The Digital Markets Act of the EU is causing headaches for Apple. While the focus has been on the rules surrounding third-party app stores, there’s more to it. One significant requirement is for Apple to offer a browser choice screen, reminiscent of Microsoft’s past obligations with Windows. But that’s not all.
Remarks from Margrethe Vestager, who leads the EC’s “Europe Fit for the Digital Age” initiative, suggest that Apple may need to offer not only a selection of apps to install but also the option to uninstall certain apps.
Vestager specifically mentioned the Photos app, which is deeply integrated into iOS alongside other essential apps. While Photos serves as the default gallery app, it also functions as the file picker for sharing photos and videos.
The Photos app
iOS users are accustomed to sharing content through various apps using Photos for selecting files stored locally or in iCloud. Removing this integration and allowing third-party apps to take over such functionality could pose a challenge.
On the other hand, the DMA mandates that Apple grant access to all iOS APIs and features, encompassing mobile payments, app installations, and features currently utilized by the Photos app.
This situation echoes Microsoft’s experience in the early 2000s when Internet Explorer was integral to Windows, preventing users from uninstalling it. Following legal actions by the Department of Justice, Microsoft made Windows more open to third-party software. This move laid the groundwork for the introduction of browser choice screens, later enforced by the EU.
Vestager’s statement regarding the DMA’s objective emphasizes the need to open closed ecosystems for competition. Gatekeepers, under Article 6(3) of the DMA, are required to facilitate easy app uninstallation and default setting changes, as well as display a choice screen. Concerns were raised that Apple’s current model does not align with these objectives, particularly regarding app uninstallation and default setting changes such as Photos and iCloud.
In the current iOS version, users cannot uninstall certain core apps like App Store, Camera, Messages, Phone, Photos, Safari, and Settings. While Apple is taking steps to open up to third-party app stores and introduce RCS later this year, overcoming the dependency of these apps on iOS remains a challenge. For instance, alternative browsers may need to fulfill WebView functionalities.
