Apple is set to change the iPhone user experience in the European Union with a series of significant updates aimed at addressing new European law on digital markets, which has just entered into force.
According to The Verge, among the most notable changes, users based in the EU will, at the end of 2024, be able to uninstall the Safari browser from their iPhone. Furthermore, Apple is developing a more “user-friendly” solution to transfer data from an iPhone to non-Apple phones, which is expected to be rolled out by fall 2025.
The changes are outlined in a recent compliance document released by Apple, which shows the company’s efforts to comply with DMA regulations. Document reveals plans for ‘browser switching solution’ which facilitates the transfer of data between browsers on the same device.
This feature is expected to be available between late 2024 and early 2025. Additionally, by March 2025, Users will be able to change their default navigation app on iOS devices within the EUmarking a significant shift towards improving user autonomy over their device settings.
Regional specificity and global implications
While the document does not explicitly confirm whether these features will be rolled out globally, it highlights Apple’s continued efforts to comply with the DMA in the EU. These initiatives include allowing the use of browser engines other than WebKit and the install third-party app stores
Introducing a more intuitive solution for transferring data to non-Apple phones builds on existing migration tools provided by other companies, like Google’s “Switch to Android” iOS app.
This app makes it easy to transfer contacts, photos, videos, free apps, texts and notes, although it fails to transfer paid apps, Safari bookmarks, alarms and other miscellaneous files. Apple’s next solution aims to fill these gaps, providing a more comprehensive data migration experience for users moving from iOS to other operating systems.
How to remove Safari from your iPhone
Safari is one of those pre-installed Apple apps that cannot be permanently deleted from your iPhone. However, you still have two options if you really want to “delete” it.
You can remove the app from your home screen so it’s buried in the App Library, or use Content and Privacy Restrictions to lock the app. So let’s see how to “delete” Safari from your iPhone. If you are an iPad user, feel free to follow the same steps.
How to Remove Safari from Your iPhone Home Screen
The first method will suit you best if you still want to use Safari from time to time, but don’t like the app icon taking up space on your home screen. To remove Safari from your view, follow these steps:
- On the home screen, long press the Safari app icon.
- Tap Remove app from the context menu.
- Choose Remove from Home Screen when you receive a pop-up.
Safari will now disappear from your iPhone’s home screen. It is now hidden in the App Library. So, if you want to use Safari again, just swipe left on the last page of the Home screen to access the App Library. Type Safari in the search box for it to appear.
To keep cluttering your Home screen with stock iPhone apps, here is a list of pre-installed iPhone apps that you can and cannot delete.
How to Lock Safari on Your iPhone Using Airtime
The second method will suit your needs more if you don’t want to use Safari at all. This will remove Safari from your iPhone’s Home screen and App Library, and prevent your iPhone from opening Safari at any time in the future.
Follow these steps to disable Safari on your iPhone:
- Close the Safari app on your iPhone if it is open or running in the background.
- And one Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Enable content and privacy restrictions.
- Tap Allowed apps, enter your airtime code if prompted, and turn off Safari.
If you don’t know your airtime code, you can reset it like this:
- Click Settings & Screen Time
- Now on Change Screen Time Passcode and Forgotten Passcode.
- Enter your Apple ID, password and a new airtime code. But if you haven’t set up your Apple ID with Airtime Passcode, your only option is to factory reset your iPhone, which will erase all data on your iPhone, including this access code.
Once you have successfully locked Safari using Screen Time, you will no longer be able to find and use Safari. until you repeat the settings above and re-enable Safari.
Data to take into account
However, after disabling Safari using this method, you may notice that all the website links you want to open are redirected to a random and incorrect application.
To resolve this issue, you need to download another browser app from the App Store. There are plenty of privacy-focused smartphone browsers worth checking out if you’re unhappy with Safari’s offerings. Once you have installed the browser you want, change your iPhone’s default browser to ensure that web links open there instead of a random app.
Get rid of Safari from your iPhone
Although Safari is the default browser on Apple devices, there is no reason not to opt for alternative browsers if you prefer a different browsing experience. But if you don’t use Safari, there’s no way to delete it, even if you want to free up space on your iPhone.
For now, The only two methods to “delete” Safari from your iPhone are to remove it from the Home screen so that it is out of sight and in the App Library or by turning it off using Time Settings screen.
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