Apple’s first major iOS 12 upgrade is on its way, and anyone with a compatible device and Apple ID can try iOS 12.1 before the official release date.
The iOS 12.1 update has been confirmed, and Apple’s first milestone upgrade for the new operating system is currently in beta for all iOS 12 powered devices.
While most people should avoid the iOS 12.1 beta, others may want to give the update a chance right now to test new features or get an idea of the update’s performance before the official release arrives.
The beta provided us with important information about Apple’s iOS 12.1 plans, but other key details are eclipsed as we head into October.
While some users are having issues with iOS 12, we are getting questions about the content and release timing of iOS 12.1. Apple has not yet released a new version of iOS 12 and many users need bug fixes.
In this guide, we want to tell you what to expect from the iOS 12.1 update, the iOS 12.1 release date, and a few other points of interest.
These expectations will help you set the right expectations as we move towards the release of iOS 12.1.
Wait for iOS 12.0.1, Before iOS 12.1
Apple usually releases an instant iOS bug fix update for iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches. Last year iOS 11.0.1 came a week after iOS 11.0. iOS 10.0.1 came shortly after iOS 10.0 was released in 2016.
It was surprising to see the week of September come and go without a quick release of iOS 12.0.1 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Apple has released tvOS 12.0.1 for Apple TVs and watchOS 5.0.1 for Apple Watch, but nothing is on the horizon for mobile.
iOS 12’s focus on performance made it a much more enjoyable experience early on. We did not encounter any major issues with the new operating system and it runs much faster than iOS 11. Still, iOS 12 isn’t without problems.
iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users are complaining of various software issues. Some are small insects. Others, such as a common Wi-Fi issue and an iPhone XS charging issue (the latest iOS 12.1 beta seems to fix the issue), are more problematic.
There are manual fixes for most of these issues, but others like severe battery drain may require an update from Apple. That’s why many people, including us, are hoping for an iOS 12.0.
We haven’t heard any rumors of iOS 12.0.1, but we’d be surprised if Apple jumps straight to iOS 12.1. That’s a possibility given iOS 12’s performance, but it feels odd given the number of issues that have surfaced and Apple’s history.
If Apple is preparing an iOS 12.0.1 update, don’t expect it to say anything in advance. The update will likely come with a few bug fixes for the most obvious iOS 12 issues.
Expect an iOS 12.1 Release Date in October
Apple hasn’t confirmed an iOS 12.1 release date, and we expect the milestone upgrade to stay in beta for a few more weeks as Apple and beta testers poke around and manufacture it for issues.
Apple will release iOS 12.1 in 2018. That’s for sure. As for the release window, we expect Apple to pull the iOS 12.1 update from beta testing in late October or early November at the latest. Here is why.
Developers and testers in the Beta Software Program are simultaneously testing the first beta version of iOS 12.1. This is interesting because developers often beta for major iOS updates a few weeks before Apple sends them to its free beta testing program. The public beta usually catches up with the developer beta when the update is much closer to the official release.
Nothing has been confirmed, but that means we can see the official release of iOS 12.1 arriving pretty quickly.
They didn’t appear alongside the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone Xr, but Apple is reportedly planning to launch the new iPad Pros this fall.
The consensus is that the company will either host another launch event in October or possibly announce and release it alongside the iPhone Xr in late October. The iPhone Xr goes on sale on October 19 and hits the shelves on October 24.
iOS 12.1 ties to iPad Pro launch. Embedded in iOS 12.1 references to unannounced iPads. Specifically, iOS 12.1 mentions landscape orientation for Face ID, a feature the new iPad Pros are expected to have built-in.
Our best guess at this point is that Apple released iOS 12.1 shortly before the iPads went on sale. All signs point to a launch next month, so don’t be surprised if iOS 12.1 arrives at and near its October 24 release date.
Wait for Group FaceTime, Bug Fixes and Security Updates
As for iOS 12.1 itself, this will be a landmark upgrade and that means you can expect a mix of new features, bug fixes and security patches.
The first iOS 12.1 beta doesn’t have a long list of changes, but it does come with an exciting feature. This feature? Group FaceTime calls.
Unless something goes horribly wrong with testing, we expect iOS 12.1 to eventually bring Group FaceTime calls to iOS 12 users. If you remember, Group FaceTime has been delayed, and Apple now says it’s coming “later this fall.” It should be on iOS 12.1.
In iOS 12, FaceTime group video calls are integrated directly into Messages; this makes it easy to initiate a group call with coworkers, family members or friends.
This feature supports up to 32 callers in one call, but you will only see the people on the screen that are talking or you want to focus on. Everyone else is shown in a list below the search. If you own an iPhone X, iPhone XS, or iPhone XS Max, Group FaceTime calls allow you to add your Memoji or Animoji.
We also expect a host of other features, including iPhone XS eSIM support and improvements to the Portrait Mode feature on the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.
Expect New Emojis in iOS 12.1
Apple has promised more than 50 new emoji for the iOS keyboard this year, and they’re available in the latest version of iOS 12.1 beta.
Last year, Apple waited until iOS 11.1 beta 2 to introduce the new emojis, and the company used the same protocol in 2018.
The iOS 12.1 beta includes over 70 new emoji characters including kangaroo, peacock, parrot, lobster, mango, lettuce, cake, mooncake and more.
Unless something goes terribly wrong with testing and Apple seems pretty sure it won’tWait for iOS 12.1 to introduce the newest emoji characters.
Wait for iOS 12 Jailbreak News
Jailbreak developers have released an iOS 12 jailbreak proof of concept that shows an untethered jailbreak in action. Proof-of-concept videos are great, but that doesn’t mean a public release is just around the corner.
Additional proof of concepts shows an iOS 12 jailbreak on the iPhone Xs, which is great news, but that doesn’t mean we’ll see a release.
Expect to see news of iOS 12 jailbreak unfold in and around iOS 12.1.
