#EU navigation app

Apple is giving up more control over the iPhone experience in the European Union, and the latest win goes to Google Maps. Starting with iOS 18.4, EU-based iPhone users can now set Google Maps as their default navigation app—something users outside the region still can’t do. This update, which rolled out quietly in the latest version of Google Maps for iOS, lets EU iPhone owners bypass Apple Maps entirely. Once the new iOS update hits public release—expected in the coming days—users in the EU will be able to change their default navigation app in a new section found in Settings > Apps > Default Apps. When this option is enabled, any address tapped on the web or in other apps will open directly in Google Maps instead of Apple’s own navigation tool. This is a significant shift from Apple’s long-standing policy of favoring its native apps, and it comes in direct response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forces tech giants to allow more third-party app access and freedom of choice for consumers. Unlike Apple’s earlier moves to allow users worldwide to set default apps for email, browser, and keyboard, this specific update for navigation apps is EU-only. Read more in our articles including "You Can Now Set Google Maps as Your Default Navigation App – But Only in the EU" and "Apple App Store now permits game emulators globally".