iOS 12, released on September 17, 2018, brought a range of improvements and new features to enhance the user experience for Apple device owners. This update focused on performance, with significant speed enhancements and smoother operation on older devices. The importance of iOS updates for Apple users lies in the continuous improvements in security, functionality, and user experience they provide. This blog post explores the key features and benefits of iOS 12, highlighting why it was a significant update for Apple users.
Key Features of iOS 12
Performance Improvements
iOS 12 brought significant performance enhancements, making devices feel more responsive and faster. Users experienced notably quicker app launch times, and the overall system performance improved, particularly on older devices, breathing new life into ageing hardware.
Screen Time
With the introduction of Screen Time, iOS 12 provided users with tools to monitor and control their device usage. This feature offered detailed insights into how much time users spent on their devices and app limits and downtime features to encourage healthier usage habits.
Grouped Notifications
IOS 12 introduced Grouped Notifications to tackle notification overload and allow for better organization. Notifications were grouped by app and thread, making it easier for users to manage and respond to their alerts without feeling overwhelmed.
Siri Shortcuts
iOS 12 enhanced Siri with customizable Shortcuts, enabling users to automate tasks and streamline their daily routines. This feature allowed for the creation of personalized shortcuts and integrated seamlessly with third-party apps, expanding Siri’s capabilities significantly.
Enhanced Augmented Reality (AR)
ARKit 2
iOS 12 introduced ARKit 2, bringing improved AR experiences to Apple devices. This update enabled more realistic and immersive AR applications by enhancing object detection and rendering capabilities.
Improved AR Experiences
With ARKit 2, users could enjoy more sophisticated and interactive AR content. The improvements included better face tracking, realistic object reflections, and the ability to recognize 3D objects, making AR applications more engaging and practical.
One of the standout features of ARKit 2 was the ability to create shared AR experiences, allowing multiple users to interact with the same AR environment simultaneously. Persistent AR objects enabled users to place virtual items in the real world and have them remain in the same location even after closing and reopening the app.
Measure App
iOS 12 introduced the Measure app, a practical tool that uses AR to measure objects and distances easily. This app allowed users to measure length, width, and height with their device’s camera, providing a convenient and accurate way to take measurements without needing a physical tape measure.
New and Improved Apps
Messages
iOS 12 brought exciting updates to the Messages app, including new Animoji and Memoji customization options. Users could create personalized Memoji characters and enjoy an expanded range of Animoji expressions. The app featured enhanced photo sharing and effects, making messaging more fun and interactive.
Photos
The Photos app received significant improvements with iOS 12. The new and improved search functionality made finding specific photos and moments easier. The introduction of the For You tab provided personalized suggestions, helping users rediscover memories and share them effortlessly with friends and family.
Apple Books
iOS 12 completely redesigned Apple Books, offering a more intuitive and visually appealing interface. The updated app enhanced the reading experience with better library management and new features, making it easier for users to find, read, and organize their favourite books and audiobooks.
Privacy and Security Enhancements
Enhanced Tracking Prevention
iOS 12 introduced stronger measures against tracking by websites and advertisers, significantly enhancing user privacy. The updated Safari browser included improved tracking prevention features, blocking intrusive trackers and preventing advertisers from following users across the web.
Improved Safari Privacy Settings
In addition to enhanced tracking prevention, iOS 12 brought more robust privacy settings to Safari. These settings allowed users to control how their data was shared and provided greater transparency regarding website permissions, contributing to a safer browsing experience.
Password Management
iOS 12 improved password management by allowing auto-fill passwords from third-party apps, streamlining the login process for users. The system also offered strong password suggestions and warned users about password reuse, encouraging the creation of unique and secure passwords for different accounts.
Usability and Accessibility Improvements
Voice Memos
iOS 12 revamped the Voice Memos app, featuring a redesigned interface and iCloud support for seamless syncing across devices. The update also introduced enhanced editing and sharing capabilities, making it easier for users to record, edit, and share audio notes.
Stocks and News
The Stocks app was significantly redesigned, integrating Apple News to provide a more comprehensive experience. Users could now see news articles about their stock picks directly within the app. Meanwhile, the News app introduced a personalized news feed, offering users tailored content based on their interests and reading habits.
Latest Features and Updates
FaceTime Group Calls
iOS 12 introduced FaceTime Group Calls, allowing support for up to 32 participants in a single call. The dynamic interface highlighted the current speaker, making it easy to follow conversations and interact with multiple participants simultaneously.
Do Not Disturb Enhancements
The Do Not Disturb feature saw notable improvements, including a new Bedtime mode that dimmed the display and hid notifications to promote better sleep. Users gained more control with new options to end Do Not Disturb based on time or location, enhancing its flexibility and usability.
Measure App
The new Measure app utilizes augmented reality to measure objects and spaces accurately. It provides tools for precise measurements, making it a convenient and practical addition to iOS 12 for users needing quick and reliable measurement capabilities.
Compatibility and Device Support
Supported Devices
iOS 12 was designed to be compatible with many Apple devices. The update supported the following models:
- iPhones: from iPhone 5s to the latest models available at the time.
- iPads: iPad Air, iPad mini 2 and later, and all iPad Pro models.
- iPod Touch: 6th generation.
Notable Improvements on Older Devices
One of the most impressive aspects of iOS 12 was its performance improvements on older devices, such as the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6. These devices saw significant speed enhancements, faster app launch times, and overall smoother performance, making them feel more responsive and extending their usability for users.
Challenges and Issues
Initial Bugs and Glitches
- Users reported common issues after the update, including app crashes, screen freezes, and unexpected reboots.
- Apple addressed these issues with subsequent patches, releasing updates to fix bugs and improve system stability.
App Compatibility
- Issues arose with older apps needing to be fully optimized for iOS 12, leading to performance problems and occasional crashes.
- Developers updated their apps, releasing new versions compatible with iOS 12 to ensure smooth operation and full functionality.
Battery Performance
- Some users expressed concerns about battery life post-update, noticing faster battery drain.
- Tips for optimizing battery usage on iOS 12 included managing background app refresh, reducing screen brightness, and utilizing Low Power Mode to extend battery life.
Conclusion
iOS 12 introduced major improvements and features such as enhanced performance, Screen Time, Grouped Notifications, and ARKit 2, significantly enriching the user experience. While users faced initial challenges like bugs and battery performance issues, Apple’s prompt updates addressed these concerns. Despite these hurdles, the benefits of updating to iOS 12 far outweighed the drawbacks, offering enhanced functionality and security.
