Here’s my TL;DR post that is on LinkedIn.
Well, well, well, the walled garden has started to show some cracks. Apple, the company famous for its tight control over its ecosystem, has taken an unexpected step in iOS 18.2 that could be described as nothing short of revolutionary—for Apple, at least. The tech giant is finally allowing iPhone users to set third-party apps as the default for key functions like calling and messaging. It’s a move that has some of us thinking, “What took so long?”—while Android users are probably smirking and saying, “Welcome to the party, Apple.”
This may sound like a minor change, but for Apple users, it’s a monumental shift in the company’s philosophy. For over a decade, iPhone users have been locked into Apple’s native apps, like Messages and FaceTime, for basic functionalities. Now, with iOS 18.2, you’ll be able to use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Dialpad, and more for calls and texts by default. Apple’s notorious control over its ecosystem is loosening, though not entirely letting go.
Let’s break down what this means.
Cracking the Walled Garden
For years, Apple has built an ecosystem that prioritized its own apps and services. Want to make a call or send a message? It had to be through Apple’s apps, no exceptions. Now, the iPhone will support third-party apps as default options for calling and texting, a privilege previously only available to Apple’s own suite of apps. In practical terms, this means users can finally choose the app that best fits their needs without Apple deciding what’s best for them.
This change, while liberating, isn’t exactly without strings attached. Apple is still maintaining significant control over which third-party apps get the honor of being defaults. Developers will need to meet Apple’s stringent privacy and security guidelines, ensuring that only apps that comply with its high standards make the cut. In typical Apple fashion, they’re cracking open the door just enough to let others in but keeping a firm hand on the doorknob.
The EU Pressure That Made It Happen
So why now? As with many of Apple’s recent concessions, it turns out that regulatory pressure from the European Union played a major role. Initially, this change was rolled out only in the EU, a response to increasing scrutiny over Apple’s monopolistic control over its App Store and device functions. The Digital Markets Act, which aimed to increase competition in tech, forced Apple’s hand. After rolling it out in Europe, Apple has now decided to make this change global. And if you’re wondering, yes, this is a win for the bureaucrats—showing that sometimes, regulation does lead to tangible consumer benefits.
Not All iPhones Are Equal
However, before you get too excited, not all iPhones will experience this newfound freedom equally. Only iPhones running on the latest Apple Intelligence chips—the cutting edge of Apple’s technology—will have access to this feature right away. Older iPhones, those with less sophisticated hardware, will have to wait longer or, in some cases, won’t get the feature at all. It’s Apple’s way of keeping its premium offerings in the spotlight while ensuring that users with older models don’t enjoy all the perks of the new policy.
A Long Time Coming: Why Did Apple Take So Long?
For years, Android users have been enjoying the freedom of customizing their phones, from keyboards to default apps. The ability to choose which app opens when you click a link or tap a phone number has been standard for Android since its early days. So why has Apple taken so long? This seems like a classic case of Apple taking its time, observing the landscape, and then deciding when it was strategically convenient to catch up.
One theory is that Apple simply didn’t have to make this move before now. For years, they’ve maintained customer loyalty through their slick interface, seamless integration between hardware and software, and security measures. But with increasing regulatory pressure and competition from other app ecosystems, Apple may have realized that locking users into their apps was becoming a liability.
The Battle for Privacy and Security
One thing remains crystal clear: Apple’s commitment to privacy and security is unwavering. Just because Apple is opening the door to third-party apps doesn’t mean it’s lowering its guard. Every app that hopes to become the default for calling or texting on iPhones will have to pass through a rigorous approval process. This ensures that Apple’s high standards for protecting user data and maintaining device security aren’t compromised in the process.
Apple’s reputation for privacy has been one of its main selling points, so it’s no surprise that this remains a top priority. Developers who want their apps to be set as defaults will need to integrate tightly with Apple’s privacy frameworks, ensuring that user data remains protected.
A Glimpse of the Future?
This change could very well be the beginning of a larger shift. Today, it’s messaging and calling—tomorrow, could we see Apple going beyond giving you choice for which app becomes the default for email or browsing, allowing third-party apps for maps, photos, and more? While this seems possible, don’t expect Apple to go all in. The company has spent years perfecting its native apps and their deep integration with iOS, and it’s unlikely to relinquish control anytime soon fully. What’s more likely is a slow and steady march towards more user freedom, but always under Apple’s watchful eye.
Drawing Parallels: Equal Access and Pulver Order
Apple’s move with iOS 18.2 mirrors significant moments in the history of telecommunications regulation. In the 1980s, the FCC’s Equal Access mandate broke up AT&T’s monopoly, allowing consumers to choose their long-distance provider. Similarly, Apple’s decision grants users the ability to choose apps outside of Apple’s ecosystem, signaling a break from its monopoly over core functions like messaging and calls.
Meanwhile, the Pulver Order of 2004, which allowed Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to operate without traditional telecom regulations, opened the floodgates for apps like WhatsApp and Skype to flourish. Apple’s new default app policy, much like the Pulver Order, enables alternative communication platforms to compete more directly with Apple’s native apps, fostering innovation and giving users more choice.
It’s A Win for Users, but Don’t Expect a Full Apple U-Turn
In the end, this is a win for users. The walled garden may still be standing, but the walls are getting a little lower. Apple is acknowledging, albeit cautiously, that users want more control over their devices. For iPhone owners, it’s a victory for personalization and a step toward a future where your iPhone truly feels like your iPhone, not just Apple’s. But as always with Apple, they’re not letting go completely, and they’ll still be the ones defining the boundaries of this newfound freedom.
So, rejoice iPhone users—your device is about to get a little more yours, but don’t expect Apple to hand over the kingdom just yet.