Suggested Apps During Setup

In what seems like a move to stem off the gathering storm of antitrust investigations, Apple has now begun offering up suggestions for third-party apps that users may want to install during the iOS 14.3 set up process.

The new feature was first spotted by 9to5Mac, which found the evidence buried in the iOS 14.3 code, although it also appears that Apple may be offering it only in specific countries to appease regulators.

For example, last year Google came under fire from the EU for forcing its search service and Google Chrome browser on Android devices, and has since begun suggesting alternative web browsers for new users, so it’s not a stretch that Apple could be required to do something similar, and it’s clearly decided to be proactive about it. Presumably these screens will offer up alternative browsers, mail apps, and music apps to help avoid any sense that Apple is pushing its own first-party apps and services.