It has been possible for some time now to ‘remove’ standard Apple applications from your iPhone and iPad and replace them with an app from another developer. From the end of 2024, this will be expanded even further and iPhone users will have even more freedom.
Interesting detail is, these extensions are only for iPhone and iPad users in the EU. Due to the new regulation and Digital Markets Act, Apple has to expand the offer and make the replacement easier.
Replace default apps on iPhone or iPad
It has been possible for some time now to remove default apps on your iPhone or iPad and in some cases you can set an application from another developer as the default app. You can do this for the Mail application and your browser, among other things.
Later this year, Apple will expand this to European citizens, under pressure from the EU. Apple has announced that in addition to setting a different default browser, email, alternative App Store and NFC apps, users in the EU will soon be able to set a different app for phone calls, messages, password managers, keyboards and spam filters for calls. In 2025, we will even be able to change the navigation app and translation app.
Remove pre-installed apps
Not only will you be able to change the default app for a particular service or feature, but later this year users in the EU will be able to delete all apps on their iPhone except the Settings and Phone apps.
In this case, it is not the case that an app can then be automatically replaced by another. The replacement mainly concerns the automatic opening of an app after a certain action. You open a link in a standard browser, an e-mail in an e-mail, an address in a navigation app, etc. Siri will also use these apps for suggestions. If you delete an app, it will not always be replaced for ‘automations’.
Default App Settings
Finally, Apple will add new settings to the Settings app regarding the management of Standard applications. Now you still have to consult the settings for each app to change them. Soon you will be able to manage all standard applications directly from one overview.
This way you can remove them, reinstall them or choose another app for a certain service or option. This way it is easy for the user to manage the applications and customize them to personal preferences.
Availability
These innovations are expected with iOS 18.2 and may also be applied to the iPad with iPadOS 18.2. This software update is expected in December 2024. Extensions are expected in iOS 18.3, such as replacing the navigation app.
Tips for now
Do you want to remove or adjust standard applications now? Then you can use the tips below.
- Change Default Web Browser or Mail App on iPhone or iPad
- How to Delete and Reinstall Default Applications on iPhone or iPad
- Change default music app for Siri to Spotify or other music service
- Send Telegram or WhatsApp messages via Siri
- Alternative App Store: Stores to buy and download applications for iPhone
- NFC chip in iPhone opened up for Apple Pay alternatives in Europe