 Some really good changes coming for default apps on iOS in the EU. My realization in 2024 has been that the DMA fork of iOS is the best iPhone experience. We can finally use our phones like actual computers with more default apps and apps from external sources. 23 comments
 @viticci it looks good. It provides choices. Not bad, would not mind something similar in the US, even if I don't take advantage of it.  @viticci describing it as a fork is spot on because it accurately describes the lengths apple will go to in maintaining their predatory approach in other markets. If I am correct all the browser choices are really just a skin ontop of webkit so its an illusion of choice, while keeping the underlying tech locked down… @implementcontrols @viticci In theory, you can now implement alternative, non-WebKit engines in the EU fork, though even that has practical blockers that Apple are yet to fix. @jcsteh @viticci very interesting, would love to see it, here in the UK I think ill still go to #grapheneos just deciding if ill try to keep my iphone 13 for one more year or grab this pixel 9 when its supported on gOS!  @viticci as someone who ~never uses iMessage and doesn't really like the app, the idea of being able to get a separate, minimal app for just SMS (2FA codes etc.) sounds excellent! (As long as it can also do stuff like donate 2FA codes to the autofill bar above the keyboard etc.) @leonoverweel @viticci There is no indication that you can fully replace the app and get your texts in another app. You can set whatsapp as your default app, delete Messages and that's it based on today's announcement @leonoverweel @viticci I don't doubt that they did. Eu asked to delete default apps and they got it. Call it malicious compliance if you want @leonoverweel @dt @viticci This is gonna cause a lot of confusion especially for elderly people. Previously you could jist set-up the iPhone and IT JUST WORKED. Now I'm gonna be the tech support in our family like I used to (when my fam members used androids and always messed up something in settings)... @d4v @leonoverweel @viticci I think you could use the Restrictions menu to block this, but this requires extra setup @viticci Does it mean that iPadOS 18 will also have an ability to install third-party app stores?  @viticci As a developer I fear this will bring customer support tickets, from users using some random app as their default 🥶  No, Apple still has to approve thrid party app stores and is still standing there between developer and user. There is also iOS standing in the way. Computers are not a certan set of features, they are universal, having ALL the features. To be a computer for the user you need to let it run any program, directly on the processor, not API layer of iOS. |
Gregory's Server
@viticci This has potential but it looks like we haven’t leaned that browser ballots don’t work. I doubt it’ll make a difference but who knows, I guess.