Apple‘s iPhones could be in for a major overhaul if the European Union (EU) gets its way. The bloc is pushing Apple to further comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulation that fosters a more open and competitive app ecosystem.
EU Demands Uninstallable Photos App, Raising Security Concerns
At the heart of the dispute is Apple’s Photos app. According to a report by Daring Fireball’s John Gruber, EC Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager highlighted that Apple should enable users to uninstall any app, including system-level ones like Photos.
This requirement has sparked debate as the Photos app is deeply integrated with iOS, granting access control to other apps and functioning as the camera roll. It also interacts with iCloud for storage and sharing.
Vestager believes Apple should allow third-party apps to act as the system image library. However, experts like Gruber point out the complexity of such a change, potentially requiring a significant iOS overhaul.
Apple has made some changes to comply with DMA, such as offering alternative app store options. However, the European Commission (EC) feels this isn’t enough. They are particularly concerned about Apple’s “anti-steering” measures and fees associated with alternate app stores.
While Vestager’s comments mention the Photos app specifically, it’s unclear if the EC will enforce this strictly. Some argue that the ability to uninstall Photos might be more trouble than it’s worth, potentially leading to accidental data loss.
The EU has also expressed dissatisfaction with Apple’s current browser choice screen, implemented to comply with DMA. Vestager suggests it doesn’t provide users with a fully informed decision. This could be due to the randomized list showing only the top 11 downloaded browsers alongside Safari.
The back-and-forth between the EU and Apple regarding DMA compliance is likely to continue. While the EU pushes for a more open ecosystem, concerns remain about the potential impact on user experience and data security.
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