Apple’s announcement that it would allow iPhone owners to change default apps for functions like calling and messaging initially appeared to only apply to users in the EU. However, this will be implemented with iOS 18.2 and will be valid for all users worldwide.
A note on Apple’s developer website clearly states that with iOS 18.2, all users will be able to set new default options for calling and messaging apps. This development is considered an important step that can eliminate the iPhone experience gap between the USA and the EU.
The first iOS 18.2 developer beta was released today, and new options were quickly spotted in reviews by 9to5Mac. There is a brand new section in the Settings menu dedicated to the management of default applications. This section also includes defaults such as the browser and email applications, which can be reassigned beforehand. Additionally, other options such as call filtering, passwords, and keyboard are also available. The important thing is that these options are also visible for US users who download the iOS 18.2 beta.
Apple increases flexibility with iOS 18.2
Over the past year, Apple has introduced unique flexibility to the iPhone in response to European Union regulations. For example, we likely owe the addition of RCS support in iOS 18 to EU regulators.
However, major changes such as alternative app stores and browser engines were generally confined to the EU only. This made iPhones in Europe look quite different from those in the US. However, making these new options available across borders and around the world will help Apple provide a more consistent user experience across its products.