Apple has released the second iOS 12.1 beta to developers. The update offers Group FaceTime and various bug fixes. The company also released watchOS 5.1 beta 2 and tvOS 12.1 beta 2 to developers.
Update:
The second iOS 12.1 public beta is also available.
The first iOS 12.1 beta was released to developers on Sept. 18 with the first iOS 12.1 public beta arriving two days later. Besides Group FaceTime, the updates also included software for Dual SIM for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and upcoming iPhone XR. There was also language suggesting all-new iPad Pro tablets were coming soon, along with Memoji syncing and horizontal Face ID.
First announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, Group FaceTime was supposed to be one of the signature features of both iOS 12 and macOS Mojave. However, it was pulled from both operating systems during the beta process. At the time, Apple said it needed more time to complete the feature.
With Group FaceTime, up to 32 people can chat at the same time across multiple devices.
Developers can download iOS 12.1 beta 2 over the air (OTA) or through the Apple Developer website. Register developers can download watchOS 5.1 beta 2 once they install iOS 12.1 beta 2 on their iPhone through the Watch app. TvOS 12.1 beta 2 is available under the Settings up on Apple TV.
The iOS 12 beta 2 has a build number of 16B5068i. WatchOS 5.1 beta 2 has a build number of 16R5568d, while tvOS 12.1 beta 2 has a build number of 16J5584c.
What’s New
- Apple has introduced 70 new emoji in the latest betas.
- The charging issue affecting some early iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max users has been corrected in the latest iOS 12.1 beta.
- Flashlight and Camera buttons on iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max include clicky sounds when not muted
- iOS 12.1 includes the ability to adjust the depth of field in real-time in the Camera app in Portrait Mode. Currently, this is only available during post-capture editing. (iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR only.)