How to Modify Call and Message Apps on Your iPhone.
With the upcoming iOS 18.2 update, you will have the option to change the default apps for calls and messages to non-Apple alternatives. Here’s how to do it.
The upcoming iOS 18.2 update will allow users to modify their default calling and messaging apps on iPhones. This means that using Apple's native apps will no longer be mandatory if users choose not to. Below are the relatively straightforward steps to make this change. It is worth noting that iOS 18.2 is still in beta, which means these steps may vary before the official release.
Steps to Change Your Default Calling and Messaging Apps
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone running iOS 18.2 or later.
- Scroll down and select the Apps option.
- In the Apps section, you will find a new option called Default Apps at the top. Click on it.
- You will see options for both Calls and Messaging. Select the one you wish to modify.
- Next, a list of compatible apps installed on your iPhone will appear. Choose the app you want to set as the default for calls or messages.
Alternatives to Native Apps
Why change your calling or messaging apps? While Apple offers attractive features in iMessage, such as SharePlay and Memoji, and its Phone app is ideal for making direct calls, some users prefer alternatives. Apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram are frequently chosen for their ability to facilitate international communication or for offering greater security. Additionally, some of these apps are accessible on platforms beyond what Apple provides, allowing for broader communication.
In simple terms, you may also simply prefer a different app because it offers functionalities that Apple’s apps do not have. Once iOS 18.2 is launched, Apple will allow users to select third-party solutions as their default calling and messaging apps, promoting choice and competition in the market. This update is expected to be available to the public before the year ends.