Not so long ago, the first "anniversary" iOS update saw the light, which received the number 10. Preliminary beta versions were tested for several months so that developers could fix and patch all holes and gaps, presenting a truly finished and impressive product, just like the new one. The latter turned out to be, if not perfect, then truly impressive.
The Cupertino team has promised users the fastest, smoothest and most stable OS they've ever made. Yes, it didn’t receive such drastic changes as iOS 7 did in its time. But let's find out if the new iOS 10 is so good.
Compatibility
Every year Apple is becoming an increasingly assertive and innovative company, which is trying to move as far as possible from the "warm tube", but outdated and obsolete technologies. In the case of the iPhone 7, they decided to completely ditch the old headphone jacks. The decision is radical, but completely justified. In the case of iOS, we went even further.
The list of supported devices that can be updated to the current version has been reduced by several points. It looks like this:
- iPhone - 5, 5C, 5S, SE, 6, 6 plus, 6S, 6S plus, 7, 7 plus;
- iPad - 4, Air, Air 2, Pro 9.7, Pro 12.9;
- iPad mini - 2,3,4;
- iPod - Touch 6 Gen.
The company is systematically abandoning archaic devices in order to fully focus on supporting modern devices, of which there are also quite a few. You can't blame Apple for such a move, since Google's support is, whatever one may say, much worse.
Lock screen
I would like to start the review of iOS 10 with what any user encounters when turning on - the lock screen. And here the first shock awaits us: the slider, familiar to everyone, has disappeared. Now you just need to press the Home button.
But owners of devices with a Touch ID sensor will be able to independently edit the function of the key in the settings.
The approach to notifications was no less creative. Now there is no need to unlock the device, open the required application and only then perform manipulations. If you received a messenger message, or a letter from the mail, you just need to hold your finger tightly on the message for a couple of seconds and the system will automatically redirect you to the right place. And yes, the screen must support 3D Touch.
Control Center and Notification Center
This item has undergone some cosmetic "repair" and now consists of three screens. On the first one can see all the standard switches, on the second there is a player, and on the third it serves as a control panel for the "smart" home.
The notifications have been significantly redesigned. In particular, there are two tabs: the first contains all messages and other notifications, and the second contains all the widgets located on the lock screen. If you have 3D Touch support, you can delete absolutely all notifications with just one tap on the screen.
Removing programs
IOS 10 accomplished what had been waiting for several years - the ability to uninstall standard applications. The process looks the same as before: long press on the icon and tap on the cross at the top right.
But cunning developers in this way only hide unnecessary programs from the desktop. In fact, they remain in the system, you only remove shortcuts. But on the other hand, why store and group unnecessary icons on the workspace. It's funny that you can return everything "deleted" only through the App Store. You just need to "download" again. But not boring.
Photos
The standard program for viewing pictures has been significantly redesigned for the better. There are 3 main innovations:
In addition, the search by photo has been significantly improved. You can easily find people, animals, things and certain places. 
iMessage and Apple Music
The one who was really dismantled into its components is the standard messenger. Forget boring scribbling, the developers have finally added emoticons and stickers, as well as handwritten and animated messages. For the extremely "lazy", there is a list of 100 new emoji icons that will significantly decorate any chat, bringing an emotional color to it, which will be appreciated by the younger audience.
The "Media Library" tab appeared only in iOS 10, but it is suitable for those who like to search for everything new and interesting. And if you have a subscription to Apple Music, then the "Downloaded Music" section will definitely delight in the absence of the Internet. 
Other changes
A lot of minor corrections and fixes have appeared in the settings, which greatly simplify interaction with the device. Mail and calendar icons have been blown apart and now they do not depend on each other.
Also, we changed the interaction of the device with the owner somewhat, added several useful elements and notifications. In particular, the device will notify you if water gets into the Lightning. And the map app will courteously plan the route you want based on your preferred mode of transport.
Is it worth updating?
Is iOS 10 worth downloading the update right now? Apple has done a tremendous job, only now completing what began with the release of iOS 7. But it had to sacrifice something.
Let's be objective: the most comfortable work with the system and full interaction is possible on devices with 3D Touch displays. Owners of the iPhone 5 will not notice significant differences from the "nine". Although, if you need not only new gestures, but also just sat on the old system, then be sure to update. The company relied on convenience and did not lose. And it's up to you to draw conclusions.
