Complaining about things is a cherished American pastime, so let me indulge: the iPhone is more enjoyable in Europe now, and it’s unfair.
They’re receiving a variety of features because they have cool regulators, unlike the standard ones. Third-party app stores, browsers running their own engines, Fortnite, and now the option to replace many default apps? I want that too! Just imagine if Chrome on iOS was not just a simple Safari emulator! Imagine downloading a new dialer app with a soundboard of fart sounds and setting it as the default! Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t seem keen on sharing these possibilities with everyone.
Apart from emulators and the reluctant adoption of RCS, Apple appears to only be doing the minimum required to appease regulators. It seems like the company is selling two different iPhones: one for Europeans and one for everyone else. That’s odd, especially considering that Apple is known for simplicity and consistency. But the company is so dedicated to keeping the two versions distinct that it won’t even allow app updates from third-party stores if you leave the EU for more than a month.
Here’s the thing: wouldn’t it be good business to offer everyone the same choices regardless of their location? Apple isn’t making two different iPhones to cater to different cultural preferences, but rather one iPhone that is more flexible and customizable, and one that is not.
Perhaps, gradually, Apple will give in and provide parity as it did with emulators. But I think the company should make an unusual move: abandon the facade and allow everyone, everywhere to have the same iPhone. It would be bold! Courageous, even! But most importantly, it would be much more enjoyable.
