Big changes are coming for iPhone and iPad users in the European Union, and they’re all about giving you more control, but only if you live in the EU. Playing Fortnite is not the only differences between EU iPhones and others!
Upcoming EU iPhone privileges
Soon, EU users will be able to choose their default apps for phone calls, messaging, keyboards, and password managers through a new “Default Apps” section in Settings. This means you can set up your device just the way you like it.
But that’s not all. By next spring, you’ll also be able to pick default apps for navigation, translation, and call spam filtering. Plus, EU users will have the option to delete built-in apps like the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari. The only apps you won’t be able to remove are Settings and Phone.
Apple is also updating its browser choice screen. Right now, when you open Safari, you can install other browsers like Firefox or Chrome. With the new update, if Safari is your default browser, you’ll need to scroll through the entire list of browsers before picking one. You’ll also see more details about each browser on the choice screen. Developers will get more information about how well the choice screen is working.
Although not new to this update, it’s worth mentioning that EU users already benefit from NFC payments being open to third-party services, reducing reliance on Apple Pay.
These changes are part of Apple’s compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, aimed at fostering a more open digital ecosystem where users have greater freedom to choose their services and where competition is encouraged. These updates reflect Apple’s efforts to adapt to regulatory demands in the EU, providing users there with more flexibility and control over their devices than in other regions. However, remember these privileges are specifically tailored for the EU market due to local legislation, and similar changes might not be available globally unless similar legislation is passed elsewhere.
Need a list of the differences?
| Feature | Description | EU iPhone | Other iPhones |
| Default Apps Selection | Choose default apps for phone calls, messaging, keyboards, and password managers. | Available soon | Not available |
| Additional Default Apps | Option to choose default apps for navigation, translation, and call spam filtering. | Available by next spring | Not available |
| Delete Built-In Apps | Ability to remove built-in apps like App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari. | Available by next spring | Not available |
| Non-Removable Apps | Settings and Phone cannot be deleted. | Permanent | Permanent |
| Updated Browser Choice Screen | Enhanced browser choice screen with more details and the requirement to scroll through the list if Safari is default. | Available soon | Current functionality |
| NFC Payments | Open to third-party services, reducing reliance on Apple Pay. | Available | Limited to Apple Pay |
| Regulatory Compliance | Changes are in response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, aimed at increasing user choice and competition. | Specific to the EU | Not applicable |
So, while playing Fortnite is a fun difference between EU iPhones and those elsewhere, these new features will bring even more significant changes, giving EU users a unique and customized iPhone experience soon.
Featured image credit: Eray Eliaçık/Bing
