About iOS 12 Updates

iOS 12 brings performance improvements and exciting new features to iPhone and iPad. Photos introduces new features to help you rediscover and share the photos in your library, Memoji—a new, more customizable Animoji—make Messages more expressive and fun, Screen Time helps you and your family understand and make the most of the time spent on devices, Siri Shortcuts deliver a faster way to get things done with the ability for any app to work with Siri, augmented reality becomes even more engaging with the ability for developers to create shared AR experiences, and new privacy features help protect you from being tracked on the web.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

Want to get the update or having issues updating? Learn more.

iOS 12.5.7

This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.5.6

This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.5.5

This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.5.4

This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.5.3

This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.5.2

This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.5.1

This update fixes an issue where Exposure Notifications could incorrectly display logging profile language.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.5

iOS 12.5 lets you opt-in to the COVID-19 Exposure Notifications system for your iPhone. System availability depends on support from your local public health authority. For more information see covid19.apple.com/contacttracing

This release also provides security updates and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.4.9

This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.4.8

iOS 12.4.8 provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.4.7

iOS 12.4.7 provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

iOS 12.4.6

iOS 12.4.6 provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

iOS 12.4.5

iOS 12.4.5 provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.4.4

iOS 12.4.4 provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.4.3

iOS 12.4.3 provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.4.2

iOS 12.4.2 includes improvements, provides important security updates, and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.4.1

iOS 12.4.1 provides important security and stability updates, and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.4

iOS 12.4 introduces iPhone migration to directly transfer data from an old iPhone to a new iPhone, includes enhancements to Apple News+ and improves the security of your iPhone or iPad. This update:

iPhone migration

Introduces the ability to wirelessly transfer data and migrate directly from an old iPhone to a new iPhone during setup

Apple News

Makes downloaded issues accessible in the My Magazines section, both online and offline
Adds all publications in Apple News+, including newspapers, to the catalog at the top of the News+ feed
Adds the ability to clear downloaded magazine issues by selecting History > Clear > Clear All

Other improvements and fixes

Includes a security fix for the Walkie-Talkie app on Apple Watch and re-enables Walkie-Talkie functionality

This release also includes support for HomePod in Japan and Taiwan.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.3.2

iOS 12.3.2 resolves an issue that could cause Camera to capture Portrait mode photos without depth effect on some iPhone 8 Plus devices.

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.3.1

iOS 12.3.1 includes bug fixes for your iPhone and iPad. This update:

Fixes an issue that could prevent making or receiving VoLTE calls
Fixes issues in Messages that could cause messages from unknown senders to appear in your conversation list even though Filter Unknown Senders is enabled
Fixes an issue that could prevent the Report Junk link from appearing in Messages threads from unknown senders

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.3

iOS 12.3 includes support for AirPlay 2-enabled TVs and features a redesigned Apple TV app. This update also includes bug fixes and improvements.

AirPlay 2

AirPlay 2 now supports sharing videos, photos, music and more from your iPhone and iPad directly to your AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV
One-tap playback automatically plays your chosen TV show or movie on the last screen you used based on time and location
Siri Suggestions to watch movies and TV shows now include an option to AirPlay
Intelligent suggestions are all done on-device so your personal information stays private

Apple TV app

The Apple TV app features an all-new design that highlights expertly curated collections and personalized recommendations
Apple TV channels offer subscriptions to HBO, Showtime, Starz, and more, available to watch directly in the Apple TV app, online or off
Subscriptions to Apple TV channels can be shared with up to six family members, with no new apps, accounts, or passwords needed
New release movies are available to buy or rent in the Apple TV app, including the full catalog of over 100,000 movies and the largest selection of 4K HDR titles
A new dedicated kids section helps you discover editorially-handpicked shows and movies safe for kids of all ages
The Apple TV app can now intelligently suggest playing to the most likely Apple TVs or AirPlay 2-enabled TVs nearby

This update also includes bug fixes and improvements. This update:

Adds the ability to follow a magazine from the Apple News+ catalog browsing view
Apple Music’s For You tab now updates multiple times a day suggesting music based on themes like genres, artists, and moods you love
Disables accessories with insecure Bluetooth connections
Fixes an issue that could prevent Apple TV Remote from pausing video, controlling video, or changing volume on supported receivers
Addresses an issue that could cause calls made using Wi-Fi calling to drop
Fixes an issue where song information from a connected iPhone may not appear in a car’s display

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.2

iOS 12.2 provides support for Apple News+, adds the ability for Siri to play videos from your iOS device to Apple TV, and includes four new Animoji. This update also includes bug fixes and improvements.

