Apple is adding a long-requested feature to the iPhone. With the iOS 18.4 update, users in the EU can now choose a default navigation app. This means apps like Google Maps or Waze can replace Apple Maps when opening addresses or requesting directions. To change the setting, go to Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Navigation and select your preferred app.

Apple made this change to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a law from the European Union. The DMA forces big tech companies to give users more control over their devices. As a result, Apple must allow users to pick third-party apps for essential functions.

This change is great news for EU users. But iPhone owners in other regions are left out. Apple has not explained why this feature is not available worldwide. Many believe it is due to legal and regulatory reasons rather than technical issues.

A Small Update for Users Outside the EU

While Apple is limiting the default navigation setting to Europe, there is some good news for everyone else. With iOS 18.4, all users can now set a default translation app. This means you can replace Apple’s Translate app with alternatives like Google Translate.

It’s a small step toward more customization, but it’s not the full control many iPhone users have been asking for. Many people hope Apple will eventually extend these choices to other core apps and regions. For more on this, review the full report by GizChina.