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posted by martyb on Saturday February 22 2020, @03:40PM   Printer-friendly
from the took-them-long-enough dept.

Apple is considering letting users change default email, browser, music apps in iOS:

Apple is seriously considering the possibility of allowing users to change the default apps for Web browsing, mail, or music on their iPhones. The company might also allow users to listen to Spotify or other music streaming services besides Apple Music via Siri on the iPhone or on the HomePod smart speaker.

These revelations were outlined in a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman this morning, who cited multiple people familiar with Apple's internal plans.

[...] Currently, iOS users can download third-party applications for mail or Web browsing like Outlook or Firefox, but they cannot set them to be the default apps that the system opens when a link or email address is tapped in another application, for example. Apple does allow users to do these things in some cases with its macOS software for desktops and laptops, even though it's not possible on the company's mobile platforms.

[...] And as Bloomberg notes, more elegant support for streaming services besides Apple Music would almost certainly be a boon for sales of Apple's HomePod smart speaker, as that lack of flexibility is a major limitation for that product compared to its competitors. Yes, HomePod users can stream Spotify to the HomePod using Apple's AirPlay technology, but many users may feel that is not a complete solution.

[...] Bloomberg's sources were careful to clarify that no final decisions have been made yet, but given Apple's longstanding commitment to a different philosophy, the fact this change is being seriously considered at all is on its own a major development.

When it released iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 in 2019, Apple already began lifting some smaller limitations on how users could customize the mobile operating system. So if these changes for default apps do go forward, they could herald a dramatic shift in Apple's software strategy—whether they're made to make things better for users, to appease regulators, or both.


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  • (Score: 2) by barbara hudson on Sunday February 23 2020, @01:59AM (2 children)

    by barbara hudson (6443) <barbara.Jane.hudson@icloud.com> on Sunday February 23 2020, @01:59AM (#961257) Journal
    And the PinePhone shill shouldn't pretend it's good for anything except a toy with increasingly crappy specs. They should stop posting anonymously and be up front about who they are and their motives.
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  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday February 23 2020, @09:10PM (1 child)

    by Anonymous Coward on Sunday February 23 2020, @09:10PM (#961552)

    Pinephone shill?

    You really are a fake door. No hinges in sight! For someone as opinionated as you and who butts into arguments it is pretty ridiculous how much you complain about AC posters. Are you just upset you can't tell if it is an actual bigot messing with you for being trans? Cause if you're a real person I applaud your openness especially on a conservative leaning board like this.

    I'll still call you out for your bullshit opinions regarding the unnecessary proprietary lock-in, and yes I would have to visit you in person to believe you are who you say you are. First rule of internet conversations, do not give actual locations. Makes it kinda hard to believe your story is real when you claim to post your real address.

    • (Score: 2) by barbara hudson on Sunday February 23 2020, @11:01PM

      by barbara hudson (6443) <barbara.Jane.hudson@icloud.com> on Sunday February 23 2020, @11:01PM (#961611) Journal
      Want proof - send a sel addressed stamped envelope to my address that I posted here. Or am I now co-opting the mail service? Put up or shut up.
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      SoylentNews is social media. Says so right in the slogan. Soylentnews is people, not tech.