Key Takeaways
- Users using iOS 18.2 will be able to remove built-in programs including Safari, the App Store, and others.
- Additionally, consumers in Europe will be able to download apps from other shops, with the option to return to the Apple App Store if necessary.
- The ruling complies with the DMA’s mandate that digital companies allow customers to remove any apps they so desire.
With the release of iOS 18.2, Apple is updating its smartphone ecosystem, primarily in reaction to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the EU.
In accordance with the DMA’s requirement that customers be able to uninstall any apps they desire, these updates will enable European iPhone and iPad owners to remove built-in apps such as App Store, Safari, Camera, and Messages.
Apps like Calendar, Music, and Calculator could already be deleted, but iOS 18.2 gives users the ability to do so for even more system apps. Core programs like Phone and Settings, however, won’t be able to be deleted. Users can use the new “App Installation” section in Settings to reinstall deleted system apps if they so choose.
For those experimenting with the beta version, iOS 18.2 offers new features like Image Playground, Genmoji, ChatGPT integration, and Visual Search for the iPhone 16 series. It is presently available for iPhone 15 Pro models and later. Alternative app shops will also be available for download by European customers.
A new menu that makes it simpler to set default applications for calls, texts, email, and other tasks will also be available globally in iOS 18.2. In December, Apple is anticipated to make the update available to the general public.
