Why Apple will let you set only third-party browser or mail apps as default

Federighi confirmed that the company did take into consideration what all services users would configure the most and the company’s Mail app and browser app turned out to be the most popular ones in that list.

Craig Federighi (Apple)

There was a wave of appreciation everywhere on the internet and social media as soon as Apple confirmed that one can set third party browser and email apps as a default. While this makes iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 a bit more convenient, some users started asking why Apple didn't let them set third party apps as a default for maps, music, messaging, calendar or any other service. This was picked up by YouTuber Marques Brownless or MKBHD and was asked to Apple's senior vice president, Craig Federighi after the WWDC 2020 presentation was over.

Federighi confirmed that the company did take into consideration what all services users would configure the most and the company's Mail app and browser app turned out to be the most popular ones in that list. He didn't confirm if in future users could place more third-party apps as default but he did say that using a third-party app as a default for maps service is something he will consider.

He added that Apple proceeds cautiously when it comes to placing third party apps as default. This is because any app, which for instance, is not a browser app can still ask as one using webkit view. This indirectly will be cheating users and will also go against Apple's own policies.

Other than this, Federighi, also explained by iPadOS 14 doesn't have a native Calculator or Weather app yet. Federighi said that there are certain things that Apple has not yet done because whenever it happens, it should be distinctive and ‘great in that space'. “I mean it's obviously easy to create a calculator app,” said Federighi, but creating one that feels like ‘Wow, this is the greatest iPad calculator app' is what the firm will aim to achieve whenever it does so. “That day may come,” he added.