Apple has published more details about the new browser selection dialog, which the company plans to implement within the European Union by the end of the year as part of its latest adjustments to the Digital Markets Act. Since iOS 17.4, which was released in the spring, users have been able to decide in a simple way whether to use another browser on iPhones and iPads instead of Safari – no longer just in the Settings menu, but through a special “Browser Choice Screen”. However, the implementation was criticized by browser manufacturers, which apparently also reached the EU competition authorities. Therefore, Apple has decided to make further changes in “an ongoing and continuous dialogue with the European Commission”.
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When the browser selection dialog appears
As stated in an updated developer support document Various renovations planned – Both visually and functionality-wise. The selection dialog should appear for all users who use Safari as their default browser when they first open Safari – even for those who have already seen it. All you have to do is install the corresponding iOS and iPadOS updates later this year. If an alternative browser has already been selected, the selection dialog no longer appears.
In addition, Apple now only displays the options screen “once per device” and no longer shows “once per user” – this may represent a fallback for providers of alternative browsers; as part of a migration to a new device, the selection dialog is shown again if the default browser was previously Safari – unlike the other settings, this has not been adopted.
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Apple is also improving the design of the selection dialog. This includes being able to select an alternative browser directly without being redirected to the product page in the App Store. The subtitle of the product page is displayed, and further information is made expandable directly from this page. Users will have to scroll through the entire browser list before making a selection. These are the eleven most downloaded Safari alternatives in each country during the past year; the list is updated once a year.
Once the selection is complete, the new default browser will be executed immediately. If it has not yet been downloaded, the download takes place directly from the selection dialog. If Safari is in the user’s dock or on the first page of the home screen, its icon will be replaced by the new default browser – but only if it has not yet been installed. Ultimately, Apple will give browser developers more data in the future. Information about the performance of the respective app on the browser selection screen can be obtained via an API in App Store Connect. This includes information about the frequency of selection as well as the actual selection of the default browser. However, to participate here, developers must contact Apple directly. The following email address is available: dma-data@apple.com. Apple has not yet given an exact date for when the new browser selection dialog will be available.
(B.Sc.)
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