How to Change Default Apps Like Message on iPhone (Works Outside EU Too)

The iOS 18.2 beta update has a new feature that flew under the radar for many users. You can now change the default apps on your iPhone. Initially, this was supposed to be restricted to EU users but it seems Apple has changed its mind. You can now change your iPhone’s default phone, messaging, and other apps anywhere in the world.

Note: While iOS 14 allowed changing certain default iPhone apps like browser and email, thanks to EU regulations, Apple now allows changing the default calling, messaging, etc. We have shared a complete list below.

Prerequisites

There is a criteria you need to meet before you can change the default apps on your iPhone.

• iPhone must be running iOS 18.2 or higher (not restricted to iPhone 16 models). You can check your iOS version from Settings > General > About. It is easy to update iOS from Settings > General > Software Update. Here is a list of iPhones that support iOS update.
• You must install alternative apps from the App Store or 3rd-party stores (EU users) before you can update the default app.
• Works for iPads too.

Must Read:

• iOS 18.2 Beta 1: All New Features You Should Know About
• 31 Hidden iOS 18 Features That You Need to Check Out
• 9 Features I Loved in iOS 18 and 7 That Missed the Mark
• iOS 18: Hide and Unhide Apps on iPhone and What Happens Later

Change Default iPhone Message and Phone Apps

Here are the steps:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Go to Apps > Default Apps.
3. You will see a list of default apps that you can change here like Messaging or Calling. Now select one of the available (compatible apps) from the list.

iPhone Default Apps List:

For now, you can change the default apps for the categories below. Apple may further open up its ecosystem in the coming updates.

• Email
• Message
• Calling
• Call Filtering
• Browser App
• Passwords & Codes
• Keyboards

It is good to see that Apple is opening up its ecosystem, walled garden, to more users and developers. Currently, there aren’t that many good 3rd-party messaging and calling apps for iPhone but expect that to change soon. We hope some of the amazing apps like Microsoft SMS Organizer will be ported over to the App Store soon.

Gaurav Bidasaria

Gaurav is an editor here at TechWiser but also contributes as a writer. He has more than 10 years of experience as a writer and has written how-to guides, comparisons, listicles, and in-depth explainers on Windows, Android, web, and cloud apps, and the Apple ecosystem. He loves tinkering with new gadgets and learning about new happenings in the tech world. He has previously worked on Guiding Tech, Make Tech Easier, and other prominent tech blogs and has over 1000+ articles that have been read over 50 million times.