The first major update to iOS 12 is going to land later today. It brings new emojis and enables features that we were promised at WWDC. Here’s everything you should know about the iOS 12.1 update.
iOS 12.1: What’s New
1. Over 70 New Emojis
Let’s talk about the one feature that will get you to instantly upgrade to iOS 12.1 – Emojis. iOS 12.1 comes with more than 70 new Emojis! The emojis include new characters with grey hair, red hair, curly hair and an emoji for bald people too.
2. Group FaceTime Calls
Apple is finally bringing the feature we were promised at WWDC. In iOS 12.1, you’ll be able to make group FaceTime calls with up to 32 people! Instead of adding just one person, keep adding more. Similar to how you create a group thread in iMessage.
Speaking of iMessage, it gets direct integration with FaceTime now. So you can start a group FaceTime call from inside an iMessage group thread. Anyone who’s in the group can choose to drop in and out whenever they want.
Group FaceTime is awesome but it’s also processor heavy. Which is why only devices with A9 processor and higher will get access to it. Which means the following devices are left out in the cold: iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 4 and 6th generation iPod Touch.
3. Live Portrait Mode Depth Effect Editing
This awesome new feature is available only on the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. The new iPhones could already go in and adjust the depth effect in Portrait Mode shots. Now you’ll be able to do it live, right from the Camera app. When in Portrait mode, you’ll see a slider at the bottom that will let you adjust the depth control.
4. eSIM Support
In iOS 12.1, Apple will flip the switch that will enable eSIM support on the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. After updating, you’ll be able to go in and sign up for another plan or add another number from a second carrier. iPhone lets you choose a primary number and a secondary number. You can even designate a number just for data usage.
5. Daily Top 100 in Apple Music
Apple Music now has new playlists for Top 100 charts. You’ll see new daily charts of today’s top hits for your country, globally and across multiple genres too.
6. BeautyGate Fix
Apple is going to fix the extreme beauty filter-like effect in the selfie camera of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Apple was overdoing it with its post-processing algorithms. To reduce the noise, Apple was adding excessive smoothening effect.
Will You Upgrade to iOS 12.1?
Are the new features enticing enough for you to update to iOS 12.1 on day one? Share with us in the comments below.
