The new Apple iOS 14.3 update will suggest an array of third-party apps to users during the iPad or iPhone setup process.
In what many see as a major change in policy, Apple's iOS 14.3 update will suggest to users to also install third-party apps as they go through the setup process of their iPad or iPhones. The move of the Cupertino-based tech giant is viewed by some as an attempt to appease government regulators both in the US and abroad, particularly in several countries in Europe.
With the iOS 14.3 update, users will see an array of suggestions as to what third-party apps they can install, particularly in terms of what browser or a mail client to use. This feature became available with the iOS 14 update around two months ago, though there were some bugs that Apple needs to fix with subsequent updates. Among those problems is the resetting to default the browsers and mail clients which already have been chosen by users.
Apple is widely known for its stringent policies and privacy guidelines. The company has always promoted and suggested the use of their stock apps to users. However, things have started to change since iOS 14 was released. The company went even further with its recent iOS 14.3 update. Apple now suggests which third-party apps users can install during the setup process of their iPhones or iPads.
Code in iOS 14.3 Adds Support for Third-Party Bluetooth Trackers With Find My Integration https://t.co/hiHSdg14Hw — iTouchAppReviewers ➐ (@iTouchAppReview) November 13, 2020
According to 9to5Mac, Apple's iOS 14.3 beta update now displays a new menu that pops out during the iPad or iPhone's setup process. The menu will show App Store suggestions of third-party apps that users may install even before actually using their devices. This menu, however, is currently only available to users in some countries. For others, instead of seeing the menu, they will see a window informing them that it is only enabled for selected countries based on local legislations. "In compliance with regional legal requirements, continue to view available apps to download," the menu shows.
Industry observers believe that the first countries that may experience this feature first are those found in the European Union. If true, it does make sense as some countries in Europe have started investigating the Cupertino tech giant for alleged anti-competitive practices. The company was also accused of giving its own apps the edge over its competitors, as well as not providing the same opportunities and chances to other developers of similar apps. Apple's iOS 14.3 beta update may be considered the company's olive branch to these countries as it paves the way for the installation of third-party apps in its products. Recently, the US Department of Justice also began their anti-trust investigation into the deal that Apple entered with Google for the former to make the latter's search engine as default in all of its devices.
