Apple may let users set their own default apps in iPhone, on iPad with iOS 14 later this year
A lot has changed with the iOS in the last few years but one thing that hasn't changed much is Apple's preference for its own apps. Now there are rumours that Apple may give third-party apps on iPhone and iPad more authority in iOS 14.
In Short
- Rumours suggest that with iOS 14, Apple may give third-party apps more authority on the iPhone and the iPad.
- If it happens, users will be able to set their own default apps and these apps could the ones not made by Apple.
- If rumours turn out to be accurate, users will be able to set and use third-party apps as default apps with iOS 14 that is expected in June.
In the past, Apple has received considerable criticism for not letting the users use any other apps than the ones set in the system by default. And all these default apps are apps developed by Apple. This means if you want to set Google Maps and or Chrome browser as default apps, you can do so on the iPhone and iPad because Apple prefers Safari and Apple Maps. Now there is a talk that this may change with the iOS 14, which is expected to come in June at WWDC this year.
Apple's policy regarding its own apps and default apps has been criticised not only by users but has also come to the notice of lawmakers and regulators. Owing to this criticism, Apple may give its users access to set third-party apps as default apps in categories like web browsers, maps, email and music, Bloomberg reports.
Launched in 2008, the iOS has been opened by Apple in significant ways in the last three or four years. But compared to Android it still remains fairly locked down operating system. The locked down state of iOS once attracted attention from US lawmakers. During a hearing of the US House of Representatives Antitrust Panel, Apple executives were asked about why iPhone and iPad did not allow users to change default apps.
There is further speculation that Apple may also open its Homepod speaker to third-party music services like Pandora and Spotify. This may prove to be a boon for Apple, as the report suggests that Homepod is not been doing as well as its rivals from Google and Amazon. Currently, Spotify and other third-party music apps can stream from an iPhone or iPad to the HomePod via Apple's airplay technology. This is slightly cumbersome compared to being able to access these services directly through the speaker with a voice command.
Last year in March, Spotify had filed a complaint against Apple with the European Commission (EC). Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify, wrote on official blog: In recent years, Apple has introduced rules to the App Store that purposely limit choice and stifle innovation at the expense of the user experience -- essentially acting as both a player and referee to deliberately disadvantage other app developers."
Apple responded to Spotify by saying that Spotify wanted to reap the benefits of the App Store without paying for them. Spotify had pointed out in the complaint the inability to run directly on Homepod and became default music player through Siri, Apple’s digital assistant.