, will be granted to EU users. These changes are scheduled to arrive later this year, with the intention of improving user choice and competition in the market.
As a designated gatekeeper under the DMA, Apple is required to open up its mobile ecosystem to promote competition and consumer choice. The European Commission has been closely monitoring Apple’s compliance with the DMA, particularly focusing on browser choice screens and user choice obligations. The recent changes proposed by Apple aim to address the EC’s concerns and avoid potential non-compliance findings and penalties.
Apple has taken feedback from stakeholders into account and considers the changes to be part of an ongoing compliance dialog with the EU. The Commission has confirmed that the choice obligation investigation is still open, indicating that Apple and the Commission are working together on compliance solutions. The DMA allows for remedies to be proposed by gatekeepers to address concerns and prevent full enforcement actions, emphasizing the importance of quick and effective results under the regulation.
Apple’s adjustments to its browser choice screens and default apps for EU users represent a step towards compliance with the DMA and promoting consumer choice in the digital market. By addressing the EC’s concerns and engaging in an ongoing compliance dialog, Apple aims to meet regulatory requirements and avoid potential penalties. The effectiveness of these changes will be closely monitored by the EU as it seeks to ensure a fair and competitive digital ecosystem for all users.