Apple’s upcoming iOS 18.2 update is set to introduce a significant shift in how iPhone users can manage their communication apps. Slated for release in early December, this update will, for the first time, allow users to set third-party apps as their default for calling and messaging—options previously limited to Apple’s own apps like Phone or FaceTime.
Currently, if iPhone users want to use other apps for communication, they must manually select these apps each time they make a call or send a message. This can be cumbersome, especially for those who regularly use platforms like WhatsApp or Signal, which offer end-to-end encrypted communication. The new update will streamline this process, enabling users to set a default communication app just once, transforming the calling and messaging workflow on iPhones.
Read more about Apple’s new update on Forbes.
This change isn’t just about convenience; it’s also a significant step for user privacy and security. By allowing users to set encrypted services as their default for voice calls, Apple is addressing the growing concerns around secure communication. The update comes in response not only to consumer demand but also to regulatory pressures in regions like Europe, where the Digital Markets Act has been pushing for increased competition and privacy standards.
Moreover, the option to default to platforms like WhatsApp means users can make encrypted calls even to those not saved in their contacts—a crucial feature for personal and business communications alike. While FaceTime Audio offers similar encryption, its limitation to contacts within Apple’s ecosystem has been a restrictive factor for broader adoption.
The US government’s cybersecurity agency, CISA, has underscored the importance of secure communication platforms. According to CISA, using end-to-end encryption for calls and messages is vital to safeguard against interception by malicious actors. This endorsement highlights the critical nature of the update’s focus on security.
Despite the focus on browsers, password managers, and app stores in previous updates, the option to change the calling app has been somewhat overlooked until now. Yet, it represents perhaps the most impactful aspect of iOS 18.2 in terms of user security and privacy. It reflects a broader trend where companies like Zoom and Microsoft Teams are also enhancing their communication platforms with end-to-end encryption, recognizing the increasing demand for privacy in digital communication.
As Apple rolls out this update, it will be interesting to see how it influences the broader communication landscape and whether it will prompt other smartphone manufacturers to offer similar functionalities. This could lead to a significant shift in how consumers prioritize security in their choice of communication tools, possibly steering the market towards more secure and user-centric solutions.