Google on Friday released a major update for Google Maps users on iOS, at least for those in the European Union. With the latest version of the app, iPhone users can now set Google Maps as their default navigation app, completely replacing Apple Maps.
You can now set Google Maps as your default navigation app – but only in the EU
As noted by Macerkopf, Google Maps now appears as an option in the default navigation app settings on iOS. This means that Google Maps can be the iPhone’s default app for opening addresses you see on the web, instead of Apple Maps.
The news comes a day after WhatsApp introduced a similar update that lets iPhone users set it as the default app for calls and texts.
Although the option to choose default iOS apps was developed as part of the changes required by the European Union, Apple ended up making the feature available to everyone. However, the option to choose a navigation app other than Apple Maps will only be available to users in the EU with iOS 18.4, which is expected to be released to the public in the next few days.
Top comment by EgonD
Google Maps is a mess to me, on iOS I use waze or apple maps for the most part. When Google bought Waze more than a decade ago, I thought GMaps will steal all the good stuff from Waze, but no. Not really.
In addition to changing default apps for navigation, calls and texts, iPhone users can also choose other default apps for email, call filtering, web browser, translation, passwords, payments (only in some regions), and keyboards. You can find these options by going to Settings > Apps > Default Apps on your iOS device.
When it comes to Google Maps, make sure you have the latest version of the app installed. It’s available for free on the App Store.
Did you choose a third-party app to be a default app on your iPhone? Let us know in the comments section below.
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