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1. SMS OTP auto-fill
If you get a one-time password (OTP) via a text message, iOS will now show an auto-fill prompt to help you quickly paste it in browsers or apps. Android users have had this feature for a while, but iOS’ implementation is superior because it protects your privacy. On Android, every app that implements OTP auto-fill can read every single one of your messages. On iOS, the operating system prompts you to paste an OTP and the app itself can’t read your messages. The only problem is if you enable any SMS spam prevention apps, you don’t get the OTP auto-fill prompt if the message goes to your SMS Spam tab.
2. Gestures on iPad, just like iPhone X
iPhone X introduced us to different gestures for the Control Centre (swipe down from the top-right) and to switch between apps (swipe up from the bottom). The iPad now implements these gestures too.
3. Multiple faces on Face ID
On iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, you can now add more than one face to Face ID for unlocking the device. Go to Settings > Face ID and passcode and select Set Up an Alternate Appearance . Another nifty feature is if the device fails to recognise your face, you can swipe up to enter the passcode.
4. QR code scanner in Control Centre
Go to Settings > Control Centre > Customise Controls . You’ll see a new option called QR Code Scanner. This allows you to quickly open the camera to scan QR codes or take pictures.
5. Automatic software updates
You can now allow iOS to automatically install new software updates. Go to Settings > General > Software Update . Tap Automatic Updates and switch it on to enable this. You’ll be notified before iOS updates are installed.
6. Siri Shortcuts
The Workflow app makes a reappearance inside iOS 12 as an app called Siri Shortcuts. The app wasn’t available at the time of writing so we weren’t able to test it. However, you can still go to Settings > Siri & Search > All Shortcuts . Here you will find a bunch of Shortcut suggestions, and you can tap any, record a phrase, and Siri will execute that action when you say that phrase. For instance, “Show me screenshots” will make Siri open the Screenshots album in the Photos app. These recorded phrases will appear under Settings > Siri & Search > My Shortcuts .
7. Hey Siri works in low power mode
The “Hey Siri” trigger keyword has been around for a while, but now it works even when your iOS device is in low power mode.
8. Revamped Photos app
The Photos app has been revamped on iOS 12. You can see a For You tab that highlights various memories from your photo album. The app also sends you sharing suggestions based on trips you’ve been on recently or if it’s been a year since certain trips, etc.