It’s a big day for Apple users with the release of iOS 12 and watchOS 5 – so customers can get a new look and feel and new features for their iPhone and Apple Watch without having to buy new device.
Before installing watchOS 5 on their Apple Watch, users need to get iOS 12 on the iPhone.
To do this is really simple.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and you should see the iOS 12 waiting for you.
The iOS 12 update is suitable for any phone going back as far as the iPhone 5s and will also work on the iPhone SE.
Here are the main new features of iOS 12:
SCREEN TIME
How often we use our phones is something we’ve only been able to guess until now.
With Screen Time you will be able to see a weekly activity report to see how often we accessed the device and the apps to help set limits for yourself and your children.
NOTIFICATIONS
iOS 12 now allows users to manage their notifications.
You can now group notifications by apps and topics so you’re not overrun by numerous single notifications.
This makes it even easier to manage and delete a number of notifications at the same time.
There is even a new Do Not Disturb During Bedtime mode which can mute all your notifications so you’re not overwhelmed with a long list of notifications.
MEMOJIS
We already know Animojis, well now we have Memojis which allow you to create an animated version of yourself to share in messages and add effects in FaceTime.
Users can personalise their Memoji to get their look right and also add things like glasses and headwear.
SHORTCUTS
A new app called Shortcuts will allow users to assign a strings of tasks that can be unlocked with a voice command.
For example, for the commute home you might like to send a message to your partner that you’re on your way, listen to your favourite podcast and set your home thermostat to a certain temperature.
With Shortcuts, these actions can be grouped together and assigned a key phrase so Siri can act on them.
FACETIME
FaceTime is one of the most popular features on iPhones, iPads and Macs and it has now been upgraded for group calls.
Now up to 32 people can chat at the same time and can be seen through their own tile on your screen.
WATCHOS 5
Apple Watch quickly users can update their device and easily to watchOS 5.
All they need to do is simply open the Watch app on their iPhone and go to General > Software Update and watchOS 5 should be there.
To install the update, there needs to be at least 50 per cent charge on the watch and it needs to be in range of your iPhone connected to wi-fi or resting on its charger.
This update makes Apple Watch and even better fitness and communication device with a host of new features including:
ACTIVITY SHARING
watchOS 5 will allow users invite another Apple Watch wearer to compete in a seven-day Activity competition, earning points for closing Activity Rings, while receiving coaching notifications to help stay engaged and win the week.
AUTO WORKOUT DETECTION
Now Apple Watch can detect when you set off on your workout and recognise this activity as well as give you retroactive credit.
This feature will also offer a reminder to end workout sessions after a period of inactivity if you forget.
NEW WORKOUTS
Yoga and Hiking has been added along with 12 other dedicated workout types so Apple Watch can accurately track active calories burned and exercise minutes earned.
NEW RUNNING FEATURE
WithwatchOS 5 you get a high-performance features for running enthusiasts, including a new cadence (steps per minute) metric for indoor and outdoor runs and walks plus a new pace alarm for outdoor runs that alerts users when they are behind or ahead of their designated target pace.
WALKIE TALKIE
That Apple Watch on your wrist is now a Walkie-Talkie. This is an entirely new way to communicate with voice with just a tap of the wrist.
You can now quickly get in touch with friends and family with this new watch-to-watch connection which can be activated between any compatible Apple Watch users around the world over wi-fi or cellular.