This is one (probable) thorn in the side less for Apple. Next week, the European Commission should indeed close its investigation into the choice of default browser in iOS, without imposing any sanctions on the company, according to Reuters. Since iOS 17.4 delivered in March 2024, Apple has offered European iPhone users the option to select their default browser. This can be Safari, of course, but all alternatives are also offered in a panel that lists browsers randomly.
Apple escapes the sanction
This opening does not come out of the blue, and Apple would probably never have implemented such a pro-competitive measure without the heavy pressure from the EU. The Digital Markets Regulation (DMA) implemented since March 2024 requires the gatekeeper to open iOS and its ecosystem to rebalance the market and give rivals a little chance.
After the implementation of this panel, the Commission nevertheless launched an investigation to determine whether Apple had correctly interpreted the measure. The firm Apple is often accused of showing obvious ill will in its compliance with the DMA. It seems that on this point of the choice of the default browser, the work has been done despite the recriminations of competitors.
Mozilla thus welcomed the rebound in the number of Internet users having chosen its Firefox browser on iOS, while criticizing Apple's application of the DMA. And the organization is not the only one to complain about it.
If Apple escapes a fine that could amount to Despite accounting for 10% of its global revenue, the company isn't out of the woods yet. The Commission recently imposed a binding roadmap to improve iOS interoperability with third-party accessories. And the manufacturer doesn't seem to agree...
Source: Reuters
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