Code Shows Apple Will Allow Users to Delete Built-In Wallet App
Anti-competitive issues caused by pre-installed applications are not uncommon. Google, Microsoft, and Apple also face monopoly problems caused by pre-installed applications. New code in the iOS 16 beta shows that Apple is expected to allow users to delete the system’s built-in Wallet app starting with iOS 16.1.
At present, the user can remove the Wallet app from the home screen but cannot completely uninstall it. At the same time, if the card is not set, the settings will pop up to prompt the user to set it. Since Apple Pay is the only NFC-type mobile wallet available on the iPhone, Apple’s restrictions have been sued by some banks and institutions.
9to5mac found the relevant code from the iPadOS 16.1 beta version. Of course, iPadOS 16.1 gives us an idea of what to expect from iOS 16.1, since the iPad’s operating system is heavily based on iPhone software.
Of course, whether allowing users to delete the Wallet app can solve the antitrust problem is still unknown. Apple restricts banks from using their own programs to call NFC to initiate payments. If banks use Apple’s transaction settlement system, they need to pay fees. For banks, Apple’s restrictive practice is obviously anti-competitive.