1. Large font on iPhone X
The font has increased in the control panel on the iPhone X. It has become noticeably larger.
2. Fast animation
Animations for opening, closing and switching between applications are noticeably faster. The operating system itself is also faster.
3. Changed appearance of the Settings
The settings section has changed a bit. The icons have become brighter, and some have even been redrawn.
4. Screen time
A section with statistics on the use of various applications has appeared. True, the section does not work for everyone so far. When you click on it, the settings menu crashes.
5. Siri shortcuts in Spotlight
In addition, messages copied to the clipboard are displayed in the same section.
6. Siri Shortcuts Settings
Despite the fact that the system itself prompts you to perform this or that action, you can now set these actions manually in the Settings -> Siri and Search.
7. New wallpapers
There are new wallpapers in iOS 12. True, so far there is only one image. Perhaps something will change for release.
8. Adding a second person
In this beta, you can add a second face to Face ID. The corresponding item is located in the Settings -> Face ID and passcode section.
9. Battery statistics
Now in the section Settings -> Battery Shows more detailed statistics on battery usage by applications.
With the help of graphs, you can better understand how energy is spent.
10. Redesign of the Voice Recorder
Apple has completely redesigned the Voice Recorder app. Now the program names the Files not by the creation time, but by the address where the entry was made.
The management of audio recordings has also changed. Now they can be scrolled 15 seconds forward / backward.
Audio recordings are not deleted the first time, but go to the Recently Deleted section.
11. New Measure application
The Measure application appeared for measuring objects down to centimeters. You can read our review on it.
12. The level has moved
Previously, the level was used in the Compass app. Now he has moved to the Measures program.
13. Now the compass shows the altitude
For greater accuracy, the Compass app has learned to display your position relative to sea level.
14. Disable system auto-update
An automatic firmware update function has been added to the iOS settings. If it is enabled, the device will install the latest versions of the system without any questions. Now you can turn it off.
15. Applications Voice Recorder and Promotions have reached the iPad
Apple has ported the Voice Recorder and Promotions apps to the iPad. It is noteworthy that Stocks also reached the Mac.
The only pity is that the Calculator was not delivered.
16. Grouping notifications
Now notifications are grouped by program. Just click on the notification pack to open it.
17. More fine tuning of notifications
Now each notification can be configured separately. Right in the Notification Center.
You can turn on silent notifications or turn them off altogether.
18. iPhone X gestures on iPad
The control panel is now invoked by swiping down from the upper right corner. In addition, returning to the home screen using two swipes from the bottom is almost the same as on the iPhone X.
19. Search Apple Music Tracks by Words
Now you can find a song you have heard anywhere without even knowing its name, simply by entering the words you remember right into the Apple Music search field. So far, it works crookedly, but Apple will probably finalize the function for the release of the system.
20. Mirroring in AR objects
Now objects of augmented reality can be equipped with a reflective surface. For example, add the corresponding body to the car.
21. Record Animoji up to 30 seconds
The recording time of animated emoticons has increased from 10 seconds to 30. Now it is even more convenient to create Animoji Karaoke.
22. New Animoji
There are 4 new animoji on iPhone X: ghost, koala, tiger and dinosaur.
23. Memoji
Now you can create animoji in your own image and likeness. They are called Memoji.
There is full customization, including changing skin color, face shape, eyes, eyebrows, nose, ears, hair, and so on.
24. Support for RAW photos in the Photos app
Now you can view RAW photos right in the built-in Photos app.
25. New languages in the built-in Siri translator
26. Warning about the presence of the same passwords
The system now analyzes your saved passwords and informs you about the need to replace duplicate ones. Identical passwords are marked with an exclamation mark.
27. Safari Tabs
Safari tabs on iPhone X now display the same as on iPad. Complete list.
28. Move cursor without 3D Touch
In the past, you could conveniently move the cursor with hard press. With iOS 12, 3D Touch is no longer needed.
Just hold your finger in one place a little longer, and you can fully control the cursor.
29. Support for third-party password managers
Now iOS 12 will analyze not only the built-in password manager, but also third-party ones. Accordingly, passwords for autofill will also be collected from external programs.
30. Day Weather Alert
If you have set the sleep mode, then when you wake up, you will be shown the current weather for the day.
