DMA Shatters Apple’s Closed Ecosystem: Uninstalling Safari on iPhone Now Possible

Mar. 8, 2024

Apple has pushed its own set boundaries and made several changes to comply with the DMA (Digital Markets Act) in the European Union. It added support forsideloading on iPhonesandalternative payment methodsfor EU iPhone users. Now, Apple shared a document outlining some of its upcoming plans.

Google already offers a “Switch to Android” app to transfer data from iPhone to Android. While it can quickly transfer data like media and free apps, it cannot transfer some data like paid apps, Safari bookmarks, and more. Apple’s solution might fill in those gaps.

Apple is also working to offer seamless interoperability between ‌iPhone‌ and other smartphone platforms. Third-party payment apps can access the ‌iPhone‌’s NFC chip for contactless payments and developers in the EU are allowed to submit requests for additional interoperability for their apps. These requests will be closely examined on a case-by-case basis whether they come under the guidelines of the DMA, and if it’s feasible to develop the interoperability solution.

Just like the previous changes, the newly announced guidelines are exclusive to users and developers in the European Union where the DMA is applicable. Therefore, no other country or region will get these benefits, unless there’s another law or a lawsuit.