The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) is officially in effect, and the ripple effects are being felt left and right. The latest development comes from Apple, which has released a DMA compliance report outlining the changes needed. This includes immediate and future steps such as introducing a browser selection screen.
Before we look at Apple’s changes, let’s first look at some quick background information. The Digital Markets Act identifies “gatekeepers” such as Apple, Meta, and Amazon based on revenue and users. The law prohibits these companies from favoring their own platforms or forcing users to stay within their ecosystem. In line with this, when Apple users in the EU open Safari, they will be prompted to choose a default browser from a list of options available in their region. Developers must request and obtain various “credentials,” but they also have a variety of browsers to choose from. This update applies to all users who downloaded iOS 17.4.
Apple is also implementing measures to make it easier to move data to external systems. This means, for example, that iOS users will be able to import their data to Android phones. “Apple is developing a solution to help mobile operating system providers develop more user-friendly solutions for transferring data from iPhone to non-Apple phones,” the statement said. “Apple is also creating a browser switching solution to export and import relevant browser data to other browsers on the same device.” The mobile operating system changes should take effect by fall 2025, and Apple aims to have the browser transition in effect by late 2024 or early 2025.
Throughout its compliance report, Apple lays out how the company believes these changes could harm users and developers. Apple said these risks include “new vectors for malware, scams and scams, illegal and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats. These changes will also help detect, prevent, and take action against malicious apps on iOS and keep users safe.” “It undermines Apple’s ability to provide support.” “We have been impacted by issues with apps downloaded from outside the App Store.” The company has introduced steps like notarization for iOS apps, but claims they won’t be fully effective.
This article contains affiliate links. If you click on those links and make a purchase, we may receive a commission.