31. Apple Music widget turned black
It seems Apple is really working on a dark mode for iOS. True, she does it gradually.
The Apple Music playing widget turns black.
32. Do not disturb
When you activate Do Not Disturb mode, the smartphone screen darkens and the notification alert turns black.
33. Live-listening in AirPods
Apple branded headphones can replace hearing aids for many people. The gadget will use built-in microphones to pick up certain sounds around and transmit them to the user.
It can also come in handy for talking in a loud, crowded place. AirPods will cut off all unnecessary noise and voice only the speech of the interlocutor to their owner.
34. API for developers to embed a dark theme
35. New interface for notifications in settings
Now notifications in the settings are displayed a little differently. The corresponding icons have been redrawn.
36. Configuring the grouping of notifications
You can configure the grouping of notifications yourself: automatically, according to the program, or turn it off.
37. Quick Scan QR Codes
Pressing the Camera icon hard, a button appeared to quickly scan QR codes.
38. New options for the Control Center
Now, when creating your Control Center, you can add: Hearing, Scanning QR codes.
39.32 FaceTime Users
You can now make group video calls in FaceTime. And up to 32 users can take part in them.
40. Haptic on iPhone 7
Previously, when shooting, pressing the white shutter button on the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X felt a kind of recoil.
Now this feature has moved to the iPhone 7, 7 Plus.
41. Changes in Face ID
Previously, if Face ID was unable to recognize your face, you had to enter your passcode. Now you just need to swipe up again from the bottom edge.
42. YouTube works in the background
This is not a feature, but a nice bug. While watching a video, tap on the screen lock and then tap again quickly again. YouTube will only run in the background.
43. Pencil thickness
A new option has appeared in the notes, with which you can change the thickness of the pencil lead.
44. Screen Time and Promotions Widget
The Screen Time app widget is now available, displaying statistics on iPhone or iPad usage. The Stock widget has changed to display one stock price per line.
45. Types of media files
The Photos app now displays media types: video, selfie, portrait, slow motion, and so on. And also their number is displayed.
46. Sticker Bar Moved
Now a line with stickers is displayed above the keyboard.
47. Photos in iMessage
Previously, when you clicked on the camera icon in the Messages application, you opened a small window with a camera. Now the interface has increased and the camera is displayed in full screen.
48. Animoji in the cell
Now, when shooting in iMessage, you have the opportunity to apply stickers or animoji to the screen.
49. Rechability has an arrow
Now, after swiping down, an up arrow is displayed at the top of the screen. It hints that by swiping over it, you can also return the screen to its former appearance.
50.Siri learned to turn on the flashlight
You can now ask Siri to turn on the flashlight. Just say, "Turn on the flashlight."
51. "Hey Siri" is in power saving mode
Hey Siri is now in power saving mode.
52. Siri Reveals Passwords
53. Audio recording settings
Now you can change the settings for audio recordings created through the Voice Recorder. For example, change the compression quality.
54. Siri Suggestions on Lock Screen
A toggle switch has appeared in the settings that allows you to turn Siri suggestions on or off on the locked screen.
55. Favicons in Safari
You can enable the display of site icons in Safari in the Settings -> Safari -> Show icons in tabs menu.
56. The display of artists in Apple Music has changed
Now a little more space is given to the photography of the artists. A button for instant playback of the artist's songs has appeared.
57. "You May Like These Articles" in the App Store
At the bottom of the App Store, there is a new subsection "You might like these articles." It displays past Apple editorials that you have never opened.
58. New Face ID animation
The Face ID animation has now changed when scanning your face. The number of revolutions made has been halved.
59. Dictation on third-party keyboards
Previously, the dictation function could only be used with the built-in Apple keyboard. Now the button has appeared on external keyboards as well.
60. Swipe to unlock iPad
The iPad can now be unlocked by swiping up from the bottom edge. Surely this chip will be removed and returned when Face ID is added.
61. Time on iPad has moved to the left edge
Another hint of Face ID?
62. No Apple player on third-party sites
If you watch the video on any Vimeo, the web player interface will be preserved. It will no longer be replaced by the standard one from Apple.
