Apple Suggests iOS 18.4 Will Allow iPhone Users in EU to Set Default Maps and Translation Apps

In a recent document outlining the steps it has taken to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act, Apple revealed that it will allow iPhone and iPad users in the EU to set default navigation and translation apps starting in "spring 2025." That timeframe suggests these options will be added in iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, which should be released in April.

Apple Maps vs Google Maps Feature
Apple had already announced that iPhone and iPad users in the EU would be able to set default navigation and translation apps in "future software updates," but it did not share a more specific timeframe for these options until now.

Once the iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 updates are released, iPhone and iPad users in the EU should be able to set default navigation and translation apps through the new "Default Apps" section in the Settings app on the devices. For example, users should be able to choose Google Maps, Waze, or other options as their default navigation app, instead of Apple Maps. Likewise, they should be able to choose Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, or other options as their default translation app, instead of Apple's Translate app.

As of the iOS 18.2 beta, iPhone users in the EU can already set a default browser app, mail app, app marketplace, phone calls app, messaging app, password manager app, and set default options for call filtering and software keyboards.

Apple's compliance document was released to the public today alongside the European Commission's announcement that it will be assessing whether Apple's changes to iPadOS effectively comply with the Digital Markets Act.

Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

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Top Rated Comments

Godspeed8230 Avatar
11 hours ago at 08:25 am

30 minutes of selecting defaults when you get a new phone in the EU. Fun stuff. I hope they keep it the hell away from the US.
And here I thought America is all about liberty. I guess not? :p
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
11 hours ago at 08:24 am

30 minutes of selecting defaults when you get a new phone in the EU. Fun stuff. I hope they keep it the hell away from the US.
Yea, choice sucks.. ?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mac mini power user Avatar
11 hours ago at 08:14 am
These two app categories are really among the most useful to switch app defaults (particularly Translate), so this is very welcome. It's a pity we will have to wait until April.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
11 hours ago at 08:35 am

Apple revealed that it will allow iPhone and iPad users in the EU to set default navigation and translation apps starting in "spring 2025."

30 minutes of selecting defaults when you get a new phone in the EU. Fun stuff. I hope they keep it the hell away from the US.
It would take you 30 minutes to set a default navigation and translation app?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rowi1de Avatar
10 hours ago at 08:47 am
Apple Code be Like
if (app == "browser") {
userBrowserDefault()
}
else if (app == "translate") {
userTranslateDefault()
}
else if (app == "music") {
// userMusicDefault() wait until EU complains
forceAppleMusic()
}
else if (app == "camera") {
// useCameraDefault() // major iOS 19 feature, only on iPhone 19 Max Ultra 2 (becsuse of reasons)
useBestCameraEverJustTrustUs()
}
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Comfortably Numb Avatar
11 hours ago at 08:45 am
It's incredible that Apple had to be forced by regulation to give its users the freedom to choose the apps they want.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)