Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.
TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust.
In brief: Apple is preparing to further loosen its control over the app ecosystem for iPhone and iPad users in the EU. While it's already possible to delete several built-in apps like Calculator, Calendar, Music, and Notes, the upcoming iOS 18.2 update currently in beta testing will go even further. Users will be able to remove core apps such as the App Store, Safari, Messages, and even the Camera app.
The move is part of Apple's effort to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act antitrust regulations. One of the DMA's requirements is that tech giants must allow users to easily remove any pre-installed apps they don't want. Apple confirmed this change back in August, and now we're finally seeing it take shape.
For most users, the idea of removing core apps like the App Store might seem puzzling at first. After all, how would you download new apps without it? The update will enable EU users to install alternative app marketplaces as replacements.
However, the ability to delete system apps isn't the main point. The real significance lies in giving users more freedom of choice – whether to stick with Apple's default apps or explore alternatives. While apps like Messages and Safari are essential for some, others may prefer third-party options.
Still, we anticipate that most users will continue using the default apps – especially the Camera and App Store. However, if a user does choose to uninstall them, a convenient button in Settings allows for easy restoration should you change your mind.
The update represents yet another crack in Apple's famous "walled garden." Cupertino is increasingly being pushed to open its ecosystem, at least for EU customers. Another example of these shifting times is iMessage's new interoperability features.
As for users outside the EU, iOS 18.2 is still a feature-packed update. It introduces a new menu for easily setting default apps for email, web browsing, messaging, and more. It also brings exciting new features like Image Playground for photo editing, an animated emoji maker called Genmoji, ChatGPT integration, and Visual Search capabilities for the latest iPhone 16 models.
At present, the iOS 18.2 beta is limited to devices that support Apple Intelligence. A full release is expected sometime in December.