(4.76 out of 5, rated: 21 )
The release of a new iOS is always a real event. As a rule, the operating system is available not only on the latest devices of the company, but also on the already seen types of iPhone and iPad. And that is why such an event is interesting not only for the owners of the company's latest devices. Today we'll talk about the key features of iOS 12, how useful and convenient they are to use.
Performance
If iOS 11 was more about chips, then in the twelfth version, the developers focused on stability and speed. Here is the data provided by Apple itself.
The performance of the new OS has increased significantly. For example, compared to iOS 11.4 on a 12-speed camera, the camera starts up 70% faster, and the keyboard opens 50% faster. There are data on applications. For example, some stock utilities open 40% faster on a new OS. Not bad at all.
Below is a visual comparison of the speed of 5S on iOS 11.4 and the 12th beta version. The difference is palpable.
This does not particularly apply to current devices, everything is fine there. But for older devices, such a speed increase will definitely come in handy. The numbers above are measured on the iPhone 6 Plus, which, as a reminder, was released back in 2014. Any flagship on Android, even a series, will envy such support.
Personally, I have not yet been able to test the operation of the new system on old devices, but according to rumors, even on iOS 12, it behaves very cheerfully. By the way, write in the comments, would you be interested in reading a review of iOS 12 on i?
Facetime
Unfortunately, in our area FaceTime is not as popular as in the United States. For some mysterious reason, Skype is still in our favor. Although FaceTime is much faster, it is more convenient to use, and every second person has an iPhone.
In any case, the FT now supports conferences. Up to 32 people can be in the video chat at the same time. One begins to speak, his window is enlarged in comparison with the others - a simple and elegant solution.
And right in the middle of a conversation, you can "put" on your head Animoji or Memoji. Of course, this will require a conversation with, because only this device supports 3D avatars. So far, only he.
Since Animoji are available in FaceTime, there are no problems with simpler effects - stickers, emoticons, text and other visual effects - in general, everything that is in iMessage.
New Animoji and Memoji
If anyone has forgotten. The emoticons we are all so used to are called emoji.
Which devices will be able to install iOS 12?
The rest of the smartphones are younger than him. Yes, yes, Apple continues to support the device, which was released back in 2013. Two thousand and thirteenth! Do you even remember what you did this year?
By the way, all the announced chips will work on 5S, of course, except for those that are directly related to Face ID, for example, Memoji.
Of course, not all functions will be available on 5S. However, the same screen time can be used to the full.
For tablets, the situation is as follows. iOS 12 can be installed on and, on Air of all generations, on all Pro-versions of the tablet, on iPad Mini, starting from the second generation, as well as on the iPod Touch of the 6th revision.
We have already familiarized you with the "updates" that Apple has added to its mobile operating system more than once, but repetition is the mother of learning, and a lot has changed since the first beta. Let's take a quick look at what new users of the official "nine" will get.
Many copies have already been broken in the debate over the San Francisco typeface, but nevertheless everyone is used to it. (including through the public beta testing program), so the previous font is perceived by a number of users almost unusual.
The News application, Apple's proprietary news aggregator, has not yet been brought to our region, but when changing the region to the same North American United States, you can try to find interesting resources in thousands of sources and try to use it. In principle - it is possible, and the presentation of information is implemented efficiently. We wanted to tell you about the public transport routes in Maps, but so far they stubbornly ignore us, like the News app, so we will also ignore them. If you are in Manhattan, they will help you. But in Yuzhny Butovo - alas ... With the Wallet and Apple Pay - the same story.
Siri pleases every day. Firstly, we now have as many as two Spotlights, by swipes on the left and above, and secondly, there are now the so-called Siri Suggestions, "Siri Suggestions", which try to provide the user with the most relevant selection of contacts, applications and information by analyzing the process of operating the device. The more you use your iPhone on iOS 9, the more Siri knows about your interests, because now she is not just a voice assistant, but a full-fledged assistant in working with the device. At least we are counting on it. This also includes the wiser predictive input, which allows you to build meaningful messages using just three dies above the keyboard. Yes, the system is still learning, but it looks very interesting.
We will also mention the context that our voice assistant will follow, trying to catch what kind of actions we want from her in this or that case. For example, in mail, at the request of a reminder of an event, she will find the necessary time and create a reminder, and in Safari, she will remind you to refer to a particular page at the right time. Searches by the same photos for Siri too cleverer understanding the requests regarding the location or the type of picture - selfies or frames taken in Moscow, which is quite convenient. Yes, selfies and screenshots now have their own folders in the Photos app.
