This year, in response to the EU Digital Markets ActApple has already enabled third-party payment services to purchase digital content within apps on the iOS platform, and has also opened up access to third-party software markets. It also allows users to select a default browser in the settings interface, allowing users to customize their default browser. In an update expected to be released in April 2025, Apple will go a step further and allow users to set default navigation and translation app services.
According to Apple's updated policy on November 11 in response to the EU Digital Markets DirectiveAdjustments made, which states that the new version of iOS and iPadOS operating systems, expected to be released in April 2025, will allow users to select system default navigation and translation application services in the settings interface.
Apple already offers the option to select a default browser during setup for iPhone and iPad models sold in the EU, with the option to manually adjust the default browser later. Other customizable options include email, app store, phone, text messaging, password management tools, call filtering, and keyboard input methods.
It has been confirmed that users will be able to customize preset navigation and translation application services in the future, which means that users will be able to set their personal preferences for navigation services such as Google Maps and Waze on iPhones and iPads, or use third-party translation tools provided by Google, Microsoft and other companies, while also complying with the relevant provisions of the EU Digital Market Directive.
