It seems the iPhone has developed a case of regional envy—specifically, European envy. Apple’s latest moves show that European iPhones are getting features that the rest of us are missing out on, and it’s raising some eyebrows.

In Europe, iPhone users are enjoying a range of new features thanks to more lenient regulations. This includes access to third-party app stores, the freedom to use different browser engines, and even the ability to set custom default apps. Imagine if you could use Chrome on iOS without it being a mere Safari clone, or if you could set a quirky new dialer app as your default. Unfortunately, these perks seem to be Europe-only, leaving the rest of us on the outside looking in.

It’s not that we haven’t seen any changes. For instance, the App Store in the U.S. has started offering retro game emulators, a nod to the regulatory pressure in Europe and a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice. However, this is just a small concession compared to the broader changes across the Atlantic.

The core issue here is Apple’s apparent strategy of offering two different versions of the iPhone: one for Europe and one for the rest of the world. This contrasts sharply with Apple’s usual approach of providing a uniform experience across markets. It’s puzzling that Apple is so committed to maintaining these regional differences, to the point of disabling third-party app store updates for European users who travel outside the EU for more than a month.

It raises a question: wouldn’t it make more sense for Apple to offer the same features globally? Instead of treating users in Europe and elsewhere differently, Apple could adopt a single, more flexible approach for everyone. This would be a bold and innovative move, aligning with Apple's reputation for simplicity and consistency.

In the end, the disparity might be a missed opportunity for Apple to unify its user experience across borders. If Apple decides to make these changes available to everyone, it could lead to a more exciting and customizable iPhone experience for all users. Here’s hoping that future updates will bridge this gap and bring a bit more fun to iPhones everywhere.