Apple Denies Proof of Hidden Browser Settings to UK Regulator – Uplaza

Apple faces allegations of deceptive the UK’s Competitors and Markets Authority (CMA) over a person interface problem in iOS associated to altering the default browser, Open Net Advocacy stories.

Earlier this yr, stories surfaced accusing Apple of implementing a misleading design apply in iOS that made it harder for customers to change their default browser if Safari was already set because the default. The difficulty was initially highlighted in March 2024 and was independently verified by a number of sources, together with Ars Technica and the CMA. Particularly, the design hid the choice to alter the default browser when Safari was set because the default, whereas different browsers like Chrome and Firefox continued to show the choice no matter whether or not they had been the default or not. This habits was finally addressed in an iOS replace.

Now, in a proper response to the CMA, Apple has denied that this problem ever existed. The corporate responded to the regulator’s inquiry on August 1, 2024, stating that the allegations concerning the hidden possibility to alter the default browser had been incorrect. The response learn, “This is not correct. The default browser app setting in the Safari tab is clearly visible when the user has set Safari as the default.” The assertion successfully denies that the habits reported by the CMA and others had ever been current in iOS, regardless of the supply of screenshots, movies, and different types of proof supporting the claims from media shops and trade consultants.

Apple has not offered a proof for the way its declare within the August response aligns with these findings, leaving open the query of whether or not the corporate’s inside processes didn’t confirm the accuracy of its statements or whether or not it’s actively making an attempt to reduce the scenario. The matter may have authorized implications. Underneath UK legislation, offering false or deceptive data to a regulatory physique such because the CMA might be thought of a legal offense. The CMA has the authority to request documentation, inside communications, and different data to confirm claims made by corporations underneath investigation. Whether it is decided that Apple offered false or incomplete data, the corporate may face penalties, together with fines.