7 small iOS 12 features that will make a huge difference

2025-04-27 17:46:02admin

As with any software release, iOS 12 has a lot of features, and in traditional fashion, not everything is shown on stage at the keynote.

But unlike previous WWDCs, Apple opted not to splash a screen that lists out the many features of the forthcoming release that the company didn't talk about onstage.

SEE ALSO: Turn yourself into an emoji with Apple's Memoji

However, Apple gives more details in its official product page for iOS 12. On top of that, developers already have the beta software and are sharing some of the things they're seeing.

From what's being talked about, iOS 12 has a bunch of little features that fix annoying issues issues, add something extra, or make an existing feature better. Here are our favorites so far:

SMS Autofill

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Chances are you have two-factor authentication turned on for at least one services -- either a social platform like Twitter, a financial intuition, or some other account. If you don't use an authenticator application, you opt for the text messages. iOS 12 will recognize those codes in text messages and will autofill them into the app that requested them, getting you signed in even faster.

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Critical alerts for Do Not Disturb

While Do Not Disturb can block out the majority of messages that don't pack importance or are just plain distracting, that does mean you could miss something important. These could be crucial things like a Health update or a text from a loved one. Along with the larger overhaul of Do Not Disturb, you'll be able to designate certain notifications as Critical Alerts that will still come through even with DND turned on.

Password manager extension

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Those who use apps like 1Password and Last Pass will be happy to know that Apple will allow more integration. iOS 12 features the Password Manager API which will allow developers to integrate these password managing apps and let them complete the fields.

Face ID rescans

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Some users have complained that Face ID doesn't always work on the first try. It can also be hard to the TrueDepth camera and sensor to try again. But with iOS 12 if it fails, you should be able to just swipe from up from the bottom. This handy trip also works well with other gestures.

Wink Detection

Credit: Apple

If you thought Tongue Detection was big, which Apple certainly did, strap in. The TrueDepth camera is also getting Wink Detection. That means Animojis and Memojis will now incorporate winks as well, letting you get even more creative.

Portrait mode improvements

If you're a fan of the front-facing portrait mode on the iPhone X, this one is for you. Apple has improved the sensor tech so it now instantly maps your face, allowing the effect to be completed faster and to isolate the background quickly. Even better, iOS 12 has a Portrait Segmentation API so developers can now use the foreground and background separation tools.

Animoji messages are longer

Credit: Apple

Fans of Animoji know that the 10-second limit is tough. And it makes it hard to truly convey a message in the amount of time or to stitch together an Animoji karaoke. iOS 12 will now give you 30 seconds to record with an Animoji or the newly announced Memoji.

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