Apple will let Google Maps become the default navigation app, but not for all users

Apple continues to make changes to its policies to comply with applicable antitrust laws in the European Union. This time, the company has announced plans to soon allow users to choose their default navigation app and translator. This means that EU residents will be able to choose Google Maps as their default app.

Image Source: 9to5mac.com

A few days ago, Apple updated its compliance information with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The publication is mainly devoted to the actions that the American company has already taken to comply with antitrust laws in the region. However, it was not without innovations that will come into force next year.

«In spring 2025, Apple will add support for default settings for navigation apps and translators,” the company said in a statement. This means that iPhone and other Apple device owners in the European Union will be able to do things they’ve been asking for for years, like setting Google Maps as their default navigation app.

Apple’s mapping service has improved over the years, but many users still prefer Google Maps over it. Next year they will finally be able to make the Google app the default. In addition to this, residents of the European Union will have the opportunity to choose a translator, which will probably also be good news for owners of Apple devices. The mention of spring 2025 as the rollout date for these options likely means these changes will be part of iOS 18.4, which is due to launch in April.