Tag: Digital Markets Act

  • Replace Siri with Google Gemini on Apple iPhone Soon

    Replace Siri with Google Gemini on Apple iPhone Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple has adjusted the iPhone to comply with EU rules, allowing third-party apps like PayPal to use the NFC chip for contactless payments.
    2. Users can now access alternative app stores, such as the Epic Games Store, for downloading apps and games.
    3. The iPhone 16 will feature a USB-C port due to EU regulations.
    4. Upcoming iOS updates will allow users to choose rival voice assistants, like Google Gemini, as defaults instead of just Siri.
    5. Apple is developing an AI-enhanced version of Siri to better compete with advanced alternatives from Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI.

    Apple has made many adjustments to the iPhone in recent years to stay within the bounds of EU rules like the Digital Markets Act. Because of this, third-party applications, including PayPal, can now utilize the NFC chip for contactless payments. Furthermore, users can now access alternative app stores, including the Epic Games Store, for downloading apps and games. The introduction of the USB-C port on the iPhone 16 also stems from the EU’s requirement for USB-C.

    Changes in Default Settings

    With iOS already allowing users to choose a browser like Google Chrome or a different email app as their default, similar changes are on the way for voice assistants. According to information from Bloomberg, Apple is developing iOS updates that will enable users to utilize rival voice assistants like Google Gemini instead of just Siri. Up until now, users have had to open specific apps to use other voice assistants, rather than being able to activate them through the lock button or voice commands.

    Future of Siri

    Mark Gurman, an editor at Bloomberg, believes that many iPhone users will jump at the chance to swap out Siri for a more advanced alternative. Apple’s AI capabilities currently lag behind those of Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, which sometimes causes Siri to use ChatGPT for more complicated questions. Nevertheless, Apple is reportedly already working on an AI-enhanced version of Siri to better compete with its competitors.

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  • European Union Lacks iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay in iOS 18.4

    European Union Lacks iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay in iOS 18.4

    Key Takeaways

    1. iOS 18.4 introduces new features like priority notifications and support for non-English languages for beta testers.
    2. iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing are not available for users in the EU due to regulatory uncertainties.
    3. Apple cites concerns over the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regarding user privacy and data security as reasons for the feature limitations.
    4. The DMA has previously impacted Apple, forcing changes like the switch from Lightning to USB-C for the iPhone 15.
    5. It is uncertain if iPhone Mirroring will be available in iOS 19, leaving EU users without this feature for now.

    With the upcoming launch of iOS 18.4, iPhone users, especially those in the European Union (EU), are eagerly anticipating some long-awaited additions. Sadly, EU users must wait a bit longer for one of these features.

    New Release Candidate Details

    The latest Release Candidate for iOS 18.4 was made available on Monday for beta testers. This update brought enhancements to Apple Intelligence, adding features like priority notifications and support for non-English languages. However, EU users observed that iPhone Mirroring is still not accessible. Additionally, SharePlay Screen Sharing, which permits FaceTime users to share their screens, is also absent.

    Apple’s Explanation

    Apple has explained that the lack of iPhone Mirroring in the EU is due to “regulatory uncertainties,” a rather vague justification. Last June, the company pointed to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), expressing concerns:

    We worry that the interoperability requirements of the DMA might force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that could endanger user privacy and data security.

    It seems Apple is sticking to its stance on this matter. Given that Apple’s practices have been a key focus of the DMA, the company is probably being cautious about certain features. The DMA is the law that famously compelled Apple to replace its Lightning connector with USB-C in the iPhone 15 (which can be found renewed on Amazon for $487.34).

    Future Outlook

    It is unclear whether iPhone Mirroring will eventually be available with iOS 19, which is anticipated to bring significant changes to Apple’s mobile operating system. For the time being, iPhone users in the EU will have to make do without this particular feature.

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  • EU Might Compel Apple to Allow Users to Delete Photos App

    EU Might Compel Apple to Allow Users to Delete Photos App

    Apple could potentially undergo significant changes to its iPhones as the European Union (EU) pushes for increased compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), aiming to create a more competitive app environment.

    EU's Push for App Uninstallation, Security Concerns

    The EU is specifically targeting Apple's Photos app, proposing that users should have the ability to uninstall any app, even core system apps like Photos. This requirement has raised concerns due to Photos' deep integration within iOS, providing access control to other apps and serving as the primary image library. It also plays a crucial role in interacting with iCloud for storage and sharing capabilities.

    Calls for Third-Party System Image Libraries

    EU Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager suggests that Apple should allow third-party apps to function as the system image library. However, experts highlight the complexities involved in such a transition, potentially necessitating significant changes to iOS.

    Apple has already made some adjustments to comply with the DMA, including offering alternative app store options. Despite this, the European Commission (EC) contends that more needs to be done, particularly focusing on Apple's "anti-steering" practices and fees related to alternate app stores.

    Uncertainty Surrounding Photos Uninstallation

    While Vestager's remarks specifically mention the Photos app, it remains uncertain if the EC will rigorously enforce this requirement. Some argue that enabling the uninstallation of Photos could pose challenges, potentially leading to inadvertent data loss.

    The EU has also expressed dissatisfaction with Apple's current browser choice screen, implemented to adhere to the DMA. Vestager criticizes the lack of transparency in user decision-making, possibly due to the limited list of browsers displayed alongside Safari.

    The ongoing discussions between the EU and Apple regarding DMA compliance are expected to persist. As the EU emphasizes the importance of an open ecosystem, concerns linger regarding the potential implications on user experience and data security.

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