Just a little over a week after iOS 12.3 hit iPhones and iPads everywhere, Apple has released iOS 12.3.1—a minor update that fixes a couple bugs. Earlier this week, Apple also released a supplemental update for macOS 10.14.5 to fix issues with the T2 chip on some MacBook Pros, addressing a common user complaint.
The iOS update primarily focused on fixing some issues with the Messages app. More specifically, it addresses a bug that prevented the “report junk” option from appearing on applicable threads and another one that made unknown senders appear in your main inbox when they shouldn’t. Additionally, it addresses an issue that affected VoLTE calls.
It’s true, we’re getting to that stage of the year when Apple will reveal what it has planned in its next-generation of software at the annual World Wide Developers’ Conference.
But in the last few hours, Apple has released a smaller update to iOS. This one is iOS 12.3.1 and here’s what you’ll find in it.
Bugs!
This release is mostly about squishing bugs – though the fact that it has come so very soon after the release of iOS 12.3 suggests there was an air of urgency about it.
Topmost among these is an issue that could prevent VoLTE calls happening, in both directions.
As you’ll know VoLTE means Voice over LTE and reflects the fact that voice calls have for some time now been made on 4G – something that will continue when 5G services are live, I believe.
So to lose the capability to make phone calls on your, you know, phone, is a pretty serious thing.
More Bugs!
The Messages app is the next area of concern. Even if you have Filter Unknown Senders enabled in messages, it’s possible you could still see messages from complete strangers and this update sets out to put that right.
The third thing to be fixed concerns junk messages. The link that allows you to report messages from unknown senders as junk may have gone missing and this update should ensure that it’s back.
How to get it
To download the update, open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update. Note that it can take a little while sometimes for all eligible devices to be ready to download it. It’s a reasonably small update, so it shouldn’t take long to download and install.
Here are Apple’s full release notes for the update
iOS 12.3.1 includes bug fixes for your iPhone and iPad. This update:
– Fixes an issue that could prevent making or receiving VoLTE calls
– Fixes issues in Messages that could cause messages from unknown senders to appear in your conversation list even though Filter Unknown Senders is enabled
– Fixes an issue that could prevent the Report Junk link from appearing in Messages threads from unknown senders
Previous iOS 12 Updates
Here is a breakdown of the previous iOS 12 updates, compiled in conjunction with fellow Forbes contributor Amit Chowdhry.
iOS 12.3
This version of iOS launched on May 13, 2019, and was all about Apple TV. It completely redesigned the app on iOS (and tvOS as well) adding support for AirPlay 2-enabled smart TVs, building TV channels into the app and the capability to subscribe to them from within the app. A new kids’ section and extra recommendations were also added.
Bugs were also taken care of that address issues where calls on wi-fi calling could drop, for instance.
iOS 12.2
iOS 12.2, released on March 25, 2019, included support for Apple News+, the ability for Siri to play videos from iOS devices to Apple TV, four new emoji, dedicated TV controls in the Control Center, the ability for Apple Pay Cash customers to transfer money to their bank accounts instantly using Visa debit cards, support for the second-generation model of AirPods and a number of bug fixes and improvements.
Just as importantly, Four new Animoji—owl, boar, giraffe and shark—were added for iPhone X and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and iPad Pro 11-inch.
Wallet app started displaying Apple Pay credit and debit transactions right below the card, Screen Time added the capability of being configured with a different schedule for each day of the week and a new toggle enabled easily turning app limits on or off temporarily.
iOS 12.1.4
iOS 12.1.4 (released on February 7, 2019) is partly known for fixing a shocking iOS bug, which meant you could get at the audio and video of an iPhone running iOS 12.1 or later without being detected through a FaceTime call Apple issued an apology while it was working on a fix for this issue.
And iOS 12.1.4 also fixed a bug where an app would be able to gain elevated privileges and an issue with Live Photos in FaceTime, among other issues.
iOS 12.1.3
iOS 12.1.3 (released on January 22, 2019) sorted an issue in the Messages app which affected how photos were displayed. It also sorted an audio distortion issue when using external audio input devices on iPad Pro (2018). And iOS 12.1.3 resolved an issue that caused some CarPlay systems to disconnect from the 2019 iPhones.
This update also fixed several issues with the HomePod speaker.
iOS 12.1.2 (Second Release)
The second version of iOS 12.1.2 (released on December 20, 2018) — known as build 16C104 — replaced the previous version, possibly to introduce stability improvements though details were scant.
iOS 12.1.2 (First Release)
The first iOS 12.1.2 update (released on December 17, 2018) included bug fixes and a potential workaround for Qualcomm’s patents, which Apple had been found to be violating, as a result of which a sales ban on the Apple iPhone 6s through the Apple iPhone X had been ordered.
In China, the iOS 12.1.2 update altered how apps were force closed and adjusted the share sheet user interface of the share sheet for setting contacts and wallpapers. This update also addressed issues associated with eSIM activation for the 2019 iPhones.
iOS 12.1.1
iOS 12.1.1 (released on December 5, 2018) integrated notification preview using Haptic Touch on the iPhone XR. And Dual SIM with eSIM support was added for the 2019 iPhones.
And iOS 12.1.1 added a one-tap-to-flip feature between the rear- and front-facing cameras during a FaceTime call. Live Photo capture during one-to-one FaceTime calls was also added.
The iOS 12.1.1 update allowed users to hide the sidebar while viewing the News app in landscape mode on the iPad.
iOS 12.1 (Second Release)
The second version of iOS 12.1 (released on November 6, 2018) included a maintenance update for the iPhone XR.
iOS 12.1
iOS 12.1 (released on October 30, 2018) included features which had been promised when the software was announced but not implemented. These included Group FaceTime, 70 new emoji, depth control in the Camera app and dual SIM support.
iOS 12.0.1
iOS 12.0.1 (released on October 8, 2018) was mostly a bug-squasher, including charging issues, for instance. It also restored the original placement of the “.?123” key on iPad keyboards.
iOS 12
The first release of this major iOS update (released on September 15, 2018) shipped with plenty of new elements. These ranged from Do Not Disturb enhancements, notification grouping and more The new Measure app which uses Augmented Reality to let you measure things by waving the iPhone in the air, is a favorite of mine. Books, Stocks and News apps were redesigned and significant upgrades were applied to the Voice Memos app.
