iPhone User Tricks Apple with EU DMA Spoof for Enhanced Customization

Although initially only available to EU residents, Apple has now announced a range of customization features for iPhones in accordance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This has not stopped an Australian user from finding a way to access some of these features.

The enactment of the EU’s DMA act required Apple to allow third parties to access its core platforms in order to maintain competitiveness in the tech industry. In response to this regulation, Apple made several adjustments for iPhones, such as implementing a revised commission system and allowing for third-party default web browsers. While these changes are currently only accessible to EU residents, developer Adam Demasi was able to access them in Australia.

With the release of iOS 17.4, Demasi reveals that Apple has implemented a new system, known as “eligibilityd”, which functions in conjunction with “countryd”and an Apple ID to verify a user’s location prior to providing access to location-based features, as required by the Digital Markets Act.

Using an iPhone 12 Pro Max, an Italian SIM card, and a pfSense Wi-Fi router broadcasting itself as being in Italy, they were able to successfully bypass Apple’s location wall.

“Demasi wrote that he took his previous 12 Pro Max and began experimenting with it. He reset the device, turned off Location Services, inserted an Italian SIM card from a past vacation, and established a new Italian Apple ID.”

After setting up a pfSense Wi-Fi router and configuring it to appear as if it was located in Italy, Demasi attempted to access the internet without success. Frustrated, they went to the basement where there was no mobile signal and reset their phone again. To their surprise, when they opened Safari, they were prompted to select a browser.

In order to prevent Apple from determining its location, Demasi had to activate airplane mode on the iPhone. However, this is not a practical solution for everyday use and the developer believes that it is only suitable for testing EU features.

The developer’s ability to access other features mandated by the EU, such as interoperability and data portability, downloading directly from developers, or accessing third-party app stores, remains uncertain.