Apple’s recent release of iOS 26 brings a significant upgrade in user flexibility by allowing you to take control over default app settings. This means you can now choose which applications you want to open specific files or documents, enhancing your device’s usability for daily tasks.
What Default Apps Can Be Altered in iOS 26?
The latest iteration of iOS enables you to modify several default applications. For example, you can now switch from Safari to alternatives such as Chrome, Edge, Brave, or Firefox for web browsing, as well as replace the default Mail app with trusted services like Gmail or Outlook.
In addition to web browsers and email clients, iOS 26 allows customization for apps linked to messaging, calling, call filtering, keyboard functions, translation, and password management. Notably, the Passwords & Codes settings can be adjusted not only for password managers but also for web browsers, although setting up verification codes still necessitates the use of a password manager.
Important Note: Users should remain aware that password managers can still be susceptible to security breaches.
Changing Your Default Browser or Email App in iOS
If you prefer using a different browser or email application instead of the built-in Safari, iOS 26 facilitates this. Start by navigating to the Settings menu and then select Apps.
Within this menu, tap on Default Apps, typically found near the top. Here, you will encounter categories such as Email, Messaging, Calling, and Browser App, each providing the option to set your preferred applications for those functionalities.
To change your default email app, select Email to view the compatible applications installed on your device.
Choose your desired app, and it will be set as the default automatically, indicated by a blue checkmark.
Adjusting the Default App for Opening Files and Documents
With iOS 26, users can now change the default application for specific file types, such as PDFs or.txt files, utilizing the recently introduced Preview app.
To begin, open the Preview app from your app library or by searching for it. It will display recently accessed documents, including those saved in the Files app. Locate the desired file (for instance, a PDF), then long-press on it to access additional options.
From the pop-up menu, tap Get Info to view details regarding the file, including its type, size, and creation date.
Next, scroll down to the Information section and tap on the slider labeled Always Open With. The default app listed will typically be Preview. Click on it to reveal a list of compatible applications, then select your preferred app.
A confirmation pop-up will appear, allowing you to choose whether to Always open PDF document files, Only open this file, or Cancel. If you want all files of that particular type (e.g., every PDF) to open in the new app, select Always open PDF document files. This confirmation will replace the default and display your new choice next to Always Open With.
Alternatively, if you prefer to change the default solely for one specific file, select Only open this file.
Restoring Default Apps to Apple’s Original Settings
Should you wish to reset any of your changes and revert to Apple’s default apps, the process mirrors that of changing them. For instance, to restore Safari as your browser, navigate to Settings, scroll to Apps -> Default Apps.
Choose Browser App, then select Safari. Ensure the blue checkmark appears next to it, confirming the restoration.
If you’ve altered your default app for opening files and need to switch back to the Preview app, access Preview, locate the relevant file, and long-press it again. Select Get Info -> Always Open With, choose Preview from the options provided, and confirm whether this choice applies to Always open this file type or Only this file.
Completing this will set Preview as your default file-opening app once more.
With iOS 26, Apple has empowered users by providing more control over their devices. Although not all elements of iOS 26 might appeal to every user—such as its distinctive Liquid Glass design—there are ways to customize the experience to better suit individual preferences.
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