Your iPhone, your rules: A new feature in iOS 18 you need to know

iOS 18 and changing default apps: The freedom we've been waiting for!

If you've ever complained that your iPhone keeps pushing Safari or Apple Maps on you, even though you prefer Chrome or Waze, then I have good news for you. iOS 18 finally gives you the option to set your own default apps – and that even in the European Union! Yes, you heard that right – Apple has finally loosened the reins a bit.

What does it even mean? iOS 18 and changing default apps: The freedom we've been waiting for!💡

Imagine clicking on an address in an email – and instead of Apple Maps, Waze or Google Maps opens for you. Or you want to translate some text? Instead of Apple Translate, Google Translate or maybe DeepL will automatically start if you have it. You can simply choose what suits you personally the best. And that's a game changer, buddy.

Why now? 🌍

Apple decided to take this step mainly because of EU regulations (thanks, Brussels!). The goal is to give users more freedom and remove the "lock-in" to default Apple apps. The result is more control for you – and that counts.

How to do it? 🔧

The setup is really simple:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down to the app you want to set as default (e.g., Chrome, Gmail, Waze…).
3. Click on it and select "Default apps".
4. Choose what you want to use it for – and you're done!

For some types (e.g., translators), the option will appear the first time you use it.

Why is it great? 🎉

• You have freedom of choice.
• It works with the apps you actually use.
• No more unnecessary switching between apps.
• You can customize your iPhone more to yourself.

Summary 🔚

Apple may have taken a long time to enable this, but it finally arrived – and honestly? It's awesome. If you have favorite apps that you use regularly, definitely set this up in iOS 18. Your iPhone will feel even more like yours.

So, will you try it? 😉