The highly anticipated public release of iOS 18.2 introduces a range of exciting features powered by Apple Intelligence, including a significant change in user functionality that has not been seen before.
One of the key advancements in iOS 18.2 is the ability for users to install and set new default applications on their iPhones. This marks an expansion beyond the limitations previously experienced by users, as iOS 14 allowed some customization for default email and browser applications, but few updates followed. With the arrival of iOS 18.2, this has changed dramatically.
Users will gain access to a broader selection of default apps, which can be easily configured from a centralized menu within the Settings app. To adjust their default applications, users need to go to Settings, select the Apps section, and locate the new Default Apps menu. This area allows for the management of applications that the iPhone will automatically use for various tasks, such as emailing and web browsing.
In total, iOS 18.2 will enable users to set default applications across eight different categories. These include email, messaging, calls, call filtering, browsers, passwords and codes, contactless applications, and keyboards. While several functionalities existed before, they were often scattered across different menus. The new version consolidates these options into one convenient location, resembling the intuitive setup found on Android devices. Notably, iOS 18.2 also introduces three entirely new categories: messaging, calls, and contactless applications.
As a result of these updates, when a user interacts with an email link, phone number, or web address, their selected default app will automatically handle the action, rather than relying on Apple’s standard applications like Mail, Messages, or Safari. However, to utilize third-party applications, users must download them from the App Store. In the absence of installed third-party apps, only Apple’s native applications will be displayed.
Currently, users interested in exploring this new feature can participate in the iOS 18.2 beta, with the stable version expected to be released shortly.