Apple has beforehand introduced three new iOS options that it stated are coming to the iPhone later this yr, as outlined under.
The brand new options embody the power to put in iPhone apps on the internet within the EU, RCS assist within the Messages app, and next-generation CarPlay.
Net Distribution
Apple lately introduced that eligible builders will quickly be capable to distribute their iOS apps to EU customers instantly from an internet site they personal. Apple stated this new “Net Distribution” function can be out there beginning “later this spring” with an upcoming software program replace for the iPhone, which presumably refers to iOS 17.5.
“Net Distribution” can be restricted to bigger builders primarily based within the EU. To qualify for this distribution technique, Apple says the developer should be a member of the Apple Developer Program for 2 steady years or extra, and have an app that had a couple of million annual installs on iOS within the EU within the prior calendar yr.
“Net Distribution” builds upon the various app marketplaces that Apple already permits on the iPhone within the EU beginning with iOS 17.4. Apple has made these app-related modifications to adjust to the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
The primary beta of iOS 17.5 could possibly be launched as early as this week.
RCS Assist in Messages App
In November, Apple introduced that it will assist the cross-platform messaging commonplace RCS within the Messages app on the iPhone beginning “later” in 2024, so it’ll probably be an iOS 18 function primarily based on that timeframe.
RCS assist ought to outcome within the following enhancements to the default messaging expertise between iPhones and Android units:
- Increased-resolution photographs and movies
- Audio messages
- Typing indicators
- Learn receipts
- Wi-Fi messaging between iPhones and Android units
- Improved group chats, together with the power for iPhone customers to go away a dialog that features Android customers
These trendy options are already out there for iPhone-to-iPhone conversations with blue bubbles, by way of iMessage, and most of the options are additionally out there in third-party messaging apps, resembling WhatsApp and Telegram. RCS assist on the iPhone will prolong the options to inexperienced bubbles within the Messages app.
Subsequent-Technology CarPlay
Apple’s web site says the primary automobile fashions with assist for next-generation CarPlay will arrive “in 2024,” however it has but to supply a extra particular timeframe.
Subsequent-generation CarPlay will function deeper integration with a automobile’s instrument cluster, local weather controls, FM radio, and extra. It should additionally assist a number of shows throughout the dashboard, and provide a wide range of personalization choices.
For extra particulars: This is Every little thing We Know About Apple’s Subsequent-Technology CarPlay