For some, this is a step forward from what is possible in the EU, where developers can now use alternative browser engines in browsers and apps with browsing experiences inside.
RCS for Messages
Another big change is the adoption of Rich Communication Service (RCS) messaging support. Google hinted (and subsequently deleted) a claim that such support was coming this fall, which strongly suggest Apple intends to make it available in this year’s major operating system updates. This is not a total shock — Apple said it was working on this last year.
What this means is that it will be possible for Android and iPhone to exchange higher resolution media. It’s a modern messaging standard that will eventually replace SMS/MMS messaging, lack of support for which has drawn regulatory angst.
Navigation apps
It’s not ready yet, but by March 2025 Apple intends to introduce a new default control for users for navigation apps. Presumably this will let you choose which navigation app your device uses as a default – you might ask Siri how to get to your next appointment but receive instructions from Google Maps, for example.
Marketplace setting
A new Setting on iPhones will appear that lets users enable and disable third-party apps on their device. The idea here is that users can very easily stop using apps they don’t like or don’t trust sourced from outside the App Store.
User data sharing
On the very slim chance you’re prepared to share your personal data with developers (which I don’t recommend), Apple will by the end of the year introduce a new solution that lets users authorize developers to access such information. The idea is that users will get asked if they are willing to share this information and to what extent, while developers will be able to access that information subject to that approval.
