Apple Inc. on June 4 unveiled iOS 12, its next-generation mobile operating system, with expanded Siri capabilities, new augmented reality tools, app time-tracking tools and other initiatives at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference.
iOS 12 will be released as a free update later this year and focuses heavily on improving the speed and performance of older iPhones and iPads. The company faced criticism in December 2017 after press reports about performance and battery issues with older iPhones. iOS 12 will launch apps up to 40% faster and enable users to open their camera up to 70% quicker than with iOS 11, the company said June 4.
"With iOS 12, we are doubling down on performance," Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering, said during the keynote presentation at the company's developers' conference.
The new iOS includes features that can limit digital distractions for users. For instance, the new Screen Time feature will track how much time people spend on their individual apps and provide a weekly summary of usage habits. The update also provides greater controls over how device notifications are delivered.
An App Limits feature enables users to set time limits for each app, with the iOS notifying users with a "time's up" message when the allotted time limit has expired. Users can request more time if they would like to continue using the apps.
Other iOS 12 updates include Memoji, a customizable animated emoji that resembles the iPhone owner; and group FaceTime, which will allow up to 32 people to video chat simultaneously.
Siri improvements include a new Shortcuts app that allows Siri to execute actions across various apps. Users can create voice prompts, such as "find my keys" and "order my coffee," that allows them to more easily integrate Siri into their everyday routines. Siri's new shortcut feature is similar to the capabilities of Amazon.com Inc. and Alphabet Inc.'s respective digital assistants.
Apple also revealed a newer version of ARKit, a software development kit for augmented reality apps for iPhone and iPad. Some of ARKit's updated features include improved face tracking, more realistic image renderings and the ability for multiple users to use AR apps at once.
Apple's newest Mac operating system, called Mojave, also was unveiled at the conference. Mojave is set to be released later this year and will include improved production and organization tools. It incorporates several iOS apps for the first time, including News, Stocks, Voice Memos and smart-home controller Home. Mojave will also have new group FaceTime video-chat capabilities.
Apple Watch and Apple TV are also getting software updates. Apple Watch's newest operating system, called WatchOS 5, will support yoga and hiking workouts, adding to the other workout types supported by WatchOS 12. The new Watch OS will automatically start tracking workouts once activity is detected. It also offers new walkie-talkie functionality between watch users.
The newest Apple TV operating system, tvOS 12, will include a feature called "zero sign-on," which simplifies the authentication process by automatically signing-in cable service subscribers to all TV apps supported by their subscription. The service will launch for Charter Communications Inc. customers later this year, with support for more service providers expected to follow. Charter also will soon begin offering Apple TV 4K to its customers, with live TV and on-demand programming available through its new Spectrum TV app for Apple TV 4K, iPhone and iPad.
