In a big step toward customization, Apple is expanding default app options with iOS 18.2. Previously, users could set a third-party email app or browser as the default instead of Mail and Safari, but soon you’ll be able to go further, setting alternatives for Messages, Phone, password managers, keyboards, and more. The new functionality is available worldwide, dispelling rumors that it would be limited to the EU.
Choose your defaults
As the number of defaults you can change expands, Apple has made it easier to keep tabs on your choices. In iOS 18.2 (coming to the public later this year) head to the new menu in Settings > Apps > Default Apps. This new section centralizes all default app choices, so you can quickly see and modify which apps handle specific functions on your device.
You can now set third-party apps as the default for messaging and calls. Note that while you can use apps like WhatsApp as the default for starting calls or messages, Apple’s Phone and Messages apps will still handle incoming texts and calls associated with your cell plan. Setting a third-party app as the default simply means that if you tap on a phone number or ask Siri to contact someone, your iPhone will use your preferred app to initiate the interaction.
You can also designate a default password manager for AutoFill, making it easier to fill in saved passwords from an app other than Apple’s own iCloud Keychain. Great if you use 1Password or you have a load of saved credentials associated with your Google account you want to use in iOS.
Apple also provides the opportunity to pick defaults for call forwarding, keyboards, payments, and more. But it still restricts the ability to set a default music app, likely to maintain an edge for Apple Music.
For older iOS versions
If you’re not on iOS 18.2 yet – at the time of writing, it’s only available for beta testing – you can still change your default email and browser apps in Settings. Go to Settings > Apps > Mail or Safari, then select Default Mail App or Default Browser App. You’ll see a list of compatible apps. If an app isn’t shown, it means it doesn’t support default functionality.