Apple’s iOS offers many features to users worldwide. However, due to local regulations and rollout costs, some features are only available in the United States. These special iOS features provide American iPhone owners with extra tools and services that are not offered elsewhere. While Apple aims to provide a consistent iOS experience globally, certain features are exclusive to the United States due to regulatory limitations, partnerships, or infrastructure requirements. These features mainly focus on financial services, identification, and environmental initiatives.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of these unique iOS features, explaining their functions and benefits for users in the United States. Understanding these exclusive features sheds light on how iOS is evolving and being adapted for specific regions. The US-only features cover a variety of areas, including financial assistance, shopping, and simplifying daily tasks. Some are linked to specific Apple products or services. New features are regularly added to iOS, with some initially launching in the US before becoming available globally. Other features remain exclusive to the US due to legal or technical reasons. Knowing what is available can help users make the most of their devices.
iOS Features Exclusive to the United States
Financial Services
Apple has integrated various financial tools into iOS, but several key features are exclusive to the U.S. market:
- Apple Card: A credit card designed to be used with Apple Pay, offering cashback rewards and no fees.
- Apple Card Savings: A high-yield savings account linked to Apple Card, allowing users to earn interest on their Daily Cash.
- Apple Cash: A peer-to-peer payment service similar to Venmo, integrated within Messages and Wallet.
- Apple Pay Later: A “buy now, pay later” service, letting users split purchases into four interest-free payments.
Identification and Security
iOS offers features to digitize identification and enhance security, some of which are restricted to the U.S.:
- Wallet IDs: The ability to add driver’s licenses or state IDs to Apple Wallet, gradually rolling out across states.
- Roadside Assistance via Satellite: A feature exclusive to iPhone 14 and 15 models, enabling contact with roadside assistance even without cellular coverage.
Environmental Initiatives
Apple has introduced features aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, but one remains U.S.-specific:
- Clean Energy Charging: An option to optimize charging times based on when the power grid is using cleaner energy sources.
Table of U.S.-Exclusive iOS Features
| Feature | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Card | Financial | Credit card with cashback rewards and no fees. |
| Apple Card Savings | Financial | High-yield savings account linked to Apple Card. |
| Apple Cash | Financial | Peer-to-peer payment service integrated with Messages and Wallet. |
| Apple Pay Later | Financial | “Buy now, pay later” service with interest-free installments. |
| Wallet IDs | Identification | Digital driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet. |
| Roadside Assistance via Satellite | Security | Emergency assistance feature for iPhone 14 and 15. |
| Clean Energy Charging | Environmental | Optimized charging to reduce carbon footprint. |
Key Takeaways
- Some iOS features are only available to users in the United States
- US-only features include financial services and specific product functions
- Apple may expand some features globally over time while others remain US-exclusive
Exclusive iOS Features in the United States
Apple offers several iOS features that are only available in the United States. These include special payment services, digital IDs, and health-related tools.
Apple Services Unique to the U.S.
Apple Card is a credit card that works with Apple Pay and the Wallet app. It gives users Daily Cash on purchases. Apple Card Savings is a high-yield savings account linked to the Apple Card. Users can easily save their Daily Cash rewards.
Apple Cash lets people send and receive money through iMessage. It’s similar to Venmo. Apple Pay Later splits purchases into four payments over six weeks with no interest or fees.
These services are only for U.S. customers right now. They need a U.S. bank account and Social Security number to set up.
State-Specific and Regional Features
Some iOS features work only in certain U.S. states. Digital IDs in the Wallet app let users add their driver’s license or state ID. This works as proof of identity at some places. Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, and Georgia are some states that allow this.
Roadside Assistance via Satellite helps drivers get help in areas with no cell service. It uses satellite connections to contact emergency services. This feature is expanding across the U.S.
Health, Environment, and Accessibility
Clean Energy Charging aims to reduce the carbon footprint of iPhone users. It changes charging times based on when the power grid uses cleaner energy sources. This feature is only in the U.S. for now.
Some health features let U.S. users share data with their doctors securely through the Health app. This helps track health info between visits.
For accessibility, iOS supports more hearing aids in the U.S. than other countries. Voice Control also has more functions for U.S. English speakers.
Device-Specific iOS Features
Apple offers unique features for different iPhone and iPad models. These special abilities take advantage of newer hardware and make each device stand out.
iPhone and iPad Exclusive Features
The latest iPhones have some cool tricks. iPhone 14 and 15 can send emergency texts via satellite when there’s no cell service. This helps people get help in remote areas.
Newer iPads with LiDAR scanners can measure a person’s height just by pointing the camera at them. This uses special sensors to figure out distances.
The newest iPhones also have “Always-On” displays. These show basic info like time and notifications even when the phone is locked.
Some camera features only work on newer models too. Cinematic mode for video is only on iPhone 13 and up. It keeps the main subject in focus while blurring the background.
Software and App Enhancements
iOS 17 brought some neat updates that work best on newer devices. The Health app can now track your mood and emotions, but it needs an iPhone XS or later to work well.
Live Text is a handy feature that lets you copy text from photos. It works on iPhone XS and newer models. You can grab phone numbers, addresses, or other info right from images.
Visual Look Up is another cool tool. It can identify plants, animals, and landmarks in your photos. But you need an iPhone with an A12 Bionic chip or newer to use it.
Siri got smarter too. On newer iPhones, it can work offline for some tasks like setting timers or alarms. This makes it faster and more private.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple offers some iOS features only in the United States. These US-only features span different iPhone models and iOS versions. Let’s look at what’s available just for US users.
What are some of the iOS features exclusive to iPhone users in the United States?
The Apple Card is only for US iPhone users. It’s a credit card that works with the Wallet app. Apple Card Savings is another US-only feature. It lets users save money in a high-yield account. Clean Energy Charging is also just for the US. It aims to reduce carbon footprint by charging when cleaner energy is available.
Which iPhone 13 features can only be accessed within the USA?
The iPhone 13 doesn’t have many US-only features. Most of its functions work worldwide. But US users can access the Apple Card and Apple Cash. These money features link to the iPhone 13’s Wallet app. They make payments and money transfers easy for US customers.
Are there any iOS 18 functionalities that are limited to the US market?
iOS 18 isn’t out yet. It’s set to launch in fall 2024. Apple hasn’t announced any US-only features for iOS 18. But based on past trends some new features might start in the US first. We’ll know more when Apple reveals iOS 18 details.
What specific features of iPhone 11 are not available outside the United States?
The iPhone 11 itself works the same in all countries. But some iOS features on it are US-only. These include Apple Cash for sending money to friends. The Apple Card credit card is also just for US iPhone 11 users. Some emergency services like Emergency SOS via satellite started in the US before expanding.
Can you list new services or applications introduced in iOS 17 that are US-exclusive?
iOS 17 brought some features that began as US-only. Journal is a new app for personal reflection. It started in the US but is expanding. Check In lets you alert contacts when you reach a destination. It uses US emergency services so it’s limited to the States for now.
What enhancements in iOS 16 are uniquely available to users in the USA?
iOS 16 introduced a few US-first features. Apple Pay Later lets users split purchases into four payments. It’s only in the US right now. The Medications feature in the Health app has more detailed info for US users. It includes data on drug interactions that isn’t available elsewhere yet.
