Though the changes are yet to be finalized
and are subject to change, Apple could add
the new default apps feature in iOS 14, which
will be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers
Conference in June and be released to the
public in September. The update would appease
consumers and subscription competitors,
potentially ending ongoing antitrust
consultations. Apple has already been told that
it will have to face an App Store monopoly
lawsuit in the US, and company Tile has
criticized the company for changes to location
tracking in iOS 13 which rendered its product
useless, ahead of Apple’s plan to launch its
own AirTags product, but its update could
silence the critics and allow Apple to carry on
ahead unscathed.
THE FUTURE IS COMING
The truth is that we know nothing for certain
about Apple’s proposed changes. Though there
are insiders suggesting that the changes are
set in stone and set to arrive this year, Apple is
known to pull the plug on features and ideas at
the last minute, so until we have the first beta
build of iOS 14 in our hands, we can do little
but speculate over the company’s changing
tides. Though Apple’s current restrictions and
“lockdowns” ultimately improve the underlying
security of iOS, they lead to a lack of competition
which not only harms software developers and
tech rivals, but it means that Apple can rest on
its laurels, without having to innovate every
year. And at a time when consumers have been
complaining about fewer features on iPhones
and iOS releases, perhaps increased competition
is something Apple really needs.