Apple May Not Force You to Use Apple Maps in IOS 18
If the rumors are true, iOS 18 could include some big changes for iPhone users , including one much-welcomed one for anyone underwhelmed by Apple’s default iPhone navigation app. According to a document Apple recently shared detailing its plans to comply with new changes to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), the company may finally give you the option to change your default navigation app from Apple Maps to an alternative like like Google Maps or Waze. .
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 18 during WWDC 2024, which will most likely take place in June of this year based on previous years’ conference dates. It’s unclear whether Apple will confirm its plans to allow changes to the default navigation app in iOS 18 during the conference, or whether the feature will arrive in a later iterative update. The compliance report only says that “Apple also plans to introduce a new default control for users in Settings for navigation apps. Apple intends to make this solution available by March 2025.”
The March 2025 timeline gives a hint as to when we can expect the new feature to arrive—even if it doesn’t arrive in iOS 18, it could appear in a later version of the OS as Apple continually adds new features through small updates throughout the release. year between full iOS releases.
Whenever this option arrives, it will obviously make a big difference, as many iPhone users undoubtedly prefer something other than Apple Maps. The ability to choose your preferred default option will be a welcome change for anyone tired of having to copy an address and paste it into Google Maps (or mindlessly click on an address in the text, accidentally launch Apple Maps, and then close it and return to the text and then copy and paste the address into Google Maps).
The change may be limited to the EU.
One caveat to note, however, is that since this feature change is part of Apple’s plans to comply with the European DMA standard, this feature may not be available everywhere iPhones are used. If Apple blocks this option for EU residents, it could be years before people in other countries get the same choice—if they ever do.
Unfortunately, Apple has a strict policy when it comes to making DMA-compliant changes ; From allowing third-party app stores to allowing users to download apps via a web browser on their iPhones , many of these changes are only available to those in the EU.