The first iOS 18.2 beta, released on Wednesday, brings a new “Default Apps” section in the Settings app. The section can be used to manage your default apps for the iPhone. While Apple had announced that such a feature would soon be available in the European Union, the new beta offers its around the globe.
Users can select Default App settings for Email, Messaging, Calling, Call Filtering, Browser App, Passwords and Codes, and Keyboard apps.
Users in the United States can use the Default App interface to choose their preferred Email, Call Filtering, Browser, and Passwords, and Keyboards. However, the sections for Messaging and Calling don’t list anything other than Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, respectively.
Users in the European Union should see additional options to allow them to choose non-Apple apps as their default. This is due to the European Commission’s requirement for Apple to allow iPhone users in Europe to designate their messaging and phone apps, in addition to the others. EU users are also have the ability to delete core apps like Messages, App Store, Safari, Camera, and Photos.
Eventually Apple should add other options to the Default Apps section, including contactless payments and other settings.
