With the release of iOS 18.4 in the spring, Apple's mobile operating system will likely let iPhone users in the European Union set default navigation and translation apps for the first time.
In iOS 18.2, Apple introduced a way for users to select their preferred default apps for iPhone. Apple initially promised that the feature would be coming to the EU, but it is actually 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 your go-to apps.
Moreover, iPhone users in the EU have additional options not available elsewhere, such as the ability choose an alternative app marketplace instead of the App Store, and Apple documentation suggests more EU-exclusive options are set to arrive soon.
In November 2024, Apple outlined the steps it has taken to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act, and also revealed that it will allow iPhone and iPad users in the EU to set default navigation and translation apps starting in "spring 2025." This timeframe suggests the options will be added in iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, which should 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 enhancements for Siri, including on-screen awareness, deeper per-app controls, and a better understanding of the user's personal context.
