Introduction

Apple releases new versions of its mobile operating system (OS) every year, and the release of iOS 12 marked a significant milestone in the company’s history. As an iOS developer, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the platform, as they can significantly impact your ability to create effective apps for your users.

The Release of iOS 12: A Timeline

iOS 12 was first announced by Apple’s CEO Tim Cook during the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2018. The release date for the operating system was set for September 17, 2018, with Apple launching a pre-release version of the OS available to developers on July 8, 2018.

The Key Features of iOS 12: A Review

Now that we know when iOS 12 was released, let’s take a closer look at some of its key features that make it an excellent choice for iOS developers.

Improved Performance

One of the main benefits of iOS 12 is its improved performance compared to previous versions of the OS. The operating system includes several new features designed to speed up app launches and improve overall system responsiveness, including:

• Instant App Launch: This feature allows users to launch apps instantly, even if they have not been opened in a while.
• Background App Refresh: This feature ensures that background apps update their data even when the user is not actively using them, improving overall app performance.
• Smoother Multitasking: iOS 12 includes several new features designed to improve multitasking on iPhones and iPads, including improved gestures for switching between apps and more intuitive app launching.

Enhanced Security Features

Security is always a top concern for iOS developers, and iOS 12 includes several new security features that can help protect your users’ data and devices:

• Face ID: This advanced biometric authentication feature replaces the traditional Touch ID fingerprint sensor and uses facial recognition to unlock iPhones and other devices.
• App Store Review Process: Apple has implemented a more rigorous app store review process, which includes manual reviews of all apps before they can be published. This new process is designed to improve app quality and reduce the number of malicious apps on the App Store.
• End-to-End Encryption: iOS 12 includes several new features designed to improve data privacy, including end-to-end encryption for iMessages, FaceTime, and WhatsApp. This ensures that only the sender and recipient can access the content of these messages.

New App Features

In addition to its improved performance and enhanced security features, iOS 12 also includes several new app features that make it easier for users to interact with their devices:

• Sticky Navigation Controllers: This feature allows developers to create more intuitive navigation menus by fixing the navigation controller at the bottom of the screen, making it easier for users to access important information.
• Grouped Notifications: This new feature allows users to group notifications from multiple apps into a single notification stack, making it easier to manage their notifications and reduce clutter on their home screens.
• Smart App Banners: This feature allows developers to create banners that appear at the top of the screen when a user opens an app for the first time, helping to increase engagement and retention rates.

FAQs

Now that we have taken a closer look at some of the key features of iOS 12, let’s answer some common questions about the release of the operating system: