iPhone users can now choose ‘Google Translate’ as the default translation app

iPhone and iPad users can now set Google Translate as their default translation app. Here’s everything you need to know.

Apple has added a new option for iPhone and iPad users to choose their preferred translation app as the default on their devices. Starting with the release of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 on March 31, users in the US can now select third-party translation apps, including Google Translate, to handle language translation tasks instead of relying solely on Apple’s built-in Translate app.

Apple now lets iPhone and iPad users set Google Translate as the default translation app. (HT)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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Previously, Apple’s Translate app was the only option available for translating text or speech on iPhones and iPads. This meant that any translation request initiated through Siri or system features such as text selection popups was routed exclusively to Apple’s app. The new update changes this by allowing users to set Google Translate or other compatible apps as the default translator on their devices.

How to Set Google Translate as Default on iPhone and iPad

To set Google Translate as the default:

Open the Settings app, navigate to Apps > Default Apps > Translation, and select Google Translate.

From there, Google Translate can be chosen as the preferred app for all translation requests initiated through the system. This means that translation commands from Siri, text selection popups, and other built-in features will now be directed to Google Translate if selected.

This update builds on Apple’s expanding list of default app categories that users can customise. Earlier, iOS 18.4 introduced the ability to select default apps for navigation and media playback. These additions complement existing options to set default apps for email and web browsing. The overall trend reflects Apple’s shift toward giving users more control over the apps that perform core functions on their devices.

Regulatory Push Leads to Global Change

By expanding the range of default app settings, Apple aims to comply with new legal requirements and reduce the risk of further regulatory challenges. This approach signals a significant change in Apple’s policy, which has traditionally limited the ability of third-party apps to replace system defaults. Users now have more freedom to select translation apps that suit their preferences on iPhone and iPad devices running iOS 18.4 or later.

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