It's a small revolution: Apple forced to offer a new possibility to its users to comply with EU rules

Apple will now allow users of its smartphones and tablets in the European Union to remove the brand's applications installed by default on its devices, such as the App Store or the Safari browser, in order to comply with the new EU competition rules.

The iPhone maker has built its success partly on its closed ecosystem, with tools that are highly compatible with each other on different devices. Users can hardly bypass the App Store to download mobile apps through other platforms.

“The App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos and Safari apps may be removed for EU users,” Apple said on a developer support webpage.”“Only the Settings and Phone apps will not be removed.”

European iPhone and iPad users will also be able to manage default settings for browsers, messaging, phone calls and other features, according to Apple.

Since the Digital Markets Regulation (DMA) came into force a year ago, Apple and European authorities have been engaged in a standoff punctuated by legal proceedings and threats.

“The App Store rules violate the DMA, preventing app developers from directing consumers to alternative distribution channels for offers and content,” Brussels said in a “preliminary opinion” in June, following an investigation.

Apple risks a very heavy fine

If these preliminary findings are confirmed, and if the American firm does not modify the App Store in a way deemed satisfactory by the EU, it could be fined up to 10% of its global turnover – or more than 30 billion euros based on last year's sales – and even up to 20% in the event of a repeated infringement.

Apple has long defended its closed ecosystem in the name of security, claiming that opening it up would expose it to the risk of infiltration by booby-trapped programs, compromising the confidentiality of users' data. users.

“To help keep users safe online, Apple will only allow developers to offer alternative browsers after they meet specific criteria and commit to a number of privacy and security requirements,”, the company said in its message to developers.

Many companies, including Epic Games (Fortnite) and Spotify, have been fighting for years against Apple's ecosystem, which requires app publishers to go through the App Store, and therefore pay a commission to Apple.

The Californian group had promised last month to make the necessary changes to comply with the DMA.

This new regulation was introduced to protect the emergence and growth of start-ups in Europe and offer more choice to consumers.