Apple is preparing to launch iOS 18.4, and with it comes a notable change for iPhone users in the European Union: the ability to set a third-party navigation app such as Google Maps or Waze as the default, replacing Apple Maps. Until now, users have been locked into Apple’s native app for navigation, even though the company began allowing default changes for browsers and email years ago.

This update is significant as it marks a shift in Apple’s traditionally closed ecosystem, giving users more control over their device experience. It also reflects Apple’s ongoing efforts to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulation aimed at increasing consumer choice and preventing tech giants from unfairly prioritising their own services.

EU users will be able to make the switch by heading to Settings → Apps → Default Apps → Navigation. This level of customisation has long been requested by users and developers alike, and its arrival—though regionally limited—could set a precedent for future updates worldwide.

The feature will not be available outside the EU, but iOS 18.4 does introduce another small yet meaningful improvement for users in the US: the ability to select a default translation app, such as Google Translate, over Apple’s built-in option.

Currently in beta, iOS 18.4 is expected to launch publicly in early April. While the update may seem minor, it forms part of a broader trend towards opening the iOS platform and responding to regulatory pressure—changes that could ultimately benefit users across the globe.