Apple is considering allowing rival apps more prominence on its iOS-based devices as well as opening its HomePod speaker to third-party services following criticism that the company provides an unfair advantage to its in-house products.
The company is said to be discussing whether to let users choose third-parts web browser and mail applications as defaults on their mobile devices, per sources familiar with the story. Since launching the Apple Store in 2008, Apple has not allowed users to replace pre-installed apps such as these with third-party services. That has made it difficult for some developers to compete, and has raised concerns from lawmakers probing potential antitrust violations in the technology industry.
Apple is also said to be considering loosening restrictions on third-party music apps, allowing rivals such as Spotify, on HomePods.
Apple’s closed system to prohibit users from setting third-party apps as defaults was questioned last year during a hearing of a U.S. House of Representatives antitrust panel. Lawmakers pressed the issue of whether iPhone users can make non-Apple apps their defaults in categories including web browsers, maps, email and music.
An Apple spokesman declined to comment.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via Bloomberg