iOS 18.4 Unlocks This Hidden Feature — How to Make Google Translate Your Default App

Google Translate can now be set as the default translation app on iPhones, thanks to a new iOS update. Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 18.4, introduces enhanced app default settings, enabling users to pick Google Translate over Apple’s built-in Translate app for system-wide translation tasks.

Google is said to be rolling out an update for its Translate app that will enable iPhone users to use it as their default translation app overtaking Apple’s native Translate app. The update comes after the release of iOS 18.4, which added support for users to set default apps for certain purposes like navigation, music, and translation.

As per a report, the latest release of Google Translate can support this new iOS setting and be chosen as the default translation app on iPhones. In the past, translation functionality was managed by Apple’s Translate app, either via Siri or system-level interactions such as text selection pop-ups.

But to use this feature, the iPhone should be on iOS 18.4 or a later version, and the current edition of Google Translate needs to be downloaded through the App Store. The feature is going out in phases and may not show up for everyone right away

Apple Expands Default App Options in iOS 18.4

Apple initially made it possible to set third-party apps as default in iOS 18.2, launched in November of last year. When the operating system was first launched, users could personalize default apps in eight categories, such as calling, messaging, keyboard, and password management. In launching iOS 18.4, Apple extended this feature further to incorporate additional categories like navigation, music, and translation, making users more in control of their preferred app experience

How to Set Google Translate as the Default Translation App on iPhone

To set Google Translate as your default translation app, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Settings app from your iPhone.

2. Scroll down and tap Apps.

3. Tap Default Apps from the options.

4. Tap Translation.

5. Tap Google Translate from the list of available apps.

Once set up, system-wide translation actions prompted by Siri or text selection will open within Google Translate by default.

Conclusion

With iOS 18.4, Apple is finally giving users the freedom to choose how they interact with their devices by enabling more third-party app defaults. The ability to set Google Translate as the default translation app on iPhones offers more flexibility and utility especially for users already embedded in Google’s ecosystem. Make sure your device is updated to the latest iOS version and grab the latest update of Google Translate from the App Store to take advantage of this new feature.