Apple will allow EU users to delete core apps like Messages, Photos & the Apple App Store

In response to the European Union's Digital Markets Act, Apple is implementing substantial changes to its iPhone and iPad app ecosystem for users in the region. These changes will enable EU users to set new default apps and delete core apps such as the Apple App Store, Messages, and Apple Photos.

With the upcoming iOS 18 update, EU iPhone users will gain the ability to set defaults for a broader range of apps, including phone calls, messaging, password managers, keyboards, call spam filters, navigation, and translation apps. This expands the current options, which allow defaults for browsers, mail apps, app marketplaces, and contactless payments. The new default settings for navigation and translation apps are expected to be available by spring 2025. A new "Default Apps" section in the iOS Settings app will streamline the process for managing these defaults.

Additionally, core iOS apps like the App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari will become deletable, with only the Settings and Phone apps remaining non-removable in the EU. Deleted apps can be reinstalled via the Settings app or the App Store. The browser selection experience will also be updated, featuring a window with descriptions of each browser and the option to set the default directly from the window.