Apple previously announced three new iOS features that it said were coming to the iPhone later this year, as detailed below.
New features include the ability to install iPhone apps on the EU web, RCS support in the Messages app, and next-generation CarPlay.
Web distribution
Apple recently announced that eligible developers will soon be able to distribute their iOS apps to users in the EU directly from the website they own. Apple said this new “Web Distribution” feature will be available starting “later this spring” with an upcoming iPhone software update, which likely refers to iOS 17.5.
“Web distribution” will be limited to major EU-based developers. To qualify for this distribution method, Apple says a developer must be a member of the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more and have an app that had more than one million annual installs on iOS in the EU in the previous calendar year.
“Web distribution” is based on alternative app markets that Apple already allows on the iPhone in the EU starting with iOS 17.4. Apple has made these app-related changes to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
The first iOS 17.5 beta could be released as early as this week.
RCS support in the Messages application
In November, Apple announced that it would support the cross-platform messaging standard RCS in the Messages app on the iPhone starting “later” in 2024, so it will likely be an iOS 18 feature based on that time frame.
RCS support should result in the following improvements to the default messaging experience between iPhone and Android devices:
- Higher resolution photos and videos
- Audio messages
- Typing indicators
- Read the receipts
- Wi-Fi messaging between iPhone and Android devices
- Improved group chats, including the ability for iPhone users to leave a conversation involving Android users
These modern features are already available for iPhone-to-iPhone blue bubble chats, via iMessage, and many features are also available in third-party messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Telegram. RCS support on iPhone will extend the features to the green bubbles in the Messages app.
Next generation CarPlay
Apple’s website says the first vehicle models with support for next-generation CarPlay will arrive in “2024,” but has yet to give a more precise timeframe.
The next generation of CarPlay will have deeper integration with the vehicle’s dashboard, climate controls, FM radio and more. It will also support multiple dashboard screens and offer various personalization options.
For more details: Here’s everything we know about Apple’s next-generation CarPlay