# A Retrospective on iOS 18: Notable Features You May Have Overlooked in 2024
As we near the conclusion of 2024, Apple is gearing up to unveil one final update for its iPhone operating system: **iOS 18.2**. Anticipated in December, this update will represent the last significant alteration to iOS this year. With a multitude of updates rolled out throughout 2024, it’s easy to overlook some of the exciting new functionalities. Let’s take a moment to look back and spotlight some of the key iPhone features launched in 2024 that you might have missed—or were unaware of.
## 1. **Stolen Device Safeguard**
A standout security enhancement introduced in early 2024 is **Stolen Device Safeguard**. This feature adds an additional layer of security to your iPhone, ensuring your data remains protected even if your device is taken. The crux of the feature is the necessity for a second **Face ID verification** before anyone can erase your data, sign out of iCloud, or alter your password.
This enhanced security measure makes it more difficult for thieves to reset and sell stolen iPhones, providing users with greater reassurance. If you haven’t turned on this feature yet, it’s definitely worth exploring. [Here’s how to utilize Stolen Device Safeguard](https://bgr.com/tech/i-installed-ios-17-3-and-this-is-the-first-thing-i-did/).
## 2. **Collaborative Playlists in Apple Music**
If you’re a fan of Apple Music, you may have appreciated the introduction of **Collaborative Playlists** earlier this year. This feature lets you invite friends to contribute to your playlists by adding, rearranging, or removing tracks. What adds to the fun is the option for collaborators to express their reactions to tracks with emojis, bringing a social aspect to the listening experience.
Whether you’re putting together a road trip soundtrack or a party playlist, this feature simplifies the process of sharing and enjoying music with others. [Here’s how to make the most of Apple Music Collaborative Playlists](https://bgr.com/tech/how-to-use-apple-music-collaborative-playlists/).
## 3. **Messaging Enhanced by Siri**
In **iOS 17.4**, Siri saw a substantial upgrade, enhancing its versatility and multilingual capabilities. One of the notable improvements is Siri’s capacity to read incoming messages in various languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, and more. This is particularly beneficial for bilingual users or those who often converse in different tongues.
As a native Portuguese speaker, I find this functionality extremely useful. Siri can now fluidly alternate between reading messages in English and Portuguese, allowing for easier communication without the need to constantly adjust language settings.
## 4. **Transcripts for Podcasts**
For podcast lovers, one of the most advantageous features rolled out in 2024 is the ability to read **transcripts** of episodes from Apple Podcasts. This functionality allows users to either follow along with the audio or quickly search for specific terms or phrases within a podcast. It’s ideal for those instances when you wish to revisit a particular segment of a podcast without having to skim through the entire episode.
This feature not only improves accessibility but also enriches the engagement with podcast content in innovative ways.
## 5. **Enhanced Battery Longevity**
Battery performance is always a hot-button issue for smartphones, and in 2024, Apple made notable advancements in this arena. Ahead of the iPhone 16 launch, Apple disclosed that the **iPhone 15** battery lasts longer than previously indicated. By May, the company confirmed that the iPhone 15 could withstand **at least 1,000 full charge cycles** while maintaining up to 80% of its overall battery capacity. This is a significant uplift compared to the 500-cycle lifespan of earlier models.
Moreover, iOS 18 introduced a new **Battery Settings** feature that displays your iPhone’s cycle count, manufacturing date, and initial usage date. This transparency empowers users to keep a closer eye on their battery health and aids in making informed choices about potential replacements.
## 6. **Notification Tracking**
In a time when Bluetooth trackers like AirTags are gaining popularity, Apple launched **Cross-Platform Tracking Detection** in iOS 18. This function notifies users if a Bluetooth tracker they do not own is accompanying them, irrespective of the operating system used by the tracker.
This cross-platform functionality boosts user safety by preventing unauthorized tracking and ensures users are aware of any devices that may be monitoring them unknowingly.
## 7. **Redesigned Home Screen**
One of the most visually impactful updates in iOS 18 is the **Home Screen redesign**. Apple has broadened customization options, enabling users to personalize their Home Screen more than ever before. App icons and widgets can now assume a **
