Обзор iOS is making permanently ditching the first-party app store easier than Android

[Обзор]

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• iOS 18.2 beta introduces a change that allows iPhone users in the EU to uninstall the App Store.
• Apple has introduced this change in compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
• On Android, users have to rely on ADB or rooting their devices to uninstall the Play Store.

Apple recently rolled out the first beta build of iOS 18.2 with a new batch of Apple Intelligence features. The update also introduces a change that allows iPhone users in the EU to uninstall native apps, like Camera, Safari, Messages, and Photos, and even remove the App Store from their devices. In addition, it adds a new hub in Settings that lets users easily change default apps for messaging, calling, email, browser, keyboards, and more.

Apple has introduced these changes in compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (via 9to5Mac), which requires companies like Apple and Google to allow users to remove preinstalled apps from their devices and use third-party alternatives to the default apps on their respective operating systems. While Google does let Android users remove preinstalled apps from their devices and change default apps, it doesn’t offer an easy way to uninstall the Play Store.