Apple launched new features in the iOS 17 operating system gradually with each new update to the system. In October, it launched the iOS 17.1 update, which included many new features.
New features for iPhone
Apple is preparing to launch many features, most notably: the ability to transfer files via the AirDrop service, and some new options to control the StandBy feature in iPhone versions 14 and 15. In December, the company launched the iOS 17.2 update, which added new features to iPhones.
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Apple is preparing to welcome the year 2024 with more new features to iPhones through the upcoming iOS 17 operating system updates, some of which are expected to arrive via iOS 18, and we will mention the most prominent of them as follows:
1- Stolen iPhone protection feature:
Two weeks ago, Apple launched the first beta version of the iOS 17.3 update, which adds some new features to iPhones, including:
Stolen Device Protection, which is a feature that provides an additional layer of protection in the event that an iPhone is stolen and the thief obtains the phone’s passcode.
If the thief obtains the passcode, he can change it and change the password for the Apple ID of the owner of the stolen iPhone. He will also be able to turn off Find My, which helps in finding the stolen iPhone, and so on to gain full control over the device. The thief can also use the passcode to access passwords stored in iCloud Keychain and other sensitive information.
However, when the Stolen iPhone Protection feature is enabled, Face ID or Touch ID authentication will be required for the following procedures, with no option to enter a passcode:
2- Using AirPlay service with TVs in hotel rooms:
Apple indicated on its official website that it will launch the AirPlay feature for TVs in hotel rooms during the year 2024. This feature will allow iPhone users to scan the QR code shown on the TV in the hotel room to activate the AirPlay service. Allowing them to wirelessly stream videos, audio clips and photos from their iPhone to the TV.
3- The ability to download applications from outside the App Store:
Apple intends to provide the ability to download applications from outside its official App Store, in line with new laws established by the European Union.
iPhone users inside the European Union can download applications from outside the official Apple Store (App Store) during the first half of next 2024, through the Sideloading feature, which will arrive on iPhones in the upcoming iOS 17 system updates in 2024.
4- Providing communication via satellite:
Users of all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models can use the satellite emergency call feature if they are in an emergency and do not have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Apple has launched this feature in the United States of America, and it is likely to reach some other countries during 2024.
5- Support RCS messages:
Apple announced in November that it would support the RCS messaging protocol in the Messages app on iPhones next year, likely in late 2024 within iOS 18.
Supporting the RCS protocol will improve the messaging experience between iPhone and Android phones; RCS messages are an alternative to traditional SMS and MMS messages, and work over Wi-Fi or cellular data networks. They allow sending long text messages, high-quality images and video clips, voice messages, and large files. They also support emojis, with improved encryption compared to SMS. And other advantages.
