Apple makes a new change that allows iPhone users to choose an application outside the Apple map as the default navigation application. With the iOS 18.4 update, users will be able to choose an alternative map application by going to Settings> Applications> Default Applications> Navigation menu. Thus, Google maps, Waza or a different map service will be set as default and this application will be opened directly when the directions are received. However, this feature will only be presented to iPhone owners in the European Union (EU) countries.
Behind Apple’s presentation only in Europe, there is a regulation known as the Digital Markets Law (DMA). This law, which is put into force by the European Union, aims to prevent large technology companies from creating monopolies and to use users to use different applications and services. Apple began to make significant changes in the iPhone ecosystem to adapt to DMA.
In this context, Apple offers not only the assumed navigation application option in Europe, but also the right to access alternative application stores to its users. IPhone owners in the EU area can now download applications from stores other than the App Store. In addition, NFC (close -up communication) technology, which enables payment systems such as Apple Pay, has been opened to third -party developers.
In the US and other regions, such comprehensive changes have not yet been made. iPhone users still have the right to change certain default applications. For example; E-mail, messaging, call, call filtering, internet browser, password manager, keyboard and contactless payment applications can make the default selection. With iOS 18.4, the default translation application option is also available for users in the USA. However, the same flexibility has not yet been provided for navigation applications.
These changes that Apple offers to its users in Europe are part of the company’s legal adaptation process with the EU. However, this creates different user experiences among iPhone users in different countries. Legal arrangements aiming to increase competition in Europe are forcing Apple to offer more options, while the company can continue to implement its own policies in the US and other markets.
iOS will meet users in April 18.4
Apple’s changes in the long run to other regions in the long run is not yet clear. However, considering the effects of the EU’s regulations within the scope of DMA, especially on technology giants, Apple seems to be likely to adopt similar practices globally in the future.
Currently, iOS 18.4 is expected to be released in the beta phase and the latest version in April.