Google Translate is now set as the default translation app on iPhones and iPads.
iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 users worldwide can now change their default translation app from Apple’s built-in option to Google Translate. Here’s how to make the switch.
Apple first introduced the option to change default email and browser apps with iOS 14 in 2020, and continued to expand these options, culminating in the addition of Messages and more in iOS 18.2.
With iOS 18.4, released in March 2025, Apple further enhanced these options by allowing users to select their default translation app. According to the App Store’s release notes, Google Translate users can now benefit from this feature.
Details on what modifications Google made to enable this feature remain unclear. However, Apple has stated that developers must explicitly support this functionality. Currently, Google Translate is the only third-party app to have incorporated this support, making it alongside Apple Translate the sole options available.
How to Set Google Translate as Your Default Translation App on iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and select Apps.
- Tap on Default Apps.
- Select Translation.
- Choose Google Translate to set it as default.
Apple is facing mounting pressure, particularly from the European Union, to allow users to customize their default apps. This new update to iOS and iPadOS is now effective globally.