Apple to give EU users more control over apps

San Jose (dpa)

Apple users in the European Union will soon be able to delete more of the company's apps from their devices.

By the end of the year, Apple will make changes to the browser choice screen, default apps and app deletion for iOS and iPadOS users in the EU, the company announced on Thursday.

The change will ensure Apple can comply with the requirements of the Digital Markets Act.

Along with setting new apps as defaults, users will be able to delete core apps, including the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari. The only Apple apps that cannot be deleted are those for settings and phone calls.

Future updates will include expanding default settings options to include dialling phone numbers, sending messages, translating text, navigation, password management, keyboards, and call spam filters.

The changes are available for developers who distribute apps in any of the 27 EU member countries and only apply to apps available and distributed to users in the EU, Apple said.