The recent steps taken by Apple to open up certain restricted aspects of the iPhone, such as app distribution and mobile payments, can be attributed to the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act. While complying with EU regulations, Apple has extended some of these features globally, even where not legally mandated.
Although Apple remains focused on retaining its App Store revenue, it has shown willingness to relinquish control in areas less critical to its financial performance. Following the DMA regulations mandating NFC opening in the EU, Apple introduced a new contactless payments API in iOS 18.1 worldwide, enabling users to replace Apple Wallet with third-party apps.
This shift was further emphasized with the introduction of a Default Apps section in iOS 18.2, allowing users to set default apps for Messaging and Calling in addition to Email and Browsing options present since iOS 14. The consolidation of default settings into a single screen streamlined the process.
The initial list included Email, Messaging, Calling, Call Filtering, Browser, Passwords, and Keyboards, with subsequent additions like setting a default Translation app in iOS 18.4. However, developers need to update their apps to leverage these capabilities for seamless integration with the core operating system.
While Apple introduced default calling and messaging apps in iOS 18.2, updates from third-party developers were required for full functionality. For instance, the necessary WhatsApp update for default calling and messaging apps arrived later than the iOS update. Google, on the other hand, has been quicker in embracing new features like default Translation app.
With the latest update to Google Translate for iPhone, users can now set Google Translate as the default translation app, offering a more extensive language support compared to Apple’s Translate app. This change is particularly beneficial for users requiring translations in languages not supported by Apple.
How to Switch to Google Translate
Updating to the latest version of Google Translate from the App Store and running iOS 18.4 or later is necessary to switch to Google Translate as the default translation app on your iPhone. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and select Apps.
- Choose Default Apps.
- Select Translation.
- Choose Google Translate.
After selecting Google Translate as the default, it will replace Apple’s Translate app in various instances where translation is required within iOS. This includes message translation in the Messages app and text translation in other apps, providing a seamless experience.
Google Translate’s integration works smoothly, providing translations directly within the app being used, similar to Apple’s Translate app. However, certain apps with their own translation features may not utilize Google Translate as the default option. Meta’s apps, for instance, may still use their translation services.
