If the European Union (EU) approves this, there could be a significant change in the Apple iPhone. The EU block pressures Apple to comply more with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), promoting more open and competitive app projects.
Apple’s Photos app is at the centre of the controversy. According to John Gruber’s ‘Daring Fireball’ report, EC Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager explained that users should be able to uninstall any app, including system-level apps like Photos.
This requirement generated controversy because the Photos app is deeply integrated with iOS, which controls access to other apps and the Camera Roll. It also interacts with iCloud for storage and sharing.
According to Vestager, Apple should allow third-party apps to act as system image libraries. However, experts like Gruber point to the complexity of such a change, potentially requiring a significant iOS overhaul.
Apple has made some changes to comply with the DMA, such as offering an alternative App Store option. However, the European Commission (EC) believes more is needed. They are particularly concerned about Apple’s “anti-steering” measures and the fees associated with alternative app stores.
