Apple's iOS devices for the spread out 2013 release dates could get additional cool features that highlight the likely introduction of a virtual Home button and a quick access function that partly bypasses security codes.

These powerful specs could be part of the future device menus that the iPhone and iPad maker is serving in the near future, likely making it to the 2013 releases of the iPhone 5S, the budget iPhone, the iPad 5 and the iPad Mini 2, PatentlyApple said in a report.

The rumoured iPhone 6 is also a beneficiary of the new technology though the bigger Apple smartphone is not expected to debut until the initial months of 2014.

Per the patent specifications, Apple plans the inclusion of quick access features on all its devices, which would allow "users to access a specific set of applications without having to enter an unlock security code."

A new virtual Home button, complementing that of the iconic Home capacitive button, is also likely in the works, serving as the extension of the user interface for the upcoming iPhone and iPad versions.

The same user interface will showcase "an animated feature that will roll the Unlock slider feature out of the way so as to reveal one or more rows of quick access apps," PatentlyApple said.

The shortcuts, however, will work in tandem with specific security walls that will be implemented on iOS devices, thereby fusing ease of use with significant focus on privacy.

Specifically, "users may also generally want to restrict access to their computing devices by other users as a matter of personal preference," the patent application said.

Real-world application of the new Apple invention, which was filed Q3 2011, is the lock-screen access of camera, media player, calculator, voice recorder and other apps - the lineup to be configured by iPhone and iPad users.

The security element comes into play as a given application will function with limitations "while a remaining portion of the application is blocked from access until a security code is entered."

For instance, the iPhone 5S can be programmed to take pictures or capture video clips in screen lock mode. However, the same state blocks the viewing or editing of old and new files.

To access the full camera feature, users will have to key in the security code that will dismiss the security wall.

The new Apple patent was published first week of April by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. However, the actual implementation of the fresh technology remains a question mark.