Apple News+

Apple News+ is a new subscription service that extends the Apple News experience with hundreds of magazines and top newspapers
Our editors handpick top articles and magazine issues, and you also get personalized recommendations on the topics most interesting to you
Automatic downloads make it easy to read magazine issues offline
Apple News is now available in Canada, with a free experience that includes handpicked Top Stories, a personalized Today feed, and support for both English and French
Apple News+ is available in the U.S. and in Canada, with dozens of additional Canadian magazines

Siri

Ask Siri on your iPhone or iPad to play any video, show, movie, sports game, or channel on Apple TV. For example, “Hey Siri, play Free Solo on my TV”

Animoji

Four new Animoji—owl, boar, giraffe and shark—are included for iPhone X and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and iPad Pro 11-inch

AirPlay

Dedicated TV controls in Control Center and on the Lock Screen give you quick access to TV controls
AirPlay multitasking for video allows you to browse other apps, as well as play other short form audio and video files locally on your device without interrupting AirPlay
AirPlay destinations are now grouped by content type making it faster for you to find what device you want to play to

Apple Pay

Apple Pay Cash customers can now transfer money to their bank accounts instantly using their Visa debit cards
Wallet app now conveniently displays Apple Pay credit and debit transactions right below the card

Screen Time

Downtime can be configured with a different schedule for each day of the week
A new toggle enables easily turning app limits on or off temporarily

Safari

Website sign-in now occurs automatically after filling credentials with Password AutoFill
Warnings now appear when loading unencrypted webpages
Removes support for the expired Do Not Track standard to prevent potential use as a fingerprinting variable; Intelligent Tracking Prevention now protects against cross-site tracking by default
Smart Search Field queries can now be modified by tapping the arrow icon next to search suggestions

Apple Music

The Browse tab shows more editorial highlights on a single page making it easier to discover new music, playlists, and more

AirPods

Support for new AirPods (2nd generation)

This update also includes other improvements and bug fixes. This update:

Supports Air Quality Index in Maps for US, UK, and India
Includes information in Settings on how much time remains on your device’s warranty period
Supports real-time text (RTT) for phone calls made through a nearby iPhone on iPad and iPod Touch
Displays a "5G E" icon for iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) or iPad Pro 11-inch indicating that users are in an area where AT&T's 5G Evolution network is available
Improves quality of audio recordings in Messages
Improves stability and performance of Apple TV Remote on iOS
Fixes an issue that prevented some missed calls from appearing in Notification Center
Addresses an issue where a badge notification could appear on Settings even though no action is needed
Addresses an issue in Settings > General > iPhone Storage where the storage size of some large apps, the System category, and the Other category in the storage bar graph could be incorrect
Fixes an issue that could cause Voice Memos to automatically play back recordings after connecting to a car Bluetooth device
Resolves an issue that could cause Voice Memos to temporarily prevent renaming a recording

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.1.4

iOS 12.1.4 provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.1.3

iOS 12.1.3 includes bug fixes for your iPhone or iPad. This update:

Fixes an issue in Messages that could impact scrolling through photos in the Details view
Addresses an issue where photos could have striped artifacts after being sent from the Share Sheet
Fixes an issue that may cause audio distortion when using external audio input devices on iPad Pro (2018)
Resolves an issue that could cause certain CarPlay systems to disconnect from iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max

This release also includes bug fixes for HomePod. This update:

Fixes an issue that could cause HomePod to restart
Addresses an issue that could cause Siri to stop listening

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.1.2

iOS 12.1.2 includes bug fixes for your iPhone. This update:

Fixes bugs with eSIM activation for iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max
Addresses an issue that could affect cellular connectivity in Türkiye for iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.1.1

iOS 12.1.1 adds features and fixes bugs for your iPhone and iPad. Features and improvements include:

Notification preview using haptic touch on iPhone XR
Dual SIM with eSIM for additional carriers on iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max
One tap to flip between the rear and front-facing camera during a FaceTime call
Live Photo capture during one-to-one FaceTime calls
The option to hide the sidebar in News on iPad in landscape orientation
Real-time text (RTT) when using Wi-Fi calling on iPad and iPod touch
Stability improvements for dictation and VoiceOver

Bug fixes include:

Fixes an issue where Face ID may temporarily become unavailable
Addresses an issue that prevented visual voicemail from downloading for some customers
Fixes an issue in Messages that could prevent predictive text suggestions when typing on the Chinese or Japanese keyboards
Addresses an issue that could prevent Voice Memos recordings from uploading to iCloud
Fixes an issue where time zones may not have updated automatically

This release also adds features and fixes bugs for HomePod including:

Support in China mainland and Hong Kong
HomePod LEDs illuminate during Group FaceTime calls

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.1

iOS 12.1 introduces Group FaceTime, adds over 70 new emoji, and includes support for Dual SIM with eSIM for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. This update also includes bug fixes and improvements.

