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

Popular Stories

iOS 18

Here Are Apple's Full Release Notes for iOS 18.2

Thursday December 5, 2024 11:48 am PST by
Apple seeded the release candidate version of iOS 18.2 today, which means it's going to see a public launch imminently. Release candidates represent the final version of new software that will be provided to the public should no last minute bugs be found, and Apple includes release notes with the RC launch. The iOS 18.2 release notes provide a look at all of the new features that are coming...
Apple AI Command Center Concept Mock 3

Apple Expected to Launch This All-New Device Next Year

Wednesday November 27, 2024 1:05 pm PST by
Apple is expected to kick off 2025 by launching an all-new smart home hub, also referred to as a "command center," as early as March. The hub is expected to feature around a six-inch display that can be attached to a tabletop base with a speaker, or mounted on a wall. The device is said to run a new "homeOS" operating system with a customizable widget-focused home screen, and it is expected...
airpods pro 2 gradient

AirPods Pro 3 Expected Next Year: Here's What We Know

Thursday November 28, 2024 3:30 am PST by
Despite being released over two years ago, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 continue to dominate the wireless earbud market. However, with the AirPods Pro 3 expected to launch sometime in 2025, anyone thinking of buying Apple's premium earbuds may be wondering if the next generation is worth holding out for. Apart from their audio and noise-canceling performance, which are generally regarded as...
Tim Cook WWDC 2024

Apple CEO Tim Cook Opens Up About AI Plans, Vision Pro Future, and More in New Interview

Wednesday December 4, 2024 5:40 am PST by
WIRED today shared in an in-depth interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook, asking questions about AI, Vision Pro sales, pre-recorded keynotes, and more. The wide-ranging interview covers Apple's pivot toward AI technology, including what Apple Intelligence features Cook finds most useful, Apple's partnership with OpenAI, and the environmental impact of AI. For example, WIRED asked Cook about...
iPhone 14 Pro Display Two Times Brighter Feature

Every Display Upgrade Rumored for Apple's iPhone 17

Friday December 6, 2024 5:14 am PST by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 lineup may bring some of the most significant display improvements we've seen in recent years. While the iPhone 17 series isn't expected until late 2025, multiple rumors suggest Apple is working on substantial screen upgrades across its entire smartphone range. From enhanced refresh rates to advanced materials and improved power efficiency, these display...
New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 18

20 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 18.2

Friday December 6, 2024 4:42 am PST by
Apple is set to release iOS 18.2 in the second week of December, bringing the second round of Apple Intelligence features to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models. This update brings several major advancements to Apple's AI integration, including completely new image generation tools and a range of Visual Intelligence-based enhancements. There are a handful of new non-AI related feature controls...
Generic iOS 18

Apple Seeds Release Candidate Versions of iOS 18.2 and More With Genmoji, Image Playground and ChatGPT Integration

Thursday December 5, 2024 10:03 am PST by
Apple today seeded the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 updates to developers and public beta testers for testing purposes, two weeks after releasing the fourth betas. Alongside the release candidate versions of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac operating system updates, Apple has also seeded the watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and HomePod Software 18.2 RCs....

Top Rated Comments

Godspeed8230 Avatar
5 weeks ago

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: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
5 weeks ago

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: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mac mini power user Avatar
5 weeks ago
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: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
5 weeks ago

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: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rowi1de Avatar
5 weeks ago
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: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Superhai Avatar
5 weeks ago

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.
Americans spend years selecting between two persons, so I understand your concern.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)