Apple iOS 12.1 developer beta 1 released, brings back Group Face Time

Earlier this week, Apple rolled out final versions of iOS 12 and watchOS 5 for download. The new software versions were announced in June at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Apple iOS 12 includes new features like Group FaceTime, Siri Shortcuts, Scren Time, Do Not Distrub at Bedtime, and more. Dual-SIM support for iPhone XS Max and iPhone XS will also be released. Apple watchOS 5 includes the Walkie-Talkie feature, improved notifications, new watch faces, etc.

Separately, developer Steve Troughton-Smith shared on Twitter screenshot of iOS 12.1 code, which hints at landscape orientation support for Face ID. This suggests that Apple is gearing up to launch its new iPad Pro models with Face ID feature. The new 11-inch tablet and a refreshed version of existing 12.9-inch variant iPad Pros were expected at the company’s September 12 event, which did not happen.
https://twitter.com/stroughtonsmith/status/1042128909754617866
https://twitter.com/stroughtonsmith/status/1042131610345369600
The new Apple iPad Pro variants are speculated to launch by the end of this year. Both tablets are rumoured to ditch Touch ID and the home button in favor of FaceID. The iPad can be used either in a vertical or horizontal orientation, which could be the reason why Apple is working on landscape orientation support for Face ID.

Also read: Apple iOS 12: Screen Time to Grouped Notifications, the best new features to try out

The developer, in a consecutive tweet, said that for Face ID to work in landscape orientation, the front camera sensors will have to be realigned. This means that support can not be rolled out on existing devices via a software update, as it needs hardware reconfiguration.

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