Apple to let EU users delete its App Store

The change comes as the company loosens its grip on devices in the European Union due to the bloc’s landmark new digital rules

Apple will allow iPhone and iPad users in the European Union delete the App Store or its Safari browser, the tech company told developers on Thursday.

Apple had long fiercely protected the App Store as the lone gateway for digital content to get onto its popular mobile devices. The change comes as the company loosens its grip on devices in the European Union due to the bloc’s landmark new digital rules.

The App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari apps will be deletable for users in the EU, Apple said on a support page for developers.

Only Settings and Phone will not be deletable, it said.

Also being added is a special section where iPhone or iPad users will be able to manage default settings for browsers, messaging, phone calls and other features, as per Apple.

As browser engines are constantly exposed to untrusted and potentially malicious content and have visibility into sensitive user data, they are one of the most common attack vectors for malicious actors, the company added.

To help keep users safe online, Apple will only authorize developers to implement alternative browser engines after meeting specific criteria and committing to a number of ongoing privacy and security requirements, including timely security updates to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities, the iPhone maker said.

App makers had previously needed to use Apple’s payment system on the App Store, with the tech company getting a piece of transactions.

But the European Union said the terms prevented app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative ways to pay, making Apple the first ever tech company to face accusations of infringing a new law known as the Digital Markets Act.

Apple last month promised changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act and address the findings of the European Commission, the EU’s antitrust regulator.

From the autumn, Apple said developers in the EU can communicate and promote offers for purchases wherever they want, for instance, via an alternative app marketplace.

The change includes a new fee structure for customers linking out of an app for offers and content.

The commission has told AFP it will assess Apple’s eventual changes to the compliance measures, also taking into account any feedback from the market, notably developers.