Why does iOS 18 defaults third-party music searches to Apple Music?

Key Takeaways:

• iOS 18 defaults third-party music searches to Apple Music, even if disabled.
• Users are frustrated, but there’s no official word on why this is happening.
• It’s either a deliberate move or another glitch in the system.
• A fix may come soon, but for now, keep checking for updates.

Is Apple Music Taking Over Third-Party Music Searches on iOS 18?

With iOS 18, Apple introduced several new features—some great, some not-so-welcome. The ability to lock and hide apps, a revamped Control Center, and even the long-overdue delete button in the Calculator app are exciting. You can now theme your Home screen, change Lock Screen controls, and enjoy a reworked Photos app (even though many didn’t ask for it). There’s also a new Passwords app. But like every update, not everything is smooth sailing.

What’s the Controversy?

One of the most talked-about changes is how network settings now prioritize AirDrop over Bluetooth and cellular data. Plus, the WiFi toggle no longer gets its own prominent spot in the Control Center. You can add it back, but it’s a bit of a workaround.

But here’s what’s really stirring the pot:
Third-party music apps are defaulting to Apple Music searches.

When you search for a song using your preferred music app on an iPhone running iOS 18, Apple Music results still pop up. The frustrating part? Even if you’ve turned off Apple Music in your settings, it still muscles its way in.

Why Is This Happening?

While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the reason, there are two likely possibilities:

• It’s intentional. Apple might be pushing users toward its own app and services, hinting at their subscription model. They’ve done it before, and other tech giants like Google and Meta have pulled similar moves.
• It’s a bug. Similar glitches have surfaced in past updates (remember iOS 14?). This could be just another software hiccup.

Either way, it’s annoying. And it’s raising eyebrows about Apple’s tactics. Is this a subtle nudge to get more people onto Apple Music? Or just an overlooked bug?

What Can You Do Now?

• Unfortunately, there’s no fix at the moment.
• Keep an eye out for updates—Apple will likely address this soon.
• Check forums or Apple Support for possible workarounds.

While we wait for an official solution, remember that these hiccups often pop up in major software updates. Hopefully, Apple rolls out a fix soon. Meanwhile, stay informed, and check back for updates as we hear more.