Group FaceTime

Adds support for video and audio calls with up to 32 participants simultaneously
Encrypted end-to-end so your conversations remain private
Start Group FaceTime right from a group Messages conversation, or join an active call at any time

Emoji

Over 70 new emoji, including new characters with red hair, gray hair and curly hair, new emoji for bald people, more emotive smiley faces and additional emoji representing animals, sports and food

Dual SIM support

Introduces Dual SIM with eSIM which allows two numbers in one device for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR

Other improvements and fixes

Introduces Depth Control in Camera preview for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR
Improves cellular connectivity for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR
Adds the ability to change or reset your child’s Screen Time passcode using Face ID or Touch ID
Fixes an issue where the sharpest reference frame was not always selected in front-facing photos for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR
Resolves an issue that caused messages to be merged into one thread when two users were signed in with the same Apple ID on multiple iPhones
Addresses an issue that prevented some voicemails from appearing in the Phone app
Resolves an issue in the Phone app that could cause phone numbers to appear without their corresponding contact name
Fixes an issue that could prevent Screen Time from reporting specific websites in the activity report
Addresses an issue that could prevent adding or removing family members from Family Sharing
Adds a performance management feature to prevent the device from unexpectedly shutting down, including the option to disable this feature if an unexpected shutdown occurs, for iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
Adds the ability for Battery Health to inform users that it is unable to verify if a genuine Apple battery is in iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR
Improves reliability of VoiceOver in Camera, Siri, and Safari
Fixes an issue that could cause MDM Device Enrollment to report an Invalid Profile error for some enterprise users

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12.0.1

iOS 12.0.1 includes bug fixes and improvements for your iPhone or iPad. This update:

Fixes an issue where some iPhone XS devices did not immediately charge when connected to a Lightning cable
Resolves an issue that could cause iPhone XS devices to rejoin a Wi-Fi network at 2.4GHz instead of 5GHz
Restores the original position of the “.?123" key on the iPad keyboard
Fixes an issue where subtitles may not appear in some video apps
Addresses an issue where Bluetooth could become unavailable

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iOS 12

Performance

iOS has been enhanced for a faster and more responsive experience across the system
All supported devices see improved performance, going back to iPhone 5s and iPad Air
Camera launches up to 70 percent faster, the keyboard appears up to 50 percent faster and typing is more responsive*
Apps launch up to twice as fast when your device is under heavy workload*

Photos

New For You tab helps you discover great photos in your library with Featured Photos, Effect Suggestions, and more
Sharing Suggestions proactively recommend sharing photos taken at events with the people who are in them
Search enhancements make it easier to find your photos with intelligent suggestions and multiple keyword support
Search for photos based on the place, business name, or event where you were when you took them
Improved camera import with faster performance and a new large preview mode
RAW support for editing images

Camera

Portrait mode improvements preserve fine detail between subject and background when using Stage Light and Stage Light Mono effects
QR codes are highlighted in the camera frame, making them easier to scan

Messages

Memoji, a new, more customizable Animoji, make Messages more expressive with personalized characters that are diverse and fun
Animoji now also include T. rex, ghost, koala, and tiger
Make Memoji and Animoji wink and stick out their tongue
New camera effects bring Animoji, filters, text effects, iMessage sticker packs, and shapes to the photos and videos you capture in Messages
Animoji recordings can now capture up to 30 seconds

Screen Time

Screen Time provides detailed information and tools to help you and your family find the right balance of time spent with apps and websites
See the time spent in apps, usage across categories of apps, how many notifications are received, and how often devices are picked up
App limits help you set the amount of time you or your child can spend in apps and on websites
Screen Time for kids lets parents manage how their child uses iPhone and iPad right from their own iOS devices

Do Not Disturb

Turn off Do Not Disturb after a set time, location or calendar event
Do Not Disturb during Bedtime hides all notifications from your lock screen while you sleep

Notifications

Notifications from the same app are automatically grouped together to help you manage your notifications
Instant Tuning gives you control over your notification settings right from the lock screen
New Deliver Quietly option silently sends notifications directly to Notification Center without interrupting you

Siri

Siri Shortcuts deliver a faster way to get things done with the ability for any app to work with Siri
Add shortcuts using the “Add to Siri” button in supported apps, or in Settings > Siri and Search
Siri suggests shortcuts on the Lock screen and in Search
Get motorsports results, schedules, stats and standings for Formula 1, Nascar, Indy 500 and MotoGP
Search for photos by time, location, people, topic or recent trips to find relevant photos and Memories in Photos
Translate phrases in more languages, with support for over 40 language pairs
Check facts about celebrities, such as when they were born, and ask questions about food, including calories and nutrient content
Turn flashlight on or off
More natural and expressive voice now available in Irish English, South African English, Danish, Norwegian, Cantonese and Mandarin (Taiwan)

