A new version of iOS is out! Actually, it’s newish, not new. Almost two months after the release of iOS 12, Apple has shipped the iOS 12.1 update for iPhones and iPads. It doesn’t bring any new features as such, instead, it activates some of the key features that were announced with iOS 12 but weren’t available till now.
The major features of iOS 12.1 include:
Group FaceTime
The option to make group FaceTime audio and video calls was one of the most requested addition since the launch of the FaceTime feature. Apple finally obliged with iOS 12 but the feature was still in beta. It’s now available to everyone with iOS 12.1. Additional updates include automatic detection of active speakers, ringless notification when on a group call and integration into messages.
New Emojis
To celebrate World Emoji Day, Apple announced that iOS12.1 would introduce a set of 70 new emojis. The new emojis include people with red hair, grey hair, and curly hair, superheroes and villains, and lots of food, animals and sports.
Dual SIM Support
The eSIM functionality built into the new iPhones (iPhone Xs, Xs Max and Xr) has been activated with the release of iOS 12.1. However, the feature requires carrier support. So you’ll need to confirm with your service provider whether the option has been activated at their end.
Depth Control in Camera
The new iPhone X family, you can control the depth-of-field effect in Portrait Mode once the picture is clicked. iOS12.1 gives you the option to also use this feature in real time as you take the photo.
Bug Fixes
No matter how perfect, nothing can be too perfect. Apple is still ironing out the bugs of iOS 12 and the new releases fixes most of the common issues, including the controversial ‘Beauty Gate’ issue with iPhone Xs and Xs Max.
These are the noteworthy additions that iOS 12.1 has brought to the already feature-packed iOS 12. To read about all iOS12 features, click here