I've updated to iOS 26 on my iPhone 13. I want to change my default map app to Google Maps. Apple says this is possible by going to the Default Apps option in the Apps settings. (I am in the US, so shouldn't be a region issue).
But Navigation is NOT one of the default app settings in the list. What's going on here? Is this an iOS 26 glitch, or something Apple is allowing user to change anymore?
iPhone 13, iOS 26
Ebberts wrote:
navigation no longer available in default apps. I have used Google Maps on my IPhone 11 as a default navigation for years; just upgraded to IPhone 17 Pro tried to find "navigation " default, it doesn't exist. Hopefully Apple is reading this, bring it back! You have the programming, no excuse for this lack of customer service and convenience! Do it now, not later!
i know this forum is difficult to navigate with the crazy default sort order but did you not see that it was introduced from ios18.4 for EU only due to monopoly legislation. Are you in EU?
Ebberts wrote:
navigation no longer available in default apps. I have used Google Maps on my IPhone 11 as a default navigation for years; just upgraded to IPhone 17 Pro tried to find "navigation " default, it doesn't exist. Hopefully Apple is reading this, bring it back! You have the programming, no excuse for this lack of customer service and convenience! Do it now, not later!
i know this forum is difficult to navigate with the crazy default sort order but did you not see that it was introduced from ios18.4 for EU only due to monopoly legislation. Are you in EU?
navigation no longer available in default apps. I have used Google Maps on my IPhone 11 as a default navigation for years; just upgraded to IPhone 17 Pro tried to find "navigation " default, it doesn't exist. Hopefully Apple is reading this, bring it back! You have the programming, no excuse for this lack of customer service and convenience! Do it now, not later!
Ebberts wrote:
navigation no longer available in default apps. I have used Google Maps on my IPhone 11 as a default navigation for years; just upgraded to IPhone 17 Pro tried to find "navigation " default, it doesn't exist. Hopefully Apple is reading this, bring it back! You have the programming, no excuse for this lack of customer service and convenience! Do it now, not later!
Apple is not reading this here. This is a user to user only forum, which Apple doesn't participate, nor read for suer feedback.
Use this link is you want to share your thoughts with Apple --> Feedback - iPhone - Apple
I do not see Google as a choice for default maps app either. I don't believe that it is an option.
TheFamousWilson wrote:
I live in the UK and also have the same issue with navigation not appearing as a default app that can be changed. When you say it only applies to the EU do you know if this includes the UK?
I am also in UK and we are not blessed with this app setting, meant solely for the sufferers of the Brussels misplaced anti-techco freedom nonsense. We are thus far happy with the simple choice Apple Maps or Google Maps. Who really cares if there is no default setting when we have a simple choice.
I am in the EU and used to have this option in iOS 18. Now in 26 it’s no longer available.
I understand it was introduced from ios18.4 for EU only due to monopoly legislation
I live in the UK and also have the same issue with navigation not appearing as a default app that can be changed. When you say it only applies to the EU do you know if this includes the UK?
Change your default apps for features on iPhone and iPad – Apple Support (UK)
Tapping on the link shows countries in EU.
Navigation not showing up in Default Apps menu
