Apple was once again in the spotlight of the EU Commission – this time because of restrictions on browser choices on iPhones. The EU had accused Apple of hindering competition because Safari had long been the only default browser on iPhones. Now it's clear: Apple will not have to pay a fine. This is thanks to changes the company implemented in a timely manner. Here you can find out what happened, how Apple responded, and what changes will affect you as a user in the EU.
If you use an iPhone, you're probably familiar with this: Safari is the default browser by default. Even if you have Chrome, Firefox, or other browsers installed, many links—for example, in emails or messages—continued to open in Safari. You could change the default browser in the settings, but this had to be done manually and wasn't possible directly during setup. In addition, Apple forced all browser providers to use WebKit—Safari's rendering engine. This meant that browsers like Chrome or Firefox were technically not allowed to use their own engines on the iPhone. This limited their options, for example in terms of performance or features. The EU has investigated this practice under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The accusation: Apple is gaining an unfair advantage with Safari and is hindering free competition.
Apple’s initial reaction was not enough for the EU
Apple had already made the first change: You could select a different default browser in the iOS settings. But that wasn't enough for the EU. Many users didn't change the default, so Safari remained the default for the majority. The EU decided that this still gave Apple an advantage over the competition.
Apple announces deeper changes
In January last year, Apple announced two concrete measures to meet the DMA requirements:
- When you set up a new iPhone in the EU, you'll be asked directly which browser you want to use as your default. Safari will then be just one option among several – and the list will be randomly sorted.
- Browser vendors will now be allowed to use their own engines. This means Chrome, Firefox, and others can now use their entire technology and are no longer limited to WebKit. This allows them to offer features and performance that are different from Safari.
These changes only apply to users in the EU.
The EU waives a penalty
According to a report, Apple will not be fined for its choice of browser. The EU Commission plans to conclude its investigation under the Digital Markets Act next week. People with direct knowledge of the proceedings believe that no action will be taken against Apple. This means that Apple will avoid a potential fine of up to ten percent of its global annual turnover. For a company like Apple, this would have been an enormous sum – in the billions. The EU apparently believes that Apple has now met all relevant requirements. This means that, at least in this case, the proceedings are closed (via Reuters).
Another procedure is still ongoing
However, Apple isn't completely done with the EU. An investigation into the so-called anti-steering rules is ongoing. This concerns whether Apple prohibits app developers from redirecting users directly to external payment options—for example, to their own website or an alternative payment system outside the App Store. A decision could soon follow in this case, too. The anti-steering rules have long been criticized because they leave Apple entirely in control of payments.
In the EU: New options for initial iPhone setup
If you use an iPhone in the EU, you'll now be asked during setup which browser you want to use as your default. Safari is just one of several options. Additionally, other browsers can now use their own web engines. These changes give you more choice as a user—whether you want to stick with Safari or try something else. Apple is thus complying with EU requirements without incurring a penalty. (Photo by Hanna Kuprevich / Bigstockphoto)
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