Apple has just announced a long-requested feature: choosing a default navigation app on iPhone.
With the iOS 18.4 update, users in the European Union (EU) will be able to replace Apple Maps with apps like Google Maps or Waze when opening an address or asking for directions. To do this, users just need to go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Navigation and select their preferred app.
iPhone will have many changes after updating iOS 18.4.
The change is being made by Apple to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires big tech companies to give users more control over their devices. However, the feature is currently only available to users in the EU, while iPhone owners in other regions are yet to benefit.
Apple hasn’t given a specific reason for this, but many believe it’s due to legal and regulatory issues. Of course, many still hope Apple will extend this control to users in other regions.
Apple is expected to give more power to iPhone users in the future.
Additionally, the iOS 18.4 update also brings good news for global users: the ability to set a default translation app. This allows users to replace Apple's Translate app with other options like Google Translate. Hopefully, the company will gradually roll out the default app replacement for more core apps in iOS to give more power to users.
The iOS 18.4 update is currently in beta testing and is expected to be released to the public next April. While there is no specific date yet, users can expect the update to be rolled out in the first weeks of the month.