The appearance of a number of applications has changed, including the Podcasts applications, but iOS 8.4 users already know about Music with its Connect, radio and collections, we have both, and we will not overload you with unnecessary information.
A power saving mode has appeared, which is called "Low Power Mode" and puts the iPhone, if not into a state of siege, then quite close to it. The battery logo turns yellow, all unnecessary wireless connections are turned off if you are not using the phone in active mode. Starting from 20 percent of the charge, the iPhone itself begins to persistently offer the user to save the charge, if suddenly you forgot that such chip is now on your device. You can, of course, manually turn everything off, as before, but one toggle switch is easier to use.
As for the mail, a number of action labels have been added that will allow you to quickly mark the letter as read (or vice versa) and also check or delete it. Let's also mention the updated notes: now you can create lists right in the note, so that later, walking around the store, mark the already purchased bread, milk and dill. You can combine lists, photographs in one note, make drawings using the world's best stylus - your finger. Evernote, of course, has not strained, but most of the new Notes skills will be enough. An application has appeared: you can see what kind of service and what files you have stored in the cloud, and if you have the appropriate programs, start working with these same files.
About two-window multitasking in iPad has been said more than once both on the website and on the channel; in our opinion, this will be of the greatest interest for future owners of iPad Pro. But if you have a second generation Air, you can already try Slide Over, Split View, and picture-in-picture. The grid in folders is now not 3 by 3, but 4 by 4 applications, but you still want more. The keyboard on the iPad pleased with its gestures, convenient selection of fragments of text or all of the text during editing and additional editing tools.
Of the general evolutionary and revolutionary changes, I would like to note the concern for user safety - this is two-factor authentication, a 6-digit password, and updates that can always be installed on your iPhone simply because if there is not enough space, you temporarily lose a couple of heavy toys that will still return to you after downloading and installing the update.
It would seem that there is nothing supernatural, but the work was done very, very noticeable, and with an eye not only on users of brand new "sixes" and "esk", but also users sitting on the usual "fives", for example. Throughout the beta testing program, the office iPhone 5 worked just fine on iOS 9, and this work did not cause any particular complaints. So everyone can safely update and enjoy new opportunities.
On September 17, Apple released the final version of iOS 12. The update, in fact, did not bring big changes in comparison with iOS 11. This is a bug fix with some useful improvements, which will be discussed today.
Let's get started!
Foreword and device list
After the scandal that thundered in the winter over the deliberate slowdown of smartphones on iOS, Apple simply needed to rehabilitate itself in the eyes of users. And the Cupertinians took an unprecedented step for themselves, releasing iOS 12, which seriously accelerated both old devices like the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6/6 Plus, and last year's iPhone 8/8 Plus / X models.
By the way, an increase in stability and performance was previously announced in almost every iOS update, but when it came to real user experience, the old models often began to work slower than on the previous version of the software. It is not for nothing that after the release of the firmware, a countless number of questions appeared on the network, but is it worth updating your conditional iPhone 5S or iPhone 6 to a new firmware or sacrificing new chips for the sake of stable and fast operation of the gadget.
Curiously, under what sauce the "apple" company placed the change in the update vector. It turns out that Apple now cares about users, their old devices (and wallets) and the environment. Surprisingly, Cupertino is now interested in making sure you use your smartphone for as long as possible. A whole block was even devoted to this at the presentation of the new iPhones, telling about how much better Apple is making the world by producing smartphones from recycled materials and allowing customers to use them for as long as possible.
Well, we, as users, will only benefit from this, but how long this auction of universal care will last is still unknown. Longer than before iOS 13, hopefully.
But let's get down to practice. Here is a list of devices that have received an update to iOS 12. I would like to point out that the iPhone 5S and iPad mini 2, which are already 5 years old, are still supported.
General impressions: speed of work and autonomy
I won't say that I complained about the work of the latest versions of iOS 11 on the iPhone X, but the difference is still noticeable. Apps open a fraction of a second faster, and Face ID unlocking has also become a little quicker. The speed of face recognition has also increased when using Apple Pay.
