Google Translate Can Now Be Set as Default on iPhone With Latest iOS Update
Google Translate for iOS has received a major functionality upgrade, allowing iPhone and iPad users to set it as their default translation app. This change comes in the wake of Apple’s iOS 18.4 update, which expanded support for third-party apps to take over core system functions such as media playback, navigation, and translation. Until now, Apple’s native Translate app was the primary option for handling translation requests. With this update, Google Translate becomes a powerful and flexible alternative.
According to the latest information available on the iOS App Store, users running iOS 18.4 or iPadOS 18.4 can now configure Google Translate as their default translation app. To do this, users must update the app to version 9.8.011 or later. Once set, the app will handle translation tasks triggered through system features such as Siri or text selection, offering a more personalized and potentially more accurate translation experience based on Google’s extensive language database.
Google Translate’s capabilities go far beyond basic word-for-word translation. The app supports real-time translation between 249 languages, making it one of the most comprehensive tools available on mobile platforms. It accommodates multiple input methods, including typing, voice dictation, and even handwriting recognition. The app also includes offline functionality via downloadable language packs, ensuring continued usability even without an internet connection.
Additional features enhance Google Translate’s usefulness in everyday scenarios. Users can translate text in images using the camera, perform live transcription during conversations, and save frequently used phrases for quick access. These tools make the app particularly useful for travelers, multilingual households, and professionals needing fast and reliable translation. Now, with the ability to set it as the default translator on iOS devices, Google Translate becomes even more tightly integrated into the Apple ecosystem—offering users a seamless, cross-platform language solution.
