We now know precisely when you should be able to jump off iOS 11 and try Apple’s rumored iOS 12 update on your iPhone or iPad.
Apple’s rumored iOS 12 update is supposedly focused on enhancing performance as the company hopes to repair its image after the disastrous iOS 11 release. And that makes iOS 12 an exciting upgrade for anyone struggling with bugs and performance issues on iOS 11.2.6 and below.
iOS 12 isn’t next in line for iPhone or iPad, that honor belongs to the company’s iOS 11.3 update, but you should be able to get your hands on Apple’s iOS 12 update in a few short weeks.
Today Apple confirmed dates for its annual developer conference. WWDC 2018 is set to take place in San Jose, California at the McEnery Convention Center.
The conference will stretch from June 4th to June 8th.
This is an exciting event for developers (at least those who qualify), but it’s also an exciting event for consumers because Apple typically uses its keynote to announce new software and, some years, new hardware. Last year the company confirmed iOS 11 alongside a new iPad Pro.
This year, Apple’s keynote on June 4th could include several announcements including iOS 12, an iOS 12 beta and, if we’re lucky, new hardware.
iPhone and iPad users can expect Apple to detail iOS 12 on stage during its keynote on June 4th. The company will likely use the keynote to highlight some of the software’s new features.
iOS 12’s features are rumored to include improvements to Augmented Reality (AR), enhancements to digital health, better overall performance, deeper Siri integration in search, upgrades to Do Not Disturb, and a redesigned Stocks app.
According to Bloomberg, the iOS 12 update will also include Animoji in FaceTime, something that will allow iOS users to place virtual faces over themselves during video calls. It’ll also deliver new emojis to iPhone and iPad users.
Since the release of iOS 11 in September Apple’s received a ton of criticism for quality issues and security problems and the company’s reportedly delayed some iOS 12 features to address these problems.
June 4th will likely serve as iOS 12’s first day of availability. Apple is known for pushing beta software immediately following its keynote and we developers should be able to get their hands on iOS 12 shortly after Tim Cook concludes the WWDC 2018 keynote. A release for the general public via the company’s Beta Software Program should come later.
The beta will be limited to the devices Apple plans to update with the official version of iOS 12 later this year. Devices on the chopping block this year include the iPhone 5s and iPad mini 2.
Apple generally keeps devices updated with new software for four years before cutting off support and these devices have received four major upgrades from Apple during their lifespan. Devices like the iPhone X, iPhone 7, and iPhone 6s will get upgraded from iOS 11.
The iPhone SE 2 is rumored to have a new design with more horsepower while the iPad Pro 2018 is expected to share a lot in common with the iPhone X.
Apple’s also rumored to be working on three other iPhones that could launch alongside the final version of iOS 12 in the fall.
According to respected KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s developing a new 5.8-inch replacement for the iPhone X (we’re calling it iPhone 11), a larger iPhone X Plus, and a cheaper 6.1-inch iPhone with an LCD display.
New iPhone models typically run new iOS software out of the box so you can expect Apple’s batch of 2018 iPhones to come with iOS 12 pre-loaded. And if Apple continues to stick with the usual release protocol, you can expect the new iPhones to arrive a few days after the official iOS 12 release date.
Developers can register to attend to WWDC 2018 starting today. Registration will remain open until March 22nd at 10:00 AM PT. Per usual, Apple will be using a lottery system to select attendees. WWDC 2018 tickets are priced at $1,599 and only those who win the lottery are eligible to buy a ticket.
Developers are eligible for the lottery if they’ve been a member of the Apple Developer Program or the Apple Developer Enterprise Program as of March 13th at 10AM PT.
Those who are chosen by Apple through the ticket lottery will be notified by March 23rd at 5PM PT. Those who are unable to attend will be able to catch the action via Apple’s livestream.
