Apple will allow iPhone users in the EU to install Google Maps as their primary navigation app

Apple has announced plans to allow iPhone users in the European Union (EU) to set something other than Apple Maps as their primary navigation app. The development, expected by March 2025, marks a shift away from Apple's historically closed ecosystem and follows recent legal mandates under the EU's Digital Markets Act. The change symbolises a broader trend towards increased user choice and flexibility in Apple's operating system.

Along with working to provide the ability to install core navigation apps, Apple has already introduced new default controlled apps for the app shop and contact payment apps. Apple's decision to enforce core navigation app settings comes amid growing regulatory pressure for increased competition and consumer choice in digital ecosystems.

By allowing consumers to choose third-party navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze, Apple aims to comply with the EU DMA's requirements to regulate its monopoly practices. The introduction of control of the main navigation app expands Apple's existing core app control system.

The change is likely to appear in iOS 18, but is also likely to be exclusive to EU users. After the EU's Digital Markets Act came into force, Apple made it clear that changes made to comply with the new legal requirements would not affect the rest of the world. Other changes include allowing third-party app shops and downloading unpublished apps, but only in the EU.

Source: Apple, 9to5Google