iOS 18.2 adds the ‘Default Apps’ section to the Settings app with new categories
iOS 18.2 isn’t expected to release until the first week of December, but we already know several details of the upcoming update, thanks to ongoing developer betas and public betas. When Apple rolls out iOS 18.2 next month, users can expect a new, unified section that will let users set default apps for eight or more app categories, including calling, messaging, call filtering, autofill, and applications that can be used with the De NFC chip of the iPhone.
iOS 18.2 adds the ability to set default apps for more categories
Apple added a new “Default Apps” section to a recent beta release of iOS 18.2, spotted by 9to5Mac. This is a unified section in the Settings app on iOS that allows users to choose the default app to use when a link is clicked or when a specific feature (such as call filtering or autofill) is used.
As of today, the ability to choose a default browser or keyboard app is located in different sections of the Settings app, making it difficult for users to find those options. With the new Default Apps section in the Settings app, Apple has introduced at least eight new categories for default apps.
After the update to iOS 18.2, users will be able to choose a default email, browser, calling, and messaging app, allowing users to switch from Apple’s Mail, Safari, Phone, and Messages apps, respectively. Similarly, they can also select a default call filtering app from the new Default Apps section.
Users will also reportedly see two default app sections where more than one app can be selected: Contactless App and Passwords & Codes. These can be useful if a user wants to use more than one payment app or switch between more than one keyboard on their iPhone.
According to the publication, these eight default apps sections will be shown to users in the US, while users in other regions may see a different number of sections. iPhone users in the European Union (EU), which has stricter competition rules, may see additional options that allow them to categorize default apps, but that’s unclear at this time.
