Apple confirms upcoming App Store deletion option for EU users

Apple aims for the most intuitive and streamlined mobile device experiences on its signature smartphones and tablets - however, it historically comes at a cost to the user, in the form of being restricted to the OEM's first-party software for every core function, even in terms of access to the apps you can buy for your devices.

However, a number of organisations have taken issue with this digital hegemony, countering them with measures such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA). It has secured the ability to do unprecedented things such as customize the default browser on iPhones or iPads.

The option should be in place by the end of 2024, with similar screens to set one's own messaging, navigation, keyboard and translation apps to follow.

Those features are slated to arrive in updates to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 following the impending launch of those major software upgrades.

They should also allow for the deletion of stock apps such as Camera, Safari, Photos and even the App Store itself; however, as with Fortnite, these options are intended to remain exclusive to EU users.

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