At a much-awaited WWDC, Apple on Monday unveiled its newest upgrade to its operating software, iOS 12.
Here are a few of the new features that were announced:
#1. PERFORMANCE, PERFORMANCE, PERFORMANCE
Apple’s new iOS tests on an iPhone 6 Plus show that apps launch 40% faster, the system keyboard came up 50% more quickly, and the camera started 70% sooner. Through iOS 12, Apple is aiming to improve the speed of its devices.
#2. SCREEN TIME
A new Screen Time feature in iOS 12 will detail how much time you’re spending on your device and individual apps. It can break down app usage by category and track which apps are sending you the most notifications.
#3. GROUPED NOTIFICATIONS
iOS 12’s new grouped notifications show up in a stack to give you a sense of how many are waiting for you. Apple is also giving users more authority over which apps are allowed to send notifications that vibrate their phone. “Quiet” notifications will show up in Notification Center, but not on your lock screen. They also won’t make sounds or interrupt you in any way.
#4. GROUP FACETIME
Apple’s video chat app will soon be capable of hosting more than one-on-one conversations. iOS 12 will introduce group FaceTime sessions that can include up to a staggering 32 people. Group FaceTime will be supported across iOS and macOS.
#5. PHOTOS
The Photos app in iOS 12 will automatically offer up search suggestions. And a new “For You” tab will suggest filters and effects you might want to apply to images you’ve taken. Photos will also make sharing suggestions.
#6. SIRI OPENS TO MORE APPS
Third-party apps will now be able build shortcuts to allow Siri to carry out popular quick actions. Apple demonstrated a simple “Hey Siri, I lost my keys” as an example of a shortcut built for the Tile tracking device.
#7. SHORTCUTS APP
Apple is introducing a new Shortcuts app that lets users string together multiple actions that can be triggered by a single, custom Siri request.
#8. A COMPLETELY REBUILT STOCKS APP
iPhone’s built-in Stocks app is coming to iPad. It will support after-hours stock prices, and will also include content from Apple News that might be relevant to your current investments or influencing the market.
