# Apple to Permit EU Users to Designate Google Maps and Google Translate as Default Applications by 2025
In a major step to adhere to Europe’s **Digital Markets Act (DMA)**, Apple has revealed that it will soon enable iPhone users in the European Union (EU) to designate third-party applications as their default choices for navigation and translation. This alteration will empower users with increased control over their iPhones, allowing them to select applications like **Google Maps** and **Google Translate** as their primary tools for these tasks.
## What’s Changing?
Based on a document uncovered by **MacRumors**, Apple intends to implement support for default apps for navigation and translation by **spring 2025**. This implies that EU iPhone users will no longer be limited to utilizing **Apple Maps** and **Apple Translate** as their default applications. Instead, they will have the ability to transition to third-party substitutes like **Google Maps** and **Google Translate**, among others.
These updates are expected to be rolled out with **iOS 18.4**, which is projected to launch in **April 2025**. This update is likely to be among the most significant advancements during the iOS 18 cycle, as it will allow users more freedom to tailor their iPhone experience per their preferences.
## Why is Apple Making These Changes?
Apple’s choice to permit a wider range of third-party apps as default options is part of its continuous effort to comply with the **Digital Markets Act (DMA)**, a series of regulations initiated by the European Union to foster fair competition in the digital market. The DMA aims to prevent large tech companies like Apple from leveraging their dominant market positions to suppress competition and limit consumer options.
Under the DMA, Apple must broaden its ecosystem to enable users to select third-party applications as defaults for various purposes, including navigation, translation, and beyond. This shift is viewed as a means to diminish Apple’s “gatekeeping” role and encourage a more competitive application marketplace.
## Expanded Default App Options in iOS 18.2
Although iOS 18.4 is still a few months away, Apple is already making progress to provide greater customization alternatives for EU iPhone users. With the forthcoming **iOS 18.2** update, slated for release prior to iOS 18.4, Apple will introduce a **Default Apps** section within the **Settings** menu. This new feature will enable users to manage their default applications for various functions, including:
– **Phone calls**
– **Messaging**
– **Password managers**
– **Keyboards**
– **Call spam filters**
At present, EU iPhone users can already opt for their default browser, email application, app marketplace, and contactless payment applications. The inclusion of more default app choices in iOS 18.2 will further enhance user autonomy over their devices.
## Apple Intelligence Expands to More Regions
In tandem with changes to default app settings, Apple is also set to broaden its **Apple Intelligence** platform to additional countries and regions in **April 2025**. This expansion will enable the platform to support a wider variety of languages, including **Spanish**, **Italian**, **Portuguese**, and **Korean**. Notably, this will signify the first occasion that Apple Intelligence will be accessible to EU iPhone users.
Currently, Apple Intelligence is only available in **macOS Sequoia** for the EU region, as the DMA does not categorize the Mac as a “gatekeeping” platform. However, with the impending iOS updates, iPhone users in the EU will soon be able to benefit from the capabilities of Apple Intelligence.
## What Does This Mean for Users?
For EU iPhone users, these modifications represent a substantial change in how they can utilize their devices. By permitting third-party applications to be designated as defaults for essential functions like navigation and translation, Apple is granting users more liberty to opt for the applications that best suit their needs. This is particularly crucial for users who favor alternatives like **Google Maps** for navigation or **Google Translate** for language translation.
Moreover, the broadened default app options in iOS 18.2 will enable users to further personalize their iPhone experience, simplifying the utilization of their preferred applications for daily tasks such as messaging, phone calls, and password management.
## Conclusion
Apple’s resolution to comply with the **Digital Markets Act** by permitting more third-party apps to be designated as defaults is a positive change for EU iPhone users. With the upcoming iOS 18.4 update, users will be able to select applications like **Google Maps** and **Google Translate** as their primary navigation and translation tools, granting them enhanced control over their devices. Additionally, the expanded default app options in iOS 18.2 will present even more customization opportunities, rendering the iPhone experience more adaptable and user-friendly.
As Apple continues to adjust to the regulatory environment in Europe, it’s clear that the company is committed
