Apple unleashes iOS 12.1, Group FaceTime and new emojis in tow

Officially unveiled yesterday, Apple's iOS 12.1 update is rolling out already to compatible iPhone and iPad devices. Although the most obvious changes are Group FaceTime and the over 70 new emojis, the latest update to this mobile operating system also comes with a few other highlights.

Although older iPhones will not get these capabilities, the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR receive depth control in real-time preview and dual-SIM support. In addition to groups, FaceTime also receives the following:

• automatic detection of active speakers
• ringless notification
• end-to-end encryption for all conversations
• Messages app integration

At last, we should also mention that, on iOS 12.1 iPhone flagships, dual-SIM requires a nano-SIM and an eSIM. The problem is that customers located in mainland China cannot get an eSIM. In Hong Kong and Macau, only the iPhone XS gets eSIM support. In most other regions, the users of the latest iPhone flagships should have no problems using the dual-SIM capabilities of their devices. However, they should ask their local carrier(s) before purchasing a new handset, just to be sure.