Augmented Reality

Shared experiences in ARKit 2 let developers create innovative AR apps you can experience together with friends
Persistence enables developers to save and reload experiences right from where you left off
Object detection and image tracking gives developers new tools to recognize real world objects and track images while they move through space
AR Quick Look extends AR throughout iOS, letting you view AR objects with built-in apps like News, Safari, and Files and share them with friends with iMessage and Mail

Measure

New augmented reality app to measure objects and spaces
Draw lines across surfaces or in free space to measure, and tap on a line’s label to see more information
Automatically measure rectangular objects
Capture, share and markup screenshots of your measurements

Privacy and Security

Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Prevention in Safari prevents embedded content and social media buttons from tracking cross-site browsing without your permission
Suppresses ad retargeting by reducing advertisers’ ability to identify iOS devices uniquely
Strong and unique passwords are suggested automatically when creating an account or changing a password in most apps and in Safari
Reused passwords are flagged in Settings > Passwords & Accounts
Security code AutoFill presents one-time security codes sent over SMS as suggestions in the QuickType bar
Sharing passwords with contacts is easier than ever using AirDrop from Passwords & Accounts in Settings
Siri supports quickly navigating to a password on an authenticated device

Apple Books

All-new design that makes discovering and enjoying books and audiobooks easy and fun
Reading Now makes it simple to get back to the book you’re currently reading or find great recommendations for what to read next
Add books to the new Want to Read collection to keep track of what you’d like to read next
The Book Store makes it easy to find your next favorite read with new and popular selections from our Apple Books editors and recommendations chosen just for you
The new Audiobooks store helps you find immersive stories and informative nonfiction books narrated by your favorite authors, actors, and celebrities

Apple Music

Search now supports lyrics so you can use a few of the words to find a song
Artist pages have an easier to browse design with a personalized station of any artist's music
The new Friends Mix is a playlist of songs you’ll love from everything your friends are listening to
New charts to show you the daily top 100 songs in countries around the world

Apple News

Apple News is redesigned to make it easier to discover new channels and topics
The new sidebar on iPad and Channels tab on iPhone make it easy to jump straight to your favorite publications and discover new ones

Stocks

All-new design lets you easily view stock quotes, interactive charts, and top news on iPhone and iPad
Top Stories section includes articles selected by Apple News editors to highlight the latest news driving the market
Read Apple News stories right in the app, formatted to look great on iPhone and iPad
Watchlist includes color-coded sparklines that let you see daily performance at a glance
See an interactive chart for every ticker symbol, plus key details including after-hours price, trading volume, and more

Voice Memos

All-new design with improved ease of use
iCloud keeps your recordings and edits in sync across all of your devices
Available on iPad with support for both portrait and landscape orientation

Get notified when movies and TV shows are available to watch in Up Next
Share your favorite movies, TV shows, and sporting events with universal links

Apple Podcasts

Now supports chapters for shows that include them
Skip 30 seconds or to the next chapter with forward and back buttons in your car or on your headphones
Easily manage new episode notifications from the Listen Now screen

Accessibility

Live Listen now works with AirPods to help you hear more clearly
RTT phone calling now works with AT&T
Speak Selection now supports using the Siri voice to speak text that you have selected

Other features and improvements

Camera effects in FaceTime transform your look in real-time
CarPlay adds support for third-party navigation apps
On supported campuses, use contactless student ID cards in Wallet to access buildings and pay with Apple Pay
Website icons can appear in tabs on iPad by enabling them in Settings > Safari
Weather includes air quality index in supported regions
Quickly swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go home on iPad
Swipe down from the top right to access Control Center on iPad
Mark Up includes a palette of additional colors and options to change line width and opacity for each tool
Battery usage chart in Settings now shows your usage for the last 24 hours or 10 days, and you can tap a bar to see app use for that period of time
On devices without 3D Touch, touch and hold the keyboard Space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad
Maps adds support for indoor maps for airports and malls with indoor positioning in China mainland
New definition dictionary in Hebrew, and bilingual dictionaries in Arabic and English, and Hindi and English
New English thesaurus
Automatic software updates allow iOS updates to be installed automatically overnight

* Testing conducted by Apple in May 2018 using iPhone 6 Plus supporting normal peak performance, prerelease iOS 11.4, and prerelease iOS 12. Keyboard tested using Safari; Camera tested by swiping from the Lock screen. Performance varies based on specific configuration, content, battery health, usage, software versions, and other factors.

Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas, for more information visit: https://www.apple.com/ios/feature-availability and https://www.apple.com/ios/whats-new

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

Published Date: February 23, 2024