iOS 18.2 will allow everyone to choose new default phone and messaging apps.

Apple announced that iPhone owners in the European Union would have the ability to set new default apps for functions such as calls and messages, which seemed to indicate that this option would be exclusive to that region. However, an update on the company's developers' website clarifies that all users worldwide will be able to set new default apps in iOS 18.2. This suggests that the difference between iPhones in the United States and Europe may not be as pronounced as previously thought.

The first beta for developers of iOS 18.2 was recently released, and it didn't take long for 9to5Mac to identify these new features. In the settings menu, there is now a section dedicated to managing default apps. This category includes those options that could already be modified, such as the web browser or email app, as well as new options that cover call filtering, passwords, and keyboards.

It's important to note that this list of new options is also available for U.S. users who have downloaded the beta. Apple has significantly increased the flexibility of its devices over the past year, primarily in response to regulations from the European Union. The recent addition of support for RCS in iOS 18 is likely a result of pressure from these regulators. While the most significant new features, such as support for alternative app stores and navigation engines, are still limited to the EU, the expansion of some of these options to other regions will help ensure that iPhones maintain greater uniformity worldwide. Ultimately, this adds an extra touch of fun to the user experience.