All of the iOS 12 features are detailed below in a handy top 20 list that’s sure to grow: Memoji, Grouped Notification, Screen Time and, importantly, better performance for older iPhones are here today, and Group FaceTime, live bokeh photo adjustments and new eSIM support are coming to iOS 12.1 soon.
You don’t need the pricey iPhone XS or XS Max that just launched to get iOS 12. In fact, the software update make your old iPhone and iPad feel like new.
Good news: we can already tell you that Grouped Notifications makes the UI easier to navigate, and Siri Shortcuts are bound to save you time. Bad news: Group FaceTime was delayed to iOS 12.1, which may launch in October along with the iPhone XR release date of October 26. In between, we’re getting macOS 10.4 Mojave with some iOS 12 crossover (redesigned Voice Memos and Apple Home apps on your computer).
Apple is making its mobile operating system reliable and competitive with Google’s Android Pie and the Google Pixel 3 that’s coming October 9. That much is obvious. Here’s everything you need to know about iOS 12, whether you’re loading it onto your older iPhone or getting it out of the box with iPhone XS Max.
Here’s what is in the iOS 12.1 update
Group FaceTime for up to 32 users is part of the iOS 12.1 beta
Adjust photo background blur (bokeh) in real time (not just afterward)
eSIM support menus are live in the beta – but carrier support is needed
References ‘iPadfall2018’ – a big iPad Pro 2018 hint
There are four important changes that come with iOS 12.1, which is now out in beta form for both developers and the general public.
First, Group FaceTime for up to 32 users is here. To test it out, however, you’re going to have to pair up with people who have iOS 12.1 beta, so its use cases are limited right now.
Second, Apple expanded upon the bokeh (blur) adjustments you can on an iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max in portrait mode. Before you could adjust the blur in post, after a picture was taken. Now, with iOS 12.1, you can adjust the blur in real-time, as you’re snapping the shot. This helps you better frame portrait photos.
Third, eSIM iPhone support is live with the proper setup menus. But there’s a catch for setting up the simulated dual-SIM. You’ll have to wait for your carrier to start supporting the feature. That may come about on the official iOS 12.1 release date.
Third, and even more interesting, the iOS 12.1 code references ‘iPad2018fall’. We’re likely to see the iPad Pro 2018 launch in October. New iPad Pro rumors point to a bezel-reduced iPad, one with a TrueDepth camera for Face ID and Memoji. There are plenty of hints in iOS 12.1 that Animoji and Memoji are going to be supersized on Apple’s tablet soon.
The top iOS 12 features
iOS 12 makes your old iPhone and iPad faster
Grouped notifications
Memoji and changes to Animoji
Siri Shortcuts can find your lost keys, more
Group FaceTime (now launching later)
Screen time – using your iPhone less
Do Not Disturb goes visual in iOS 12
Instant Tuning for axing notifications
New ‘Measure’ app and USDZ file format
Apple News, Stocks, Voice Memos and CarPlay
Some NFC features work even with a dead battery
Closing apps in multitasking mode is easier