I did not notice any positive or negative changes in autonomy: I kept the iPhone X stable from early morning until late at night, and it does. The only condition that I try to comply with in order to achieve this "survivability" is to be within the radius of a familiar Wi-Fi network (home-office) most of the day. If you live all day outside the familiar 3G / LTE access points, then the smartphone may ask for a power outlet by 18-19 o'clock. In general, as I already noted, the autonomy is at the same level as on iOS 11 - no more, no less. A portable battery is needed exclusively for travel.
No significant changes have been observed in the graphic design. From what I noticed: some of the system notifications on the lock screen became dark, for example, the music player widget and the notification about the activated Do Not Disturb mode. Also, the font in the status bar has increased when the control point is open, and the icons in the settings have been slightly redrawn.
Grouping notifications - finally!
When I last moved from Android to iOS at the end of 2016, the main gripe with iOS 10 and the most unnerving nuance was how notifications worked. Each notification from one application and even from the same contact was displayed as a separate card, which at some point turned the lockscreen into a complete dump. In iOS 12, their grouping has finally appeared.
But it still works somehow incomprehensibly. In some applications, absolutely all notifications are grouped, in some the grouping is carried out by the sender, that is, if several people have written to you for several messages, then the notifications will be divided into groups by the number of these people. After the first unlocking, if you did not open the notifications, these groups may or may not merge.
In the notification settings, each application can be assigned one of two types of grouping: “Automatic” and “By program”. In the same place, you can turn off grouping altogether. Apparently, the developer should fix the rules for automatic grouping on his side, and so far not everyone has done this.
If you swipe right to left on the notification, you can see a new "Manage" button. In the menu that opens, you can quickly turn off the sound, turn off notifications from this application altogether, or go to the detailed settings.
Summarizing the work with notifications in iOS 12, I can say the following: it is good that the grouping is now there, it has become more convenient, but Apple has tricked something in its style, and it is not yet possible to fully understand the logic of the grouping work. Let's wait for the apps adapted for iOS 12, maybe it's all about them.
Updated application "Photos"
In iOS 12, built-in apps have changed in a few points, and the Photos app has received the most changes.
The main innovations are in the “For You” and “Search” tabs. The thing is that Apple has finally connected neural networks and artificial intelligence to the media library, bringing the functionality of a personal gallery closer to what we saw earlier in the Google Photos service. Owners of extensive archives with photos and videos will definitely like the new features.
So, “Memories”, which debuted in iOS 10, have been moved to the “For You” tab, and 4 new sections have been added.
A selection of photos... This is where random good shots from your library appear that you might have forgotten about.
Effect suggestions... Here, artificial intelligence invites you to apply this or that effect to those pictures for which, in its opinion, it will be relevant.
In the last section "Activity in Shared Albums" the name speaks for itself.
Thanks to the new "Search" section, searching for photos has become much easier. You can search by categories that already exist there, or you can try to enter a keyword and find a picture by it.
Small changes have also been made to the tab with albums. Now there is a list of types of media files, such as “Video”, “Selfie”, “Photo Live Photos”, etc. It seems to me that this is more convenient than it was before, when all these items were displayed as separate albums.
Well, I give Apple a big plus for the updated Photo. Albeit a couple of years late, Apple was able to create a really smart gallery that could compete with Google's service.
Screen time
This is a completely new section in iOS settings that is aimed at people with a high degree of awareness. Thanks to the innovation, we can analyze how we use our smartphone, as well as set restrictions on the use of the device.
As for analytics, the smartphone now monitors how much time you used it, in which applications you spent the most time, how many times you lifted the device and how many notifications you received. All data about this can be viewed in the form of graphs with decoding.
For practice, there is a "At rest" mode, which is designed to protect you from "freezing" in unnecessary applications. Its activation occurs on a schedule at the time you specify. At this moment, the system disables the ability to open any programs, except for "Phone" and those exceptions that you add to the appropriate list.
In addition, you can separately limit the time of using a certain group of applications, for example, social networks or games. The time limit is valid until midnight. Relevant for all programs that can be classified as "time eaters". Unfortunately, you cannot select a limit for a specific application, it is set only for a group.
