Apple is set to update the settings for browser selection and functionality on iOS and iPados devices in the European Union to comply with the new law on digital markets (DMA) aimed at preventing market monopolization.
These changes come after the European Commission initiated an investigation into Apple’s practices under the new antimonopoly regulations. Open Web Advocacy (Owa) has commended Apple for taking steps to comply with the DMA, noting the implementation of 6 out of 11 recommended changes.
Owa highlighted that Apple has eliminated manipulative patterns that disadvantaged third-party browsers, such as hiding the option to change the default browser if Safari was the primary browser. Users will now have easier access to this option, and a selection screen will appear when other browsers are not installed.
The changes will enable EU users to choose their preferred browser, fostering fair competition. Following the updates, the installation of the Brave browser on iOS devices in the EU has increased by 50%.
Despite these improvements, Apple has yet to implement all of OWA’s recommendations. Five requirements, including using the user-selected browser for all built-in browsers in iOS applications, remain unaddressed.
Owa emphasized that the changes only apply to EU users and urged regulators worldwide to take similar actions. In the UK, the Office for Competition and Markets (CMA) has been investigating Apple’s activities related to mobile browsers and cloud games since 2022, proposing potential measures for improvement.
However, Owa expressed concerns that the proposed rules may not prevent future manipulation by Apple, particularly regarding restrictions on the Webkit engine for web applications on iOS, regardless of the user’s browser choice. OWA advocates for equal conditions for all browsers and applications on iOS devices.
Apple’s upcoming iOS 17.4 release will introduce significant changes to web browsers for EU users, allowing them to set their preferred default browser upon the first launch of Safari and enabling browser manufacturers to use different browser engines.