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iPhone users can change texting and calling apps for first time ever – it’s perfect for WhatsApp fans
Millions of devices will get it – but some won't
IPHONE owners will soon be able to change the default apps for making calls and sending texts.
Apple is preparing to change a rule that will affect millions of around the world – including in the UK and US.
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When you buy a new iPhone, it sets your default calling and text apps to Apple's own Phone and Messages.
And there's no way to change that – even if you prefer using other apps like WhatsApp.
But in the upcoming iOS 18.2 update, that rule is going to be totally abandoned.
Apple explains: "All users worldwide will be able to manage their default apps via a Default Apps section at the top of the Apps area.
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"New calling and messaging defaults are also now available for all users worldwide."
Currently when you tap on a phone number, it'll give you the option to send a Messages text or make a Phone app call.
But with the new system, you could change it so that tapping a phone number launches WhatsApp instead.
It doesn't have to be WhatsApp either: it can be any other app that supports calls or texts.
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The feature will live inside a new Settings section called Default Apps.
It won't appear right now, but it will show up once you're able to install iOS 18.2.
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Once you go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps, you'll be able to change any of seven categories:
- Browser App
- Calling
- Call Filtering
- Keyboards
- Messaging
- Passwords & Codes
The bad news is that iOS 18.2 isn't out yet, and won't be for a little while.
We're expecting it to release to the general public in December.
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Certain devices (iPhone 15 Pro or later) can test it out in the develop beta right now – and eventually with the public beta in a few weeks.
You can follow our guide to join the iPhone iOS beta here.
The only other catch is that some older devices won't be able to upgrade to iOS 18.
If you're still clinging on to an iPhone 6, for instance, then you won't be able to install iOS 18 and change your default calling app.
iOS 18 devices – can your iPhone get it?
Here are the devices that can get the new iOS 18 update
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
iOS 18.2 will also introduce some other great perks.
It'll add the ability for iPhone owners using UK English to access some of the new Apple Intelligence features.
This includes Writing Tools, which can write, rewrite, proofread, and summarise text in almost any app.
And the new Clean Up feature can remove unwanted objects or people from your photos.
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There's a new design for Siri that will see the edges of the screen glow when you're using the assistant.
Siri will also accept more natural language, including you changing your mind when speaking.
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And if you're in the US, you'll be able to access Genmoji to create custom emoji based on what you're speaking about.
It'll also add the Image Playground feature for Americans, letting them create almost any image from scratch using AI.
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