A German regulator has ordered Apple to change the way it asks users for data permissions. The current prompts, which include a hand with a warning symbol, are accused of steering users away from third-party apps in favour of Apple’s own.

The Bundeskartellamt found that the design and wording of these pop-ups, particularly those related to app tracking transparency, could be discouraging third-party apps while encouraging Apple’s. The regulator's preliminary assessment suggests that symbols like warning hands contribute to this effect, as do differences in wordings and space given for explaining benefits.

Apple now has four months to update its prompts. The changes will introduce a more neutral design similar to the pop-ups used by Apple itself, with third-party developers allowed to combine or link these prompts with their own data collection requests. This move is seen as part of broader European regulations aimed at ensuring a fairer playing field for all app developers.

According to Reuters, these changes will apply in almost all European Union countries, marking a significant shift in how Apple handles user consent and potentially setting a new standard for tech giants under increased regulatory scrutiny.