Here’s When to Expect the First iOS 12 Update

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.

Here’s when you can expect the first iOS 12 update for iPhone and iPad.

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.

iPad Pro 2018 mockup with thin bezels and the iPhone X’s notch.

In addition to the new software Apple’s rumored to have new hardware up its sleeve for this year’s conference. Rumors currently point to several potential devices including a new iPad Pro and the long-rumored iPhone SE 2. Neither device is expected to arrive in Apple’s March launch window.

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.

Install iOS 11.4.1 for Better Security

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Apple's iOS 11.4.1 update comes with 15 patches for potential security issues. If you value your security, you should think about installing it today. iOS 11.4.1 also comes with a USB Restricted Mode that disables the Lightning port on your iPhone or iPad if a device hasn't been unlocked or connected to a computer using a passcode within a certain amount of time.  The new setting is located in Settings > Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode. There you’ll see a new toggle for USB Accessories. It's toggled off by default.  This provides an added layer of protection and prevents the use of cracking tools like GrayKey. If you skipped iOS 11.4, your iOS 11.4.1 update comes with 30+ patches aimed at improving your device's security. This makes it an essential download for most iPhone and iPad users.  If you missed any of Apple's previous iOS updates, your iOS 11.4.1 update comes with a lot more. If you skipped iOS 11.3.1, your version of iOS 11.4.1 comes with iOS 11.3.1's four security patches. If you skipped iOS 11.3, your iOS 11.4.1 update comes with 27 additional patches for potential exploits. Those of you lingering on iOS 11.2.6 would be wise to make the move sooner rather than later. If you missed iOS 11.3, your iOS 11.4.1 update also includes a new privacy feature. When an Apple feature wants to use your personal information, an icon now appears with a link to access detailed information about how your data will be used and protected. If you're running iOS 11.2.5 or older, you're currently exposed to an issue that lets people send a specific character that will crash an iOS-powered device and block access to the Messages app. It can also block apps like Facebook Messenger, Gmail, Outlook, and WhatsApp. The iOS 11.2.6 update's main purpose was to patch up this issue. If you skipped iOS 11.2.6, you'll get these enhancements with iOS 11.4.1. If you skipped iOS 11.2.5, you'll get 10 additional security patches including one for the malicious chaiOS link exploit. If you're running iOS 11.2.2 or below and receive a certain GitHub link through your Messages app, your iPhone or iPad can lockup or respring. The Messages app will also become unusable. If you're on iOS 11.2.1, your iOS 11.4.1 update includes security improvements to Safari and WebKit to mitigate the effects of Spectre. Apple's iOS 11.2 update fixed several problems, but it also brought problems of its own including a potentially nasty zero-day iOS HomeKit vulnerability. The vulnerability, discovered by Tian Zhang, allowed for unauthorized control of HomeKit accessories including garage door openers and smart locks. Apple quickly rolled out a server-side fix, but the company restored full functionality with the release of iOS 11.2.1. If you skipped iOS 11.2.1 and use HomeKit, you should download iOS 11.4.1 right now. If you skipped iOS 11.2, you'll get a few more patches with your iOS 11.4.1 update. Apple's iOS 11.2 update delivered 11 patches including one for Mail and one for Wi-Fi. The iOS 11.2 and iOS 11.2.1 updates also patched up a widespread security issue called "Meltdown." Apple says its analysis suggests it "has the most potential to be exploited." Meltdown affects all iOS 11 powered devices so we highly recommend downloading iOS 11.4.1 if you skipped iOS 11.2. If you skipped iOS 11.1.2, iOS 11.1.1, and iOS 11.1, you'll get additional patches with your iOS 11.4.1 update. The iOS 11.1 update delivered eight security patches including a fix for a serious Wi-Fi vulnerability called KRACK or Key Reinstallation Attack. KRACK is an exploit that targets the common WPA2 encryption protocol. If you're just now making to move from iOS 10 (or whatever you're on) to iOS 11, your iOS 11.4.1 update will come with even more security-related features. Apple's first iOS 11 update delivered several patches for potential exploits. iOS 11 also comes with new security features aimed at keeping your data safe. In iOS 11 you can't establish trust with a PC using fingerprints alone. You'll also need to put in a full passcode in order to gain that trust. If you want to protect the data you store on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you should make your move to the latest version of iOS. This is particularly important for those of you running older versions of iOS.

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