Apple has pre-announced several new iOS features and changes that are coming later this year.
Below, we outline six of these upcoming additions, which should be added in software updates such as iOS 18.3, iOS 18.4, and iOS 19.
Apple Intelligence for Siri
Siri is expected to get several enhancements powered by Apple Intelligence on iOS 18.4, which should be released in April. These upgrades will include on-screen awareness, deeper per-app controls, understanding of personal context, and more.
Apple Intelligence requires an iPhone 15 Pro model or any iPhone 16 model.
Default Map and Translation Apps in EU
In an October 2024 document related to the EU's Digital Markets Act, Apple revealed that it will allow iPhone and iPad users in the EU to set default navigation and translation apps starting in "spring 2025." That timeframe suggests these options will be added in iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, which are expected to be released in April.
For example, users should be able to choose Google Maps, Waze, or other options as their default navigation app, instead of Apple Maps. Likewise, they should be able to choose Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, or other options as their default translation app, instead of Apple's Translate app. These options will be added to the new "Default Apps" section in the Settings app on iPhones that was implemented in iOS 18.2.
PayPal Balance in Apple Wallet
Apple previously announced that iPhone users in the U.S. would be able to see their PayPal balance when using their PayPal debit card in the Wallet app. Apple said this feature would launch in 2025, so it should be added in an iOS 18 or iOS 19 update.
Robot Vacuum Support in Home App
Apple's website continues to state that robot vacuum support will be added to the Home app in an unspecified iOS 18 update. When available, this feature will allow you to control key functions of your robot vacuum in the Home app, and with Siri voice commands.
Here is how Apple describes the feature:
The Home app now supports the core functionality of robot vacuum cleaners, such as power control, cleaning mode, vacuum, mop, and charge status. They can also participate in automations and scenes, and respond to Siri requests. So you can add them to your cleaning routines — or tell Siri to do some spot cleaning in the living room.
There are references to the feature in iOS 18.3 code, but the functionality is not yet live as of the second beta. iOS 18.3 will likely be released in late January.
Apple Wallet ID in Illinois
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.
Illinois recently announced that it aims to add support for Apple Wallet IDs by the end of 2025.
Labeled Notification Summaries
Apple last week told the BBC News that it plans to release an iOS update in the "coming weeks" that will make it more clear when a notification has been summarized by Apple Intelligence. Apple did not provide a specific iOS version for this change.
This comes after Apple Intelligence inaccurately summarized some news stories.
