Apple has announced that iPhone and iPad users in the European Union will have more freedom in choosing their apps in the future. With new software updates expected to be released later this year, it will be possible to delete pre-installed applications such as the Safari browser, the App Store, and the photo, camera, and messaging apps, and replace them with third-party tools.
This step is a direct response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a new EU law aimed at promoting competition in digital markets. Apple stated that the changes were developed as part of an ongoing dialogue with the European Commission to comply with the DMA.
Sure, here is the translation of the heading to English:
"Previously, Apple had allowed third-party apps to replace its own products like Safari and Apple Pay. However, the new update goes further by making these alternatives more visible and accessible to users. This was one of the main demands of the EU Commission, which had accused Apple of violating the DMA with its App Store rules and had launched an investigation against the company.
The law that came into effect in 2024 contains comprehensive regulations aimed at promoting competition in areas such as digital advertising, online search, and app ecosystems. Non-compliance could have threatened Apple with fines of up to 10 percent of its global revenue.
In NASDAQ trading, Apple's stock reacted slightly negatively to the announcement, temporarily dropping by 0.9 percent to $224.36.
