Tech giant Apple is considering allowing its customers to choose their default iOS apps for various tasks, including web browsing, email, and maps.
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is thinking about giving users more control over their iPhones and iPads by allowing them to replace default apps like Safari or Maps with alternatives such as Google Chrome and Google Maps.
While this may seem like a minor change, it would actually signify a large concession for Apple as it would give other app developers better chances to compete with Apple's built-in services.
The move would allow apps such as Spotify or Pandora to be streamed directly from Apple's HomePod smart speaker.
Since it launched the Apple Store in 2008, Apple has implemented a closed ecosystem, which benefited the company's profits and ensured a certain level of quality control over customers' experience using their iPhones and iPads.
The company, over the years, has faced increased pressure from regulators, developers and consumers that prompted Apple to gradually open up its operating system. Currently, it allows users to delete core apps and install third-party keyboards.
However, these initiatives are far behind Google's Android operating system, which grants users far greater ability to customize their phone experiences and default settings. This initiative by Apple is seen to be a major win for its competitors as they could  gain access to far more customers and data than before.
Jitesh Ubrani, research manager at IDC, said: "By simply becoming the default browser on an iPhone, developers like Google could easily gain access to potentially 900 million iPhone users and all their browsing habits on a constant basis."
"The same would apply to anyone creating a mail app or music app -- and that's important because it could potentially slow the growth for some of Apple's services," Ubrani added.
Meanwhile, the move can also help Apple grow its revenue too. Ubrani pointed out: "Many consumers prefer Spotify and that could have prevented them from purchasing a HomePod. By allowing Spotify to be the default player on the HomePod, not only can Apple gain additional hardware revenue, they could potentially gain more services revenue as users subscribe to Spotify through Apple."
