iOS 18.4 Adds a Highly-Requested Setting to iPhones — But Not in U.S.

iPhones are finally getting a much-requested setting, but availability is limited.

Apple Maps vs Google Maps Feature
The upcoming iOS 18.4 update introduces an option to set a default navigation app, other than Apple Maps, but unfortunately this new setting is limited to users in the EU. There, you can now set an app like Google Maps or Waze as your default navigation app on the iPhone by opening the Settings app and tapping Apps → Default Apps → Navigation.

Apple made this change in response to the EU's Digital Markets Act.

Apple, we would love to see this option made available worldwide.

Apple has at least made a small concession for U.S. users, allowing them to set a default translation app on iOS 18.4. For example, you can set Google Translate as your iPhone's default translation app, instead of Apple Translate.

iOS 18.4 is currently in beta testing. The update will be released to the general public in early April, according to Apple's website.

Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Where's the New Apple TV?

Monday December 22, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new Apple TV before the end of 2025, but it looks like that's not going to happen now. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said several times across 2024 and 2025 that Apple would...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features

Tuesday December 23, 2025 8:36 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID Front camera in...
maxresdefault

Hands-On With a Rough iPhone Fold Mockup

Monday December 29, 2025 10:55 am PST by
Apple is rumored to be introducing a foldable iPhone in September 2026, and since it will bring the biggest form factor change since the iPhone was introduced in 2007, curiosity about the design is high. A 3D designer created an iPhone Fold design based on rumors, and we printed it out to see how it compares to Apple's current iPhones. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more ...
apple fitness 2026 1

Apple Teases 'Something Big' Coming Soon to Apple Fitness+

Tuesday December 30, 2025 2:11 pm PST by
The Apple Fitness+ Instagram account today teased that the service has "big plans" for 2026. In a video, several Apple Fitness+ trainers are shown holding up newspapers with headlines related to Apple Fitness+. What's Apple Fitness+ Planning for the New Year? Something Big is Coming to Apple Fitness+ The Countdown Begins. Apple Fitness+ 2026 is Almost Here 2026 Plans Still Under ...
apple intelligence black

Report: Apple's AI Strategy Could Finally Pay Off in 2026

Tuesday December 30, 2025 9:01 am PST by
Apple's restrained artificial intelligence strategy may pay off in 2026 amid the arrival of a revamped Siri and concerns around the AI market "bubble" bursting, The Information argues. The speculative report notes that Apple has taken a restrained approach with AI innovations compared with peers such as OpenAI, Google, and Meta, which are investing hundreds of billions of dollars in data...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Adds These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Monday December 22, 2025 8:47 am PST by
Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 26.2, following more than a month of beta testing. It is a big update, with many new features and changes for iPhones. iOS 26.2 adds a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more. Below, we have highlighted a total of eight new features. Liquid Glass Slider on Lock Screen A new slider in the Lock...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Users Report Static Speaker Noise While Charging

Tuesday December 30, 2025 10:39 am PST by
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max owners are having trouble with the speakers of their devices, and have complained about a static or hissing noise that occurs when the iPhone is charging. There are multiple discussions about the issue on Reddit, the MacRumors forums, and Apple's Support Community, where affected users say there is a noticeable static noise "like an old radio." Some people report...
airpods color prototypes

Apple Tested AirPods in Bright Colors

Saturday December 27, 2025 6:06 am PST by
Apple reportedly tested a version of the first-generation AirPods with bright, iPhone 5c-like colored charging cases. The images, shared by the Apple leaker and prototype collector known as "Kosutami," claim to show first-generation AirPods prototypes with pink and yellow exterior casings. The interior of the charging case and the earbuds themselves remain white. They seem close to some...

Top Rated Comments

zorinlynx Avatar
11 months ago
Can we please just not with the clickbaity headlines? That headline was just freaking terrible.

Why not just write, "iOS 8.4 adds the ability to choose your navigation app, but not in the US"
Score: 57 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Joe Rossignol Avatar
11 months ago

Can we please just not with the clickbaity headlines? That headline was just freaking terrible.

Why not just write, "iOS 8.4 adds the ability to choose your navigation app, but not in the US"
I understand your feedback, and I want to share my personal thoughts on this below. I do not speak on behalf of MacRumors as a whole.

I have seen many independent ad-supported news websites or blogs struggle in recent years, or even shut down. iMore, as one example within the Apple news sphere.

I think MacRumors provides excellent coverage of Apple news and rumors on a daily basis. I view the odd title like this one that might be more casual or withhold some details as a subsidy in a sense. These stories generally receive more views, which helps to support our organization and the many other quality stories we write with straightforward titles or more depth.

AnandTech shutting down is a sad example of how focusing 100% on quality alone isn’t always enough to stay afloat. They offered incredibly deep technical analysis.

The alternative solution that some sites like The Verge have turned to is a paywall, which is totally fine, but that also upsets some readers!

If you want MacRumors to exist for free for many years to come, like I do, then I hope you can see where I’m coming from. Still, thank you for voicing your totally valid feedback.

It’s also totally your right to simply disagree with me and/or thumbs-down this post, but I’m not sure that changes the reality of the situation for ad-supported web publications.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iObama Avatar
11 months ago

iOS is now officially fractured.
Becoming less anti-competitive in the smallest way possible ≠ "officially fractured"
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProbablyDylan Avatar
11 months ago

iOS is now officially fractured.
I'd like to remind the class that this is the choice Apple made. The EU only mandated that the option be there - Apple chose to limit it to the EU.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
apples_arrogance Avatar
11 months ago
Thank you EU - ?? ?
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bousozoku Avatar
11 months ago

iOS is now officially fractured.
Well, they could actually make the operating system more configurable, instead of fighting it. If they do it everywhere, with a few exceptions, they'll have less to fight.

They can still make money on equipment and software they produce.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)