After a long investigations period that began in March 2024, everything indicates that Apple could get rid of an important fine.
This will be so since instead of penalizing the company, the EU seems to consider that the modifications made by Apple in the selection of the browser and other default applications They are enough To comply with the regulations.
Why does Apple get rid of the fine in Europe?
In January 2024, Apple introduced the option of Choose the browser predetermined in Europe, responding to these regulations. However, this function was criticized by some third -party browsers developers, since they did not consider it at all fair, because Apple allegedly promoted Safari above other options, which violated the principle of fair competence that seeks the law mentioned above. In response, the company not only adjusted the presentation of browsers, but also extended customization options for other default applications, such as messages, photos and camera.
In the latest version of iOS 18, Apple has improved visibility and access to alternative browsers. From now on, when a user opens safari for the first time on their device, a List with the most popular browsers In your region, in case you want to consider other options.
In addition, Apple has incorporated an important detail: next to the title of each browser in the list, the subtitle of the application will be displayed as it appears in the App Store. In addition, if the chosen browser is not installed on the device, Apple will be in charge of downloading it automatically.
Another significant adjustments is that, if Safari is already in the dock or on the first page of the home screen, It will be automatically replaced by the new predetermined browser chosen by the user.
This adjustment also affects other default applications, which means that iPhone and iPad users will have more control over apps they want to use by default. In addition to browsers, users can choose their preferred applications for functions such as messaging, photo management or camera.
What does this mean for Apple?
All these changes have led the European Commission to conclude that Apple has done enough to ensure that users can freely choose the applications they wish to use, without forcing the use of their own services.
Therefore, everything indicates that the investigation that began in March 2024 on the choice of browser in iPhone and iPad could be closed without Apple having to assume economic sanctions. Although it has not been officially confirmed, the latest modifications suggest that the company has managed to adapt to regulations without resorting to unfair practices, which would avoid the fine.
However, this case also underlines the importance of closely following how large technology companies adapt to European digital market regulations, which continues to seek a balance between user freedom of choice and fair competition.
