Apple recently released iOS 18.4 with added customization for users, especially those in the European Union. In a bid to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act and to offer more consumer control, Apple now allows users in the EU to select a default navigation app of their choice instead of being locked into Apple Maps.
This change means that EU iPhone users can opt for popular alternatives like Google Maps or Waze, and the new setting extends to both the handset and CarPlay. This move not only allows users more freedom but also aligns Apple’s practices with increasing regulatory demands for fair competition in digital markets.
The update is part of Apple’s broader push to make the iPhone more customizable and personal. While Apple has long provided default app controls through the Settings app, recent updates have broadened these options significantly.
iOS 18.2 introduced an expanded set of default app categories along with a dedicated hub, and iOS 18.4 continues that trend by adding two new categories based on user location. In regions such as the US, users now have a new default for translation, enabling them to switch from Apple’s Translate app to a third-party alternative like Google Translate. Meanwhile, the navigation default remains exclusive to EU users, ensuring that the regulatory requirements of the Digital Markets Act are met with precision.
To provide further context, the EU’s Digital Markets Act aims to level the playing field among tech giants by mandating that companies like Apple offer consumers more freedom to choose their preferred applications. This regulatory environment has spurred major changes across the industry, with companies now focusing on greater personalization and interoperability. Apple’s move is significant as it not only complies with these new regulations but also addresses long-standing consumer demand for a more flexible operating system.
Historically, default app settings were seen as a minor feature, but with increasing competition from third-party services, the ability to switch defaults has become a key factor in user satisfaction and device functionality. By expanding the customization options in iOS 18.4, Apple is effectively responding to both regulatory pressures and the evolving expectations of tech-savvy consumers who are looking for an integrated yet personalized experience when navigating through their digital lives.
