The Coolest Things In iOS 12

Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference keynote in June was all about software; those hoping for updated MacBooks were likely disappointed. This was truly an event just for Apple developers, a group now 20 million strong, CEO Tim Cook announced.

- Chloe Albanesius

Though we heard about updates coming to watchOS and macOS, iOS 12 was top of mind for many developers (and iPhone/iPad owners). New features coming to Apple’s mobile operating system this fall range from serious to silly. Here are some of the most interesting announcements.

GROUP FACETIME

In iOS 12, you will no longer be limited to one-on-one FaceTime chats. With Group FaceTime, you’ll be able to talk to up to 32 people at once—which might seem excessive, unless Apple is planning for enterprise users to pick it up.

During a chat, your image will appear in small boxes on the screen; as people speak, their images will bubble up and appear more prominently. But if you want to see only a certain person, you can just tap on their video.

If you’re having a group chat on Messages, you can turn the discussion into a Group FaceTime chat at any time, and drop in and out of the conversation as needed. And with Memoji, you can turn your mug into a cartoon version of yourself.

MEMOJI