iOS 12 recently released on Public Beta, which means that if you are adventurous enough you can get the latest iOS version today.
If you want to know what else is in store from Apple, have a look at our WWDC roundup.
If you are still on the fence let’s have a look at what the Beta brings, starting from our favourite features first:
Performance
If you are still on an older iPhone, yes we are looking at devices as far back as the iPhone 5S, this will be the number one reason for you to upgrade.
iOS 12 boasts about 2x better performance on the iPhone 6S. TJ Tech whipped out his old iPhone 6 and tried the beta on that, and was thoroughly impressed with the results. Older devices will definitely feel fresher and faster. Apps launch quicker, multi tasking is smoother and overall the phone feels like a year younger.
This obviously means that newer devices can see an even better performance boost.
Performance was one of the biggest complaints for iOS 11. With the focus on older devices using iOS 12, Apple is once again making them the market leader in smartphones. It may not be the fanciest of features, but it is definitely an impressive feat.
Notifications
Notifications are annoying, but in the words of U2, “[we] can’t live with or without [them].” The iOS 12 has made this dysfunctional relationship much more bearable.
Firstly, the notifications are now grouped. This means that, in general, they will make more sense and will be in context. It also means that it’s easier to dismiss notifications quicker. Notifications of the same developer are grouped together (should be app, but that won’t rhyme, you get the point).
Secondly, you can now “manage” what notifications you receive right from the notifications centre (be it your lock screen, provided you are unlocked, or the drop down). There is a lot going on here and it’s simply amazing. Obviously this does require you to take action on annoying disruptive notifications, but at least now it’s easier to do so.
Overall this might be a “sideline” feature, but it’s much needed and we are sure that it will soon become ubiquitous with the way you use your iPhone. And let me tell you, most of the best features of any Software do exactly that: provide so much value that you didn’t even know they were there.
Screen Time
This is for the little one, the addicts and the controlling ones. Jokes aside, the screen time feature in iOS 12 is another thing we are excited about. Especially for parents or those people who seem to be spending way too much time on their phones.
For Parents: As a parent, it’s always hard to control your kids usage of their devices. With Screen time parents can now set time limits for apps (or even a category of apps, e.g. Games), and when the time limit is reached the app is essentially “blocked” until the next day. The app has many details that a parent should explore so that they can truly understand the benefits.
App Usage: Let’s face it, we are all addicted to the never ending attention-grabbing feed of our favourite social media. Be it Instagram, Snapchat or wherever you look up on Buzzfeed. If you are running out of time every day, it’s probably best to use this feature and really understand where you spend most of your time.
If you are spending 8 hours a day on Temple Run (do people still play this?), then it’s probably best to start limiting yourself. WIth Screen Time you can reflect on your app usage and even put some time limits in place. Time to get rid of your feed scrolling addiction.
Animoji and Memoji
With iOS 11 we got Animoji, which was a fun way to use your iPhone X. Yes, these features are still only going to be an iPhone X exclusive, after all it does depend on the “TrueDepth” camera.
Let’s start with the best: Memoji. Yes it’s gimmicky, yes it’s more of a fun playful feature, but there is alot of technology that goes into making something like this possible. What we loved about it the most was the level of customization, and you can create multiple Memojis depending on your mood or feeling or anything really.
It might seem like a silly thing, but honestly once you try creating your own Memoji, you will know exactly what we mean.
As for the Animoji, one neat little quirk that comes with it is the ‘tongue detector.’ You know how we all like to stick our tongues out all the time (We might be getting in over our heads here where necessity is concerned), now whenever you do this, your Animoji will do it too. There is also a huge selection of accessories available, from glasses to AR stickers, so this should be a fun experience for iOS 12 users.
FaceTime
No we are not about to tell you that FaceTime is in Dubai, it still isn’t. But it would be good to not that you can use your Memoji (and other Animoji) in FaceTime along with of course the new major upgrades like group calling.
People’s social capital seems to be expanding by the minute, and it’s become increasingly difficult to bring a large number of peers onto one platform. Whether it’s a casual geek convention, or a serious business meeting, you’ll be pleased to know that with the new Facetime update, you can now connect with up to 32 people at the same time!
It seems at first glance that the app is still a little buggy, but with consequent releases you can be sure that they’ll improve on this. The last thing we want when chatting with 32 people at the same time is for it to be all glitchy; users would want a smooth operation, with minor interruptions and technical difficulties.
Apps getting a facelift
At the WWDC, we saw glimpses of what Apple planned on doing with a few of our favourite apps. We are glad to say that they haven’t disappointed.
Apple Books: previously iBooks, this one cleans up nicely. The new version even highlights the page you were on, so you can pick right on up from where you left off with greater ease. I guess there isn’t an ‘I’ in Apple Books.
Apple News: An all new ‘Browse’ feature that, when teamed up with a refreshing ‘Following’ tab and ‘Search’ functionality, really makes one appreciate the redesign. Also, ‘For You’ has now become a part of the ‘Today’ page, a little ploy to tell you to be fully present?
Stocks: Now pulls items through from Apple News, to help you make better-informed decisions on where to put your money. The compatibility with Mac OS and iPad is another double whammy win for this app.
Voice memos: leaner, cleaner, syncs straight to cloud, and no more annoying ‘file naming’ prompts. Just what you need for a good ol’ note to self on the go.
Siri late to the party
In this first Beta version, the new and improved Siri that was so impressive at the WWDC, isn’t available yet. The developers are probably still working on this one, but once it’s out there, Siri Shortcuts will be one to keep an eye out for.
How to get the iOS 12 Beta?
First step… BACKUP! Take a complete backup of your iPhone, especially the photos. Don’t come crying to us if everything goes wrong and you loose all your stuff. You have been warned.
Second Step: Head over to beta.apple.com on your iOS device. Log in with your iCloud account and follow the instructions after you select iOS.
Third Step: You will be asked to install the provisioning profile for your phone, go through these steps and restart your phone.
Step Four: If you haven’t already done step 1, go and read it, this is your last waring. Backup your phone.
Step Five: Head over to the settings app. Then go toGeneral > Software update. You should see the beta update. If you don’t, then try to pull-to-refresh, or wait for a while. While you wait… did you backup your phone?!
Have you tried iOS 12 yet? What were your thoughts? What was your favourite new feature of iOS 12?
