With the release of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, Apple has quietly added support for default translation apps—and Google Translate is the first to take full advantage.
Previously, iOS users in the EU could change their default email, messaging, calling, browser, and navigation apps to third-party options. Now, Apple has extended that freedom to translation apps, allowing users to set Google Translate as the system-wide default instead of Apple’s built-in Translate app.
How to Set Google Translate as Your Default Translation App on iPhone or iPad
Here’s how you can make Google Translate your go-to translator in iOS 18.4 or later:
- Make sure your device is updated to iOS 18.4 or iPadOS 18.4.
- Download or update the Google Translate app from the App Store.
- Go to Settings → Apps → Default Apps.
- Tap Translation and select Google Translate from the list.
That’s it. Now, when you trigger a translation—like selecting text and choosing “Translate”—your iPhone or iPad will automatically use Google Translate for the job.
More Default App Controls in iOS 18.4
Apple continues to open up iOS, especially for users in the European Union. Alongside translation apps, iOS 18.4 allows users to switch defaults for:
- Email apps (e.g., Gmail, Outlook)
- Messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal)
- Calling apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Google Voice)
- Web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox)
- Password managers (e.g., 1Password, Bitwarden)
And if you’re in the EU, you can also change the default navigation app, allowing for options like Google Maps instead of Apple Maps.
Related: How to Change Default iPhone Apps for Calls, Messages, Email and More
This growing list marks a shift in Apple’s iOS ecosystem—one that embraces user choice, largely driven by EU regulatory pressure.
Why This Matters
While switching translation apps may seem minor, it has big implications for usability and competition.
Google Translate offers more advanced features than Apple’s native app, including:
- Real-time camera translation
- Extensive language support
- Offline translation
- Phrasebook and conversation modes
By allowing it as a default, iOS now lets users access these features system-wide, improving the translation experience across Safari, Messages, Notes, and third-party apps.
We’ll keep you updated as more third-party translation apps add support for this new feature.
Will you be switching to Google Translate as your default? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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