Siri commands and other assistant enhancements
Some of the commands that relate to the system or to the work of built-in applications are available in the Siri settings. The assistant offers to select one of the regular or recent actions that you performed, and assign a voice tag to it, for example:
- open a particular note, playlist, album or mailbox;
- show the weather in the current location;
- send a message with a specific text to a specific subscriber;
- call any contact;
- open a particular tab in the browser
Perhaps, if you use iOS 12 for a longer time, then Siri will be able to better learn the repetitive actions that will later be included in its list of suggestions.
To go beyond Siri's suggestions, Apple's new app, Commands, is available in the AppStore. This is exactly why Apple bought the developers of the Workflow app.
In it, you can create both your own automatic sequences of actions, and select ready-made “recipes” from the built-in gallery. The work with third-party applications is supported, so the number of use cases is unlimited. If you used Workflow or IFTTT, then you perfectly understand what it is about, only now it is deeper integrated into the system and tied to the voice assistant.
In addition to all of the above, various tips from Siri are available on the lock screen and in the search, for example, call back the person from whom you have a missed call, or wish someone a happy birthday. I haven’t got any other clues yet. If anything, this function can be disabled in the settings.
Other little things: Siri can now turn on the flashlight, and the “Hey Siri” command works in power saving mode.
Face ID - slightly faster, but still slow and inconvenient
In my opinion, Face ID is not the most convenient and fast way to unlock, but in iOS 12 it was made a little better. First, as I wrote above, the speed of its work has slightly increased.
In addition, it became possible to add a second face called “Alternative Appearance”.
And one more little thing worth noting: if the face was not recognized the first time, then it is not necessary to enter the password or turn the display off and on again. You can now repeat the unlock swipe to reactivate the scan.
But even with all these improvements, I really miss Touch ID - I pick up my wife's iPhone 7 and enjoy the convenience and speed of unlocking. But what to do, there is no turning back ...
Memoji and new Animoji
In the new firmware, Apple continued to develop the direction of animated Animoji emoticons, which, however, everyone quickly played enough.
There are 4 new Animoji heroes: Tiger, Koala, Dinosaur and Ghost. In addition, Animoji algorithms now recognize wink, gaze, tongue and movement, and the limit for recording clips using Animoji has been increased from 10 seconds to 30 seconds.
The iOS developers took the trouble to respond to Samsung's AR Emoji, which in turn was the answer to Animoji. Meet Memoji! Here is such a holy war of corporations using moving faces!
Memoji are your own Animoji that you can create from a wide variety of options, including skin color, freckles, hairstyle, head shape, chin shape, eyes, eyelashes, eyebrows, nose, lips, ears, beard, glasses and headwear ... But you cannot choose the gender - it is not politically correct.
Unlike Samsung, everything will have to be done manually, since there is no way to create a Memoji from a photo.
Support for Animoji and Memoji appeared in FaceTime: you can “replace” your head with any available animated emoticon. In the same way, you can take a photo or video if you go to the camera from the dialog in “Messages”.
Working with passwords and security codes
A lot of changes in iOS 12 are related to privacy and work with passwords. And, importantly, most of them are really handy and useful. Let's take a look at them in order.
iOS 12 automatically analyzes your passwords and reports if you have the same passwords used somewhere. Duplicate passwords are indicated by an exclamation point triangle. You can check it along the way:
“Settings - Passwords and accounts - Passwords for sites and software”.
Supports sharing passwords between Apple devices via AirDrop. Need to give someone access? No problem. We are looking for the desired password in the list of passwords, click on it and select AirDrop in the context window.
We also improved the ability to automatically create secure passwords. The principle of operation is as follows: when you need to come up with a new password, the system will offer to do it yourself, after which it will save the created password in the “Keychain”. If you need it on your Apple gadget, then auto-substitution will work (after authentication). If the password needs to be entered outside the Apple device, then it can always be viewed in the "Keychain".
By the way, about how to find out where your password is set: in iOS 12, you can just ask Siri about it.
Another important innovation is that Apple has opened the API for third-party password managers, so auto-substitution will work with passwords stored in third-party programs when their developers implement this functionality.
And finally, what everyone has been waiting for for so long: auto-substitution of security codes from SMS messages. It is finished!
Other useful innovations
Auto update firmware... iOS can now update itself without user intervention. You can activate or deactivate auto-update along the path: "Settings - General - Software update".
