iOS 18 is getting ready to hit the track with new ones iPhone 16 and promises several important new features on all compatible devices. Users in the European Union will get several additional features as part of their compliance with the Digital Markets Act. Among the many options Remove pre-installed apps such as Safari, Photos, Camera, and Messages, as well as the App Store..
This is a notable change, as it marks the first time that Apple will allow a significant portion of “core apps” to be removed from its operating systems. It’s worth noting that this option won’t be exclusive to iOS 18, as it will be available in iPadOS 18, bringing a similar capability to compatible iPads.
Users who decide to remove the apps in question from their iPhone or iPad with iOS/iPadOS 18 will be able to reinstall them from the App Store. But what about those who decide to eliminate the official app store? Those who are blocked will be allowed reinstall it from device settings.
iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 arrive with major changes to app management
This won’t be the only major change coming to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 for managing apps in Europe. The operating systems will feature a new section called Default applications (Default Apps) in Settings so that users can customize which apps they want to use by default.
Apple says it will not only let you change your default web browser, email client, app store, or wallet for contactless payments. It will also provide the ability to set third-party apps as the default option for sending messages, making calls, managing passwords, filtering spam calls, or using as a keyboard. However, the latter will be added in updates after iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 are released.
But that’s not all. Cupertino is also planning to allow changing default apps for translation and navigation GPS. Although we will have to wait a little longer for this, because it will only be included in 2025.
Web browser default settings have been changed
Finally, Apple will also make changes to the screen to select default web browser on iOS/iPadOS 18. Please note that the ability to use browser from third parties such as Chrome, Brave and others, debuted on iPhone and iPad with iOS/iPadOS 17.4. But now the Californians have provided several modifications for both users and developers.
The most important thing is that the dialog box for choosing a new default browser will appear the first time you open Safari after updating to iOS or iPadOS 18. This will happen even for European users who have already seen it in previous versions of the software. Those who already have another browser set as their default will not see the corresponding message.
Another important new development in this regard is that Apple’s next OS will require once per device and not just once for each user. This means that a person will have to set the default browser individually on both iPhone and iPad, even if they are signed in with the same Apple ID.
The iOS/iPadOS 18 browser picker will also show the download progress if you select an app that isn’t already installed. Additionally, if you have Safari in your Dock and you select another browser by default, the icon will be replaced automatically.
Source: Hiper Textual
I’m Ben Stock, a highly experienced and passionate journalist with a career in the news industry spanning more than 10 years. I specialize in writing content for websites, including researching and interviewing sources to produce engaging articles. My current role is as an author at Gadget Onus, where I mainly cover the mobile section.
