IPHONE owners will soon be able to change the default app for making calls and sending texts.
Apple is preparing rule changes that will affect millions of iPhones around the world, including in the UK and US.
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Apple’s iOS 18 update is already out, but it’s coming with another big change soon Credit: Apple
When you buy a new iPhone, your default calling and texting apps are set to Apple’s own Call and Messages.
And even if you want to use another app, like WhatsApp, there’s no way to change that.
However, in the upcoming iOS 18.2 update, that rule will be completely removed.
Apple explains: “All users around the world will now be able to manage their default apps from the Default Apps section at the top of the app area.
“New calling and messaging defaults are also now available to all users worldwide.”
Currently, when you tap a phone number, you have the option to send a message text or make a call with the Phone app.
However, with the new system, you can change this so that tapping on a phone number launches WhatsApp instead.
It doesn’t even have to be WhatsApp. It can also be any other app that supports calls and text messages.
This feature resides within a new settings section called “Default Apps.”
It is not visible at this time, but will appear once iOS 18.2 is available for installation.
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You can change any of the following seven categories by going to (Settings) > (Apps) > (Default apps).
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The bad news is that iOS 18.2 hasn’t been released yet and won’t be for a while.
It is scheduled to be opened to the public in December.
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iOS 18 is packed with features and the iOS 18.2 version introduces the ability to replace default apps Credit: Apple
Certain devices (iPhone 15 Pro and newer) can be tested in a development beta now and eventually in a public beta in the coming weeks.
You can join the iPhone iOS beta by following this guide.
The only other drawback is that some older devices cannot be upgraded to iOS 18.
For example, if you’re still clinging to your iPhone 6, you can’t install iOS 18 or change the default calling app.
iOS 18 devices – Will your iPhone get iOS 18 too?
Here are the devices that can get the new iOS 18 update
iPhone SE (2nd generation)iPhone SE (3rd generation)iPhone XRiPhone XSiPhone 15 PlusiPhone 15 ProiPhone 15 Pro MaxiPhone 16iPhone 16 PlusiPhone 16 ProiPhone 16 Pro Max
iOS 18.2 introduces some other great benefits.
This adds the ability for iPhone owners who use British English to access some of the new Apple Intelligence features.
This includes writing tools that let you create, rewrite, proofread, and summarize text in almost any app.
Also, a new cleanup feature lets you remove unwanted objects and people from your photos.
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Click Clean Up to remove objects from snaps in the Photos app Credit: Apple
Siri’s new design lights up the edges of your screen when you’re using the assistant.
Siri also accepts more natural language, such as changing your mind while speaking.
Also, if you’re in the US, you can visit Genmoji and create custom emojis based on what you’re saying.
We’re also adding an Image Playground feature for Americans, allowing them to create almost any image from scratch using AI.
