iOS 18.2 Lets EU Users Delete App Store, Safari, Messages, Camera and Photos

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Apple’s decision in iOS 18.2 to let EU users remove core apps like the App Store, Safari, Messages, Camera, and Photos is seen as a milestone for user control driven by the EU’s Digital Markets Act rather than Apple’s goodwill. Commenters debate whether this kind of mandated openness genuinely benefits consumers or undermines the “curated,” low-friction experience many people value, and question why the same freedoms aren’t extended outside the EU. The thread also broadens into concerns about platform lock-in, the limits of third‑party apps’ access to system features, and whether similar rules should eventually apply to other closed ecosystems such as game consoles.

Scope of the Change (EU-only app removal)

  • iOS 18.2 in the EU will let users “remove” core apps like App Store, Safari, Messages, Camera, Photos; unclear if this is full uninstall vs. hiding with on-device binaries kept.
  • Reinstallation is via a new settings-based mechanism, which some see as potentially giving Apple’s own apps preferential treatment.

Apple’s Motives and EU Pressure

  • Many see this as strictly EU-forced compliance, not voluntary openness; outside the EU, Apple is expected to do the minimum and gate features.
  • Some argue Apple has incentives to keep defaults: Safari brings major search-deal revenue; App Store lock-in preserves market power.
  • There’s also a “spite” or PR angle mentioned: by restricting features to the EU, Apple can frame them as annoying legal obligations rather than global improvements.

User Control vs. Simplicity and Support Costs

  • One camp welcomes more control, arguing users should be free to delete anything and regulators should push toward fully open devices (including OS choice).
  • Another camp worries about accidental deletions, increased complexity, and support headaches, especially for less technical users; they value the current “curated,” low-friction experience.
  • Debate over whether platform choice (iOS vs Android) is sufficient, or whether public interest demands deeper openness on all major platforms.

Defaults, System Integration, and Real Competition

  • Several note that simply “deleting” Apple apps doesn’t fix deeper issues:
    • System-level privileges (OTP autofill, camera from lock screen, navigation overlays, Siri intents, Reminders, Health, etc.) are largely reserved for Apple apps.
    • Even where default apps can be changed (mail, browser), the integration is limited.
  • Some call this “malicious compliance”: Apple meeting the letter, not the spirit, of pro-competition rules.

Region, Tracking, and Regulation Mechanics

  • EU-only features are enforced using a location daemon (“countryd”) that infers physical country; access can be revoked if the phone stays outside the EU for long.
  • This raises concerns about devices changing capabilities based on jurisdiction and about Apple’s fine-grained location enforcement.

Reactions and Broader Context

  • Many EU-focused commenters see this as a win for consumer freedom and a model other regions should follow.
  • Others worry about overregulation or selective enforcement (e.g., why not consoles yet?), but phones are seen as more essential to modern life.