Apple announces policy to allow genuine Apple apps including Safari to be uninstalled by the end of 2024



It turns out that Apple is preparing to uninstall preinstalled apps such as the web browser ``Safari'' installed in macOS and iOS. However, since the measure is to comply with the EU's

Digital Markets Act (DMA) , it seems that only users in the EU can uninstall it.

Apple's Non-Confidential Summary of DMA Compliance Report
(PDF file) https://www.apple.com/legal/dma/dma-ncs.pdf



Apple is working to make it easier to switch from iPhone to Android because of the EU - The Verge

https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/7/24093355/apple-digital-markets-act-compliance-android-switch-eu

In the 'Unconfidential Summary of DMA Compliance Report' announced on March 7, 2024 local time, Apple stated that in order to comply with DMA, the system that Apple has built to protect users and developers will be changed. While expressing dissatisfaction with the need to add new features, the company announced that it would introduce measures such as fair authentication of iOS apps, authentication of marketplace developers, and disclosure of alternative payment information. These changes will be available to developers starting with Xcode 15.3 and iOS 17.4 , and will be available to users in the 27 EU member countries from early March 2024.

For example, until now the official distribution location for iOS apps has been limited to the ``App Store'' operated by Apple, but from now on it will be possible to distribute them in alternative app markets.

Alternative app stores will finally be released from iOS 17.4 in compliance with EU regulations, but Apple warns - GIGAZINE



Additionally, when making payments on the App Store, you will be able to select a payment service provider and complete the payment on an external site.

Apple allows sideloading and payments outside the App Store in the EU in response to the Digital Markets Act, but strict conditions and new fees will be added - GIGAZINE



The default web browser was 'Safari', but from iOS 17.4 a list of available web browsers will be displayed by default when you start Safari for the first time. The choice of default apps will not only be limited to browsers, but you will also be able to use your favorite apps such as ``apps that open the app market'' and ``contactless payment apps.''

Along with this, pre-installed apps can now be uninstalled. On iOS, Safari will also be able to be uninstalled. It is expected that it will be possible to uninstall Safari by the end of 2024.

◆Forum now open
A forum related to this article has been set up on the GIGAZINE official Discord server . Anyone can write freely, so please feel free to comment! If you do not have a Discord account, please create one by referring to the article explaining how to create an account!

• Discord | 'How often do you use Apple genuine apps? Do you use them every day? Do you rarely use them?' | GIGAZINE
https://discord.com/channels/1037961069903216680/1215579211549515797

in Software, Posted by logc_nt