Apple isn't done with concessions in iOS to placate the European Union

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in iOS

While many developers and agencies have accused Apple of shirking its requirement to comply with the Digital Markets Act, Apple has provided an outline of changes it believes will appease the European Union now, and in the future.

Three European Union flags fluttering in front of two buildings and under blue sky
European Union flags



On Thursday, Apple declared the actions it has taken to bring its iOS platform into compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) now, and what it will do over the next two years. The changes include giving users more control over preinstalled apps and providing developers increased access to user data.

As expected, and as it has done before, Apple begins the document by accusing the DMA of requiring changes to iOS "that bring greater risks to users and developers." It specifically lists "new avenues for malware, fraud and scams, illicit and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats" as concerns that could be caused by downloading apps outside of the App Store.

Many of these same arguments are found in its newly published whitepaper.

However, Apple still outlines its plans to align its operating systems with the DMA, though the timeline extends into 2025.

Before 2024 is over, Apple will allow EU users to completely delete Safari from iOS if they should so choose.

Developers will have access to enhanced app analytics by the end of 2024. Apple states that it is developing a secure system that allows developers to access users' personal data, provided that users have consented to share it.

Apple is working on a browser data export/import feature to transfer relevant data between browsers on the same device. The feature is expected to launch by late 2024 or early 2025.

Apple plans to improve its data portability outside the iPhone ecosystem. Currently, some third-party providers offer migration solutions for transferring data between devices with different OSs. To expand on these options, Apple is developing a solution to assist mobile OS providers in creating streamlined data transfer options from iPhones to non-Apple phones, launching by fall 2025.

The latest version of iOS 17.4 gives enhanced controls to users for selecting default apps to handle web browsing and email. Apple plans to introduce a new default control for navigation apps in Settings by March 2025.

The Digital Markets Act is a series of regulations aimed at tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and others. These laws aim to ensure fair competition by restricting the amount of priority a company can give to its own first-party services.

For its part, Apple has already made a few changes to bring itself in line with the DMA. Developers in the EU are now allowed to sell apps outside of the App Store, though it's not always immediately apparent who benefits from making the switch.

Many argue that Apple's solution isn't viable for anyone -- including some of the biggest developers out there. In January Microsoft executive called Apple's new EU policy to comply with the DMA "a step in the wrong direction."

Spotify, Epic, Proton, and dozens of others recently signed a letter to the European Commission, demanding the agency look what they feel is Apple's lack of compliance with the Digital Markets Act.

Apple recently made three key changes to how it handled third-party app marketplaces after speaking to developers.



Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 13
    jimh2jimh2 Posts: 657member
    How could the EU possibly be looking out for its residents if there is a way to allow developers to ask for and get more personal data from users. Only someone not understanding the consequences would grant this position and it is one that should not even be possible to do.
    williamlondonbeowulfschmidtwatto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 13
    lipnorthlipnorth Posts: 15member
    Glad I don't live in the EU
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 13
    gatorguygatorguy Posts: 24,605member
    Apple will also be making the process of a user moving their data to Android more consumer-friendly and clear. 
    chasm
  • Reply 4 of 13
    sirdirsirdir Posts: 190member
    lipnorth said:
    Glad I don't live in the EU
    Yeah, suddenly being a bit freer is negative ^^
    williamlondonmuthuk_vanalingam
  • Reply 5 of 13
    sirdirsirdir Posts: 190member

    jimh2 said:
    How could the EU possibly be looking out for its residents if there is a way to allow developers to ask for and get more personal data from users. Only someone not understanding the consequences would grant this position and it is one that should not even be possible to do.
    Oh sure, Apple is only looking out for us. That THEY want to control everything and milk the last dime out of every customer has nothing to do with it. Imagine being able to run a virtual machine on an iPad, we would instantly die. Or is Apple afraid that they’d sell less macs? It’s just petty, and they will have to eventually do the right thing kicking and screaming and having lost a lot of goodwill.
    williamlondonmuthuk_vanalingamVictorMortimer
  • Reply 6 of 13
    Tim Apple desperately needs Donald Trump to clear the EU for him.
    williamlondon
  • Reply 7 of 13
    chasmchasm Posts: 3,525member
    gatorguy said:
    Apple will also be making the process of a user moving their data to Android more consumer-friendly and clear. 
    This is a good thing.
    gatorguy
  • Reply 8 of 13
    riverkoriverko Posts: 241member
    jimh2 said:
    How could the EU possibly be looking out for its residents if there is a way to allow developers to ask for and get more personal data from users. Only someone not understanding the consequences would grant this position and it is one that should not even be possible to do.
    Developers operating in EU have to comply with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which means they cannot access the data only because they want, but there has to be reason for it. Of course there are for sure some that try not to comply, but most do…
    VictorMortimerwatto_cobra
  • Reply 9 of 13
    kurai_kagekurai_kage Posts: 112member
    So many jeering trolls the comments.  
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 10 of 13
    williamlondonwilliamlondon Posts: 1,414member
    So many jeering trolls the comments.  
    Yep, been going that way for awhile, turning into another MacRumors.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 11 of 13
    Let's hope they're not done with the concessions.  We need normal installation of software, not app stores.
    williamlondon
  • Reply 12 of 13
    docbburkdocbburk Posts: 109member
    I hope a company puts an App Store in Epic's App Store and throws a fit about the fees. 😂. How quickly have people forgotten about how buying mobile apps used to be before Apple and the App Store. Searching the net for the company and the app for your phone. Significantly overpaying for the app. Then, when a new version of said app comes out, you have to buy the new version. Apple has helped consumers so much yet people still complain about it. 
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 13 of 13
    williamlondonwilliamlondon Posts: 1,414member
    docbburk said:
    I hope a company puts an App Store in Epic's App Store and throws a fit about the fees. 😂. How quickly have people forgotten about how buying mobile apps used to be before Apple and the App Store. Searching the net for the company and the app for your phone. Significantly overpaying for the app. Then, when a new version of said app comes out, you have to buy the new version. Apple has helped consumers so much yet people still complain about it. 
    Children, juveniles and trolls think negativity is the route to fame and fortune.
    watto_cobra
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