After months of anticipation, Apple ’s iOS 12 operating system launches today.
The new system has a range of exciting features, including Group Notications, updated Animoji, and better performance.
And the good news is that you don’t need the new iPhone XS, XS Max or XR to take advantage of the update - it’s also available on older models.
Here’s everything you need to know about iOS, including how to get it, and key features.
Release date
iOS 12 is scheduled for release today.
The new features will be available from 18:00 BST (10:00 PDT).
Availability
iOS 12 will be available for all Apple devices that have a 64-bit chipset.
This includes iPhone 5S and newer, the iPad Air and newer, and the iPad mini 2 and newer.
How to get iOS 12
If you have an Apple device compatible with the update, you’ll be sent a notification inviting you to update to iOS 12 from 18:00 tonight.
Alternatively, go to Settings, then General, and then Software Update.
There you should be able to download the update - although make sure you do this at a time convenient to you, as it could take a few minutes to complete.
Key features
Better performance
Whether you’re using your iPhone or iPad, iOS 12 has been enhanced for a faster and better user experience.
Apple said: “Things you do all the time, like launching Camera and typing with the keyboard, happen faster than ever. And there are even more significant improvements when you’re doing a lot on your device at once.
“These enhancements improve performance on all supported devices, going all the way back to iPhone 5s and iPad Air.”
New Memoji feature
iOS 12 features a new Memoji feature, letting you create a cartoon doppelgänger of yourself.
Apple said: “Now you can easily create a Memoji to match your personality and mood. You can make as many alter egos as you want to use in Messages and FaceTime.”
Updated Animoji
iOS 12 features four new Animoji - a koala, tiger, ghost and T. rex.
Apple said: “Go ahead and wink or even stick out your tongue, because Animoji are also more expressive than ever.”
Camera effects
A range of new in-app camera effects have been added in iOS 12.
Apple said: “Quickly create and share a photo or video with Animoji, Memoji, cool filters, animated text effects, fun stickers and more.”
Augmented reality
In iOS 12, you can send augmented reality objects within Messages and Mail, allowing your friends to ‘see’ them in the real world.
A new AR app has also been added, called Measure, allowing you to measure real-world objects by pointing your camera at them.
Screen time
If you’re worried about how much time you spend on your device, you’ll welcome the new Screen Time feature.
The feature helps give you a better understanding of the time you send on apps or on your devices overall.
Notifications
iOS includes a new way to manage your notifications.
Apple said: “Manage your notifications in real time from the Lock screen, send notifications from a specific app to Notification Centre, or turn them off altogether.
“Siri also makes intelligent suggestions about your alerts based on how you interact with them. And message threads and notification topics are grouped together, so it’s easier to see what’s important at a glance.”
Do Not Disturb
A new Do Not Disturb feature ensures you won’t be disrupted by any alerts, messages or calls.
You can even set the mode on for a specific location, meaning it will automatically turn off when you leave.
Photo Sharing and Search
iOS 12 includes new ways to share and search for photos.
A new ‘For You’ tab shows you key moments from your photo library, and suggests sharing them with friends.
Siri shortcuts
Siri can now intelligently pair your daily routines with third-party apps to suggest shortcuts when you need them.
Apple said: “You can also run shortcuts with your voice or create your own with the Shortcuts app.”
Privacy
Thankfully, iOS 12 has been designed with built-in encryption.
And Safari also now prevents Share buttons and comment widgets on web pages from tracking you with permission.