Apple has added a slew of new capabilities to iOS, the Cupertino-based tech giant's iPhone operating system. However, the emphasis on iOS is poised to increase, with some reports claiming that Apple may not make many hardware modifications to the iPhone 16, instead focusing on the software side of the flagship phone.

Apple launched iOS 17 in June during the company's WWDC event, and the operating system began rolling out to devices in September, shortly after the release of the iPhone 15 series. In 2024, the tech titan is likely to follow a similar trend, bringing a slew of new features with iOS 18.

Top 5 iOS features to be released in 2024: 

1) Easier text messaging across iOS and Android: Apple has agreed to embrace RCS or rich communication capabilities for the iMessage app beginning next year, which means the new feature might be included in the iOS 18 operating system.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple stated about RCS, "We believe RCS Universal Profile will offer a better interoperability experience when compared to SMS or MMS." This will function alongside iMessage, which will continue to provide Apple consumers with the greatest and most secure messaging experience."

RCS will introduce capabilities like as higher resolution images and videos, audio messages, read receipts, enhanced group conversations, improved encryption, typing indicators, and more to Apple's iMessage app's green bubbles (Android to iOS talks). Notably, these capabilities are already included in many third-party apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram, as well as the blue bubble interface (conversations within the Apple ecosystem).

2) AI-powered Siri: Bloomberg's Mark Gurnman reported earlier this year that Apple is adding AI-backed capabilities to its upcoming version of iOS. The new features, which are believed to be supported by the company's proprietary LLM, could improve how Siri and the Messages app respond to questions and could include features including as auto-complete sentences, reflecting recent changes to competitor services, and more.

3) Emergency SOS support: Earlier this month, Apple began giving Roadside Assistance via the Emergency SOS Satellite service to iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users. The life-saving feature is available to users in the United States until September 2025.

According to Macrumors, Apple may now begin delivering the service in nations other than the United States. The new function allows users to contact AAA roadside assistance even when they are outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, potentially saving them in a variety of uncomfortable situations.

4) Sideloading on iOS (Only for EU): Mark Gurnman of Bloomberg reported earlier this year that Apple plans to deliver "highly controlled" sideloading to iOS in the first half of next year. The latest move may be part of Apple's efforts to meet the standards imposed by the EU's Digital Markets Act, which compels 'gatekeepers' like Apple to make the necessary modifications by March 2024.

5) Stolen Device Protection: Earlier this month, Apple released the iOS 17.3 beta, which included the Stolen Device Protection feature. The new function is intended to protect customers if their phone is stolen and the thief knows their password.

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Stolen Device Protection is an optional feature enabled by going to Settings > Face ID and Passcode in iOS 17.3 Beta. The upgrade's stable version is planned to be handed out to all customers in January or February.