The move is part of Apple’s effort to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act antitrust regulations.
Apple confirmed this change back in August, and now we’re finally seeing it take shape.
For most users, the idea of removing core apps like the App Store might seem puzzling at first.
After all, how would you download new apps without it?
The update will enable EU users to installalternative app marketplacesas replacements.
However, the ability to delete system apps isn’t the main point.
While apps like Messages and Safari are essential for some, others may prefer third-party options.
Still, we anticipate that most users will continue using the default apps especially the Camera and App Store.
The update represents yet another crack in Apple’s famous “walled garden.”
Cupertino is increasingly being pushed to open its ecosystem, at least for EU customers.
Another example of these shifting times is iMessage’s newinteroperability features.
As for users outside the EU, iOS 18.2 is still a feature-packed update.
At present, the iOS 18.2 beta is limited to devices that supportApple Intelligence.
A full release is expected sometime in December.
