With the introduction of iOS 18.4, Apple continues its efforts to enhance the iPhone’s personalization options, featuring two new categories for default apps based on your region.
Wider Availability for Translation Defaults, with Navigation Limited to the EU
For many years, Apple has provided some level of default app management through the Settings app. Recently, with the release of iOS 18.2, this feature has expanded to include new categories and a specific hub.
In the latest iOS 18.4, users are greeted with an even broader range of category options.
The new Translation category is now accessible in the US and globally, allowing users to switch the default from Apple’s Translate app to alternatives like Google Translate.
For users in the EU, there’s an exciting addition: Navigation.
While it’s unfortunate that the Navigation feature is exclusive to EU users, those residing in the EU can now switch their iPhone’s default from Apple Maps to preferred alternatives like Google Maps.
Each default app category operates slightly differently, but in general, the designated default app will be utilized by links and integral system tools for certain functions throughout the operating system.
For instance, if you opt to set Waze as your Navigation default, clicking on an address sent to you via iMessage should directly open that location in your chosen application.
To configure your default apps on your iPhone, navigate to Settings ⇾ Apps ⇾ Default Apps.
In the US, the available category options include nine, with Navigation being the tenth option for EU users:
- Messaging
- Calling
- Call Filtering
- Browser App
- Translation
- Passwords & Codes
- Contactless App
- Keyboards
Are you planning to change your default apps with iOS 18.4? Share your thoughts in the comments.
