Apple is preparing to let EU iPhone users uninstall its first Safari browser by the end of 2024 and is working on a “more user-friendly” way to transfer data “from an iPhone to a non-Apple phone” by the fall of 2025, according to a new compliance document that published by the company, which describes all the ways in which it complies with the new EU Digital Markets Act that comes into effect this week.
Other consumer-facing initiatives detailed in Apple’s document include a “browser switching solution” for transferring data between browsers on the same device, which it plans to make available in late 2024 or early 2025. It will also be possible to change the default app navigation on iOS by March 2025 in the EU.
The document doesn’t specifically say whether any of these features will be available globally or exclusive to EU users (we’ve reached out to clarify). But many of the company’s previously announced plans for DMA compliance — including the ability to run non-WebKit browser engines and install third-party app stores — are only available on the block.
“A solution that helps mobile operating system providers develop user solutions for transferring data from an iPhone to a non-Apple phone.”
Apple’s document describes the phone data transfer feature as “a solution that helps mobile operating system providers develop user solutions for transferring data from an iPhone to a non-Apple phone.” He says plans for the feature will build on existing migration tools already offered by other companies.
Google already offers an iOS app called “Switch to Android” to transfer data, including contacts, photos and videos, free apps, texts and notes. But Google’s support document on the process highlights some phone data that won’t be transferred, including paid apps, Safari bookmarks, alarms and other miscellaneous files. It’s likely that Apple’s new solution could help fill in some of the gaps.