With the release of iOS 18.4 this spring, Apple’s mobile operating system will likely allow iPhone users in the European Union to set default navigation and translation apps for the first time.
In iOS 18.2, Apple introduced a way for users to select their favorite default apps for iPhone. Apple initially promised that this feature would be available in the EU, but it is currently available worldwide. For example, rather than being locked into Safari for web browsing or Apple Mail for email, users can now set third-party alternatives like Chrome, Firefox, Gmail, or Outlook as their preferred apps.
Additionally, iPhone users in the EU have additional options not available elsewhere, such as the ability to choose an alternative app marketplace instead of the App Store, and Apple documentation suggests that more EU-exclusive options are expected to arrive soon.
In November 2024, Apple outlined steps it was taking to comply with the European Digital Markets Act and also revealed that it would allow iPhone and iPad users in the EU to set navigation and search apps. default translation from “spring 2025”. This delay suggests that the options will be added in iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, which are expected to be released in April.
In other words, if you’re in the EU, you should be able to choose Google Maps, Waze, or another alternative as your default navigation app, rather than Apple Maps. In the same vein, you should be able to choose Google Translate or other options as your default translation app, instead of Apple’s Translate app.
iOS 18.4 is expected to bring several new Apple Intelligence improvements to Siri, including on-screen recognition, deeper per-app controls, and better understanding of the user’s personal context.
