Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Tl;
- iOS 18.4 will introduce the ability to set a standard navigation app other than Apple Maps for the first time.
- Currently, iPhone users are locked in Apple Maps as standard navigation app, without alternative switching to options.
- This new option will only be available to users in the EU, as part of Apple’s compliance with regional regulations.
Apple is preparing to roll out iOS 18.4, and with that comes a change that addresses a long -lasting restriction for iPhone Users. First reported by MacrumorsThe upcoming update will allow iPhone users in the EU (EU) to set a standard navigation app other than Apple Maps, marking a remarkable shift in Apple’s traditionally closed software ecosystem.
For many years now, Apple Maps has been the standard navigation app on the iPhones, replacing Google Maps after a partnership between Apple and Google fell apart. Since then, iPhone users have not been able to set third-party navigation apps, such as Google Maps or Waze, as the default option-a restriction that has persisted even though Apple began to let users choose standard apps for other features, such as browsing and email. iOS 18.4 will finally change it.
However, this new option for selecting a standard navigation app will be limited to users in the EU. This feature is probably a response to the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulatory framework designed to promote competition and dampen the dominance of major technology companies. DMA has already forced Apple to make other concessions, such as opening the third-party app stores ecosystem.
When the update is live, iPhone users in the EU can change the standard navigation app by going to Settings → App → Standard apps → Navigationwhere they can choose between installed options such as Google Maps or Waze.
Apple is not planning to expand this flexibility of users outside the EU, at least not yet. However, iOS 18.4 will introduce a small but remarkable change for US users: the ability to set a standard translation app. This means that iPhone users can choose Google Translate instead of Apple’s built-in translation app if they prefer.
IOS 18.4 is currently in beta testing and is expected to be released for the public in early April, according to Apple’s website. While the update marks one step towards larger user choices, we can only hope that Apple will bring similar changes to several regions in the future.