Here’s What You Can Expect From iOS12.1: Group FaceTime and More

iOS 12.1 is finally available to all iPhones and iPads on Tuesday, 30th October 2018! This new generation of the system comes with a number of advanced features and here’s a quick look at what’s worth checking out!

Group FaceTime

As the festive season approaches, and we all know…not everyone can be home together but FaceTime allows families and loved ones to share these special moments together. With the new iOS 12.1 update, you can enjoy FaceTiming with not just 1 but 32 people?! And that’s not all! Apple has further improved FaceTime to make communication on your devices more seamless for you.

Additional Features

• Detection of Active Speaker – The on-device intelligence highlights the current speaker and brings their display forefront and sizes the participant’s image according to their activity (based on speech, volume, and even motion). A simple tap would help bring one’s display up front!
• Ringless Notification – When making a call to more than one party, FaceTime sends you a notification that allows you to join a call without being disruptive.
• Messages Integration – You can now start a FaceTime group call from your iMessage Group Chat and if a FaceTime group call has started it will be displayed in your conversation list.
• Privacy – All FaceTime conversations are encrypted end-to-end so they remain private and viewable by the participants only.

New Emoji

More than 70 new emoji will be introduced to the iPhone and iPad with the iOS 12.1, featuring fresh characters with different hairstyles and one bald people! There would also be more emotive smiley faces and even animals, sports and food including the Llama, Lobster, Bagel, Salt and Lacrosse! New emoji will also be available on Apple Watch and Mac with a free software update.

Depth Control in Camera

With iOS 12.1, users can now freely adjust the depth of field in real-time preview and also post-capture, enabling more control to create portraits with a beautiful professional-looking bokeh!

Dual SIM

With the iOS 12.1 update, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR gain Dual SIM support, featuring a nano-SIM and digital eSIM. You can now attain a separate cellular plan from a carrier without having to use a physical nano-SIM. For more information about setting up Dual SIM, visit support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044.