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The year 2024 is just around the corner and Apple has already announced exciting plans for the upcoming iOS versions, namely iOS 17 and iOS 18. In this in-depth article, we take a detailed look at some of the most exciting new features that iOS users can expect in the coming year.
From improved anti-theft protection to revolutionary changes in music playback, here's everything you need to know about upcoming iOS features. Let's get started.
protection against stolen devices
A problem affecting iPhone users worldwide is the theft of their devices. Criminals often have clever ways to obtain victims' passcodes and unlock stolen iPhones. The Wall Street Journal reported on how thieves are spying on iPhone users' passcodes before stealing the devices, especially in public places like bars. Apple has responded by introducing a promising solution called "Stolen Device Protection" with iOS 17. This feature adds an additional layer of security to protect stolen iPhones. When enabled, it requires authentication via Face ID or Touch ID for certain critical actions.
The feature is already available in the current beta
What's particularly interesting is that a one-hour security delay is added for sensitive actions, such as changing the Apple ID password. This means the thief cannot access sensitive data immediately. However, the delay doesn't occur when the iPhone is in familiar locations like home or work. The Anti-Theft feature is an opt-in feature found in Settings under "Face ID & Passcode" and is available with iOS 17-compatible iPhones. iPhone users who update to the iOS 17.3 beta can test the feature in advance. Apple plans to release more information about this feature once iOS 17.3 is generally available.
Shared Apple Music playlists
Attention music lovers! With iOS 17.3, Apple will introduce a new feature that will allow multiple people to add, reorder, and remove songs in shared playlists for Apple Music. This feature enables a collaborative music experience and allows users to share their favorite songs with friends and family. This feature was originally supposed to be introduced with iOS 17.2, but was removed from the update at short notice. However, it will now return in iOS 17.3 and revolutionize the way we share music in 2024.
AirPlay on hotel room TVs
Another exciting new feature concerns travelers and hotel guests. Apple plans to introduce AirPlay functionality for hotel room TVs in 2024. This means that iPhone users will be able to wirelessly stream videos, photos and music from their devices to their hotel room's TV. The feature will allow guests to scan a QR code on the TV and establish an AirPlay connection. This is a welcome addition for those who want to enjoy their media content comfortably on a big screen.
App Sideloading in the EU
The European Union is pushing for more openness and competition in the app market and Apple is responding. An update to iOS 17, expected in the first half of 2024, will allow users in the EU to install apps outside of the Apple App Store. This could significantly change the app market in the EU and give users more choice. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported some time ago that Apple is preparing to enable app sideloading on the iPhone to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act. This would allow users to install apps outside of Apple's App Store but this change is expected to roll out only in European Union countries, at least for now. Gurman recently said he expects app sideloading to roll out in the EU with an update to iOS 17 in the first half of 2024.
next-generation CarPlay
Car lovers can look forward to 2024, as Apple will introduce the next generation of CarPlay. This system is expected to offer deeper integration with vehicles, support for multiple displays in the dashboard, its own FM radio app, widgets, and more. The interface can also be customized to suit the individual vehicle models and brand identities of the automakers. A number of automakers, including Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Porsche, and many more, will support next-generation CarPlay, and more manufacturers are expected to join in the future. Apple gave a first look at the next generation of CarPlay in June 2022, promising deeper integration with the instrument cluster and climate controls, support for multiple displays in the dashboard, its own FM radio app, widgets, and more. The interface can be customized to suit the individual vehicle model and brand identity of the automaker.
Satellite-based roadside assistance outside the USA
For iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users in the US, satellite-based roadside assistance is a welcome addition. This feature allows users to contact roadside assistance even when they are outside of cellular and WiFi networks. Starting in 2024, this feature is expected to expand to more countries, increasing safety and convenience for iPhone users worldwide.
RCS support
The Messages app on iPhone will receive a major improvement in iOS 18. Apple plans to support the RCS cross-platform messaging standard, which will improve communication between iPhone and Android users. This means that features like read receipts, typing progress indicators, and high-quality media sharing will also be available in conversations with Android users. In November, Apple announced it would support the RCS cross-platform messaging standard in the Messages app on iPhone starting "later next year," which will likely be a feature of iOS 18. These enhanced features are already available for iPhone-to-iPhone conversations with blue bubbles via iMessage, and many of the features are also available in third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. With RCS support on iPhone, the features will expand to green bubbles in the Messaging app.
iOS 18: Smarter Siri
Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, is expected to get smarter with iOS 18. With generative AI technology, Siri will be able to better answer questions and autocomplete sentences. This technology will not only improve communication with Siri but will also be used in other Apple apps, such as Apple Music and Pages. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects iOS 18 to feature generative AI technology that will "improve the way Siri and the Messages app can answer questions and autocomplete sentences." He said Apple is also exploring generative AI features for other apps on its platforms, including Apple Music, Pages, Keynote, and Xcode. The Information reports that Apple plans to build large language models into Siri to allow users to automate complex tasks, a feature that would mean deeper integration with the Shortcuts app.
Apple wants to follow suit
According to the report, this feature is expected to arrive with a software update for the iPhone next year, likely with iOS 18. Generative AI became popular last year when OpenAI released ChatGPT, a chatbot that can answer questions and other queries. Google and Microsoft released similar chatbots earlier this year, and more companies are moving into this space. Chatbots are trained with large language models so they can respond like humans.
2024 could be an exciting year for iOS users
In 2024, Apple will once again bring innovations into the hands of its users that will revolutionize the way we use our iPhones. Stay tuned as these new features will take our digital experience to a new level. Look forward to an exciting year full of innovations with your iOS device! Are you looking for new accessories? Then take a look in our Amazon Storefront - there you will find numerous products from leading providers, also for HomeKit and Co.! (Photo by Unsplash / Rohan)