Do Not Disturb Mode... By strong (long on smartphones without 3D Touch) pressing the crescent icon in the “Control Center”, we can indicate until what moment to turn on this mode: for 1 hour, until evening (morning) or until leaving the current location. A great innovation for those who actively use this mode!
Also in the settings of this mode there is a new switch "Go to sleep". If you activate it, then when you switch to “Do not disturb” according to the schedule, the screen will be additionally dimmed, calls will be muted, and notifications, bypassing the lock screen, will immediately go to the “Notification Center”. Such is the kind of "Do not disturb at all" mode.
If suddenly someone does not understand, the difference is the following: if you, when you go to bed, activate the screen to see the time, then you will not see new notifications that can potentially distract you and make you freeze in your smartphone again. Calls will also not go through if you have not disabled them earlier in other Do Not Disturb settings. Sleep well - see everything in the "Notification Center".
Multitasking... To close the application via the multitasking menu on the iPhone X, you no longer need to first hold your finger. Just swipe as before.
Tabs in Safari... This innovation also only applies to the iPhone X (probably also the Xs and Xs Max). When I rotated the screen in the Safari browser, tabs appeared, like on the iPhone 6/7/8 Plus.
No random screenshots... Apple has finally fixed the problem with random screenshots of the lock screen on the iPhone X. The thing is that, due to the design features of this device, dozens of users regularly took screenshots, accidentally pressing the lock and volume up keys when they put their smartphone in their pocket. Now this key combination does not work when the display is off.
Moving keyboard cursor without 3D Touch... The feature, previously available only on smartphones with 3D Touch function (iPhone 6s and newer), appeared on older devices as well. Hold your finger on the "Space" key, hold it a little and start moving your finger across the screen, moving the cursor.
Detailed battery statistics... Along the way "Settings - Battery", there are graphs of battery consumption / charge, which can be viewed in 24 hours and 3 days.
Lightning Lock... News about certain devices that hack into a smartphone and provide access to personal data when connected via the Lightning port constantly appears on the network. To protect user data, a new switch “USB accessories” has appeared, available along the path: “Settings - Face ID (Touch ID) and passcode”. If it is in the off state, then the transfer of any data through Lightning will be impossible an hour after the smartphone screen is turned off, since the connector will go into “charge only” mode.
Third Party CarPlay Navigation Apps... CarPlay now supports third party navigation apps. We are looking forward to updating Yandex.Navigator with this functionality.
Roulette... Apple would not be Apple if in the new iOS release it would not kill some third-party application from the AppStore. Meet Roulette - the killer of MeasureKit. With the new built-in app, you can measure point-to-point distance using augmented reality technology.
Live listening in AirPods. Among the buttons that can be taken out to the control center, a new one has appeared - with the image of a human ear. There can be many applications, everyone will determine them for himself. The principle of operation using AirPods is as follows: connect AirPods, turn on this mode, listen in headphones to what the smartphone's microphone hears, with such a good amplification. Useful as a baby monitor, hearing aid or spy tool.
Albums separately, singles separately, concerts separately... The Apple Music update didn't happen in iOS 12, but on the server side, so it should work on earlier versions of iOS as well. Now, on the page of a musician or group, numbered albums are separated from singles and live recordings. Navigating your favorite artists has become easier.
Camera... Apple says it has improved portrait algorithms on all supported smartphones (7 Plus / 8 Plus / X). Allegedly, when creating a portrait photo, a mask is now created to separate the subject from the background as accurately as possible. Objectively, I can't assess it, since everything was very good on my iPhone X and with iOS 11. It was not possible to notice the difference, but I admit that it takes place on other generations of the iPhone.
And one more thing: iPhone 7/7 Plus now has a smooth Taptic Engine response when you press the shutter button, like on the iPhone 8 and X.
As for what was promised at WWDC group (up to 32 people) FaceTime then this functionality was removed in one of the beta versions and has not appeared since then. Waiting for iOS 12.1.
Conclusion
Is it worth updating? Of course it is. And not only to the owners of the latest models. One of my friends, who uses an old iPhone 6 Plus, changed his mind about buying a new device, although he was going to. This is because iOS 12, he said, breathed new life into the device. And judging by other reviews about the firmware, there is no reason to postpone the update until the release of iOS 12.1, 12.2 or 12.3.
Happy updates everyone! Don't forget to make backups!
