Apple has announced plans to allow iPhone users in the European Union (EU) to install something other than Apple Maps as their primary navigation app. This innovation, planned for March 2025, represents a change in Apple’s strategy away from its traditional closed ecosystem and in response to recent changes in EU legislation, in particular the EU Digital Markets Act.

In addition to working on the ability to install core navigation apps,Apple has already rolled out new default-controlled apps for the app store and contact payment apps. Apple’s decision to provide choice of primary navigation app comes amid growing pressure from regulators to increase competition and consumer choice in digital ecosystems.

By giving users the choice of third-party navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze,Apple aims to comply with the EU DMA to regulate its monopolistic practices. The introduction of Core Navigation App Control expands on Apple’s existing core app management system.

These changes will likely be implemented in iOS 18 and will likely only be available to EU users. Following the entry into force of the EU Digital Markets Act,Apple made it clear that changes made to comply with the new legal requirements would only apply in the EU. Other changes include allowing third-party app stores and sideloading of apps, but only within the EU.