Apple Announces Changes to iOS Safari and App Store in the EU

Company Responds to DMA with New Policies

Developers Now Able to Contact Customers Directly

Apple has announced a number of changes to its App Store policies in the European Union (EU) in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These changes include allowing developers to communicate with their customers directly, using their own contact information, instead of being forced to use Apple's own systems.

Apple is also making changes to iOS Safari to allow third-party browsers to set themselves as the default browser on iOS devices. This is a major change, as Apple has previously required all browsers on iOS to use the WebKit engine, which is controlled by Apple.

These changes are being made in response to the DMA, which is a new law in the EU that aims to promote competition and innovation in the digital market. The DMA prohibits large companies from engaging in certain anti-competitive practices, such as bundling products or services together or preventing users from using third-party apps.

Apple has been facing pressure from the EU for several years over its App Store policies. In 2021, the European Commission fined Apple €1.1 billion for anti-competitive practices related to its App Store. The DMA is the latest in a series of measures that the EU has taken to address concerns about Apple's market power.

The changes that Apple is making to its App Store policies are a significant step towards complying with the DMA. However, it remains to be seen whether these changes will be enough to satisfy the EU competition authorities.