In this article, you can see what’s new in iOS 12 and what should you do before an update to iOS 12. Please note that new features and apps may vary depending on your iPhone model, region, language, and carrier.
Part one: What’s new in iOS 12?
- Dual SIM
On iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR with supported carriers, you can use Dual SIM with a nano-SIM and an eSIM (not available in all regions). See Set up cellular service on iPhone.
- Group FaceTime
Chat with up to 32 participants simultaneously. See Make a Group FaceTime call on iPhone.
- Camera
You can adjust the depth when you take a photo in Portrait mode on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.
- Apple Music
It’s now easier to browse, discover, and listen to your favorite music. Visit new artist pages, check out the daily top 100 songs around the world, see what your friends are listening to on Friends Mix, and search for songs by lyrics.
- Performance
iOS has been enhanced for a faster and more responsive experience on devices going all the way back to iPhone 5s.
- Messages
Create personalized Memoji and use new Animoji (iPhone X and later). Express yourself with new camera effects including filters and stickers.
- FaceTime
Liven up the conversation as your favorite Animoji or Memoji, or add camera effects like filters, shapes, and stickers. See Add camera effects in FaceTime calls on iPhone.
- Screen Time
Activity reports provide insight into how you and your family members are using your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. You can set time limits for using certain apps or entire categories of apps, such as games.
- Notifications
Grouped notifications make it easy to see more information at a glance. Instant Tuning and Siri suggestions help you get just the notifications you want and need.
- Do Not Disturb
Do Not Disturb during Bedtime dims your display and silences overnight notifications until you unlock your iPhone in the morning.
- Measure
Get the dimensions of real-world objects by pointing your iPhone camera at them. See Measure dimensions with iPhone.
- Photos
Photos is smarter than ever with an all-new search engine and a personalized For You tab. It can even suggest sharing a collection of photos with the people who are in them.
- Camera
Portrait Lighting looks better than ever with improvements to the Stage Light and Stage Light Mono effects.
- Siri
Add shortcuts for things you frequently do so you can ask Siri to do them. See Add shortcuts to Siri on iPhone.
- Voice Memos
It’s even easier to capture and edit your recordings. And with iCloud, you can access your recordings in the new Voice Memos app on your iPad and Mac.
Part two: What should I do before I upgrade my iPhone/iPad to iOS 12?
The latest iOS 12 that let you do more than ever on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. However, it’s not uncommon for data to be lost after an upgrade. To prevent data loss, you should always build the habit of backing important data up.
