Apple is all set to roll out the latest iOS 12.1 update for its iPhone and iPad today. The new update will bring Group FaceTime, more 70 new Emoji and Depth Control in real-time preview and Dual-SIM support to the iPhone Xs, Xs Max and XR.
Starting with the FaceTime, Apple will introduce Group FaceTime feature to its iOS users. With this, one can add up to 32 people in the group FaceTime and users will have an option to choose to join using audio or video from iPhone, iPad and Mac. The feature comes loaded with automatic detection of active speakers, which will display the most prominent speakers on the call while highlighting the current speaker by bringing them to the forefront.
The App will automatically resize each user’s image depending upon active status in the conversation coupled with the duration of speed, volume and motion. Participants who are not active will appear at the bottom of the screen until they speak. A simple tap also brings a participant front and centre.
Then there is ringless notification through which FaceTime displays notifications to join a call without being disruptive. The Group FaceTime is integrated into Messages app and once the call is started, it will show active call in conversation list and inside the conversations.
The new iOS 12.1 also brings a host of new emojis. The brand has added 70 new emojis to iPhone and iPad with the latest update. This includes new characters with red hair, grey hair and curly hair. Then there will be a new emoji for bald people, more emotive smiley faces and additional emoji representing animals, sports and food.
New emoji will also be available on Apple Watch and Mac with a free software update. Apart from this, the company has added emojis for moon cake, red gift envelope, nazar amulet, softball and lacrosse, luggage, compass, hiking boot, llama, mosquito, kangaroo and lobster, bagel, salt, cupcake, leafy greens and mango.
Coming to depth control in camera, users will now be able to adjust the depth of field in real-time preview in addition to post-capture, which allow to take better photos with background blur. Lastly, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR will get Dual SIM support with the latest update. Users can now activate an additional cellular plan from a carrier without having to use a physical nano-SIM.