10 Cool iOS 12 Features To Try on Apple Devices

Some of the cool features you need to try on iOS 12. Screentime, track pad and more.

The latest Apple software update, iOS 12, is out and iPhone and iPad users across the globe have already started updating their devices. The update which is 1.65GB in size was rolled out on 17 September and brings with it a lot of new features.

The company had initially released a beta version of the update for user experiences/reviews and real world testing and is now offering the full version of the software on iPhone devices as old as the iPhone 5s.

Every year at Apple’s Developers Conference, the company’s top bosses talk about what the new iOS is going to bring to customers and this was no different. But, apart from what was showcased about iOS 12, there are plenty of features that the company doesn’t talk about. This is where we come in.

So, here are 10 iOS 12 hidden features every Apple user should be aware of.

1. AirPods Hearing Aid

I never thought I’d see this day, but the Apple AirPods now can be used for other things apart from listening to music and catching practice when they’re about to fall off your ears. The new iOS 12 offers a feature called Live Listen which accentuates the listening experience while wearing the AirPods.

To activate, go to Settings>Control Center>Customize and then add “Hearing”.

2. OTP Auto-fill

Now, if you get a one-time password (OTP) via a text message, iOS 12 will display an auto-fill prompt, which will help you quickly paste it in the browsers or any app. Though this feature has been on Android for a while now, the one on iOS is much safer. On Android, every app that uses the auto-fill feature has access to your messages.

iOS is more secure as it doesn’t allow any third-party app to read you messages. However, if you have enabled any SMS spam prevention apps, you won’t get the OTP auto-fill prompt.

3. It’s a Track Pad Now!

This definitely is the most innovative feature of the new iOS 12. Now iOS 12 users can use the space below the Space Bar as a track pad while typing a message. This feature allows you to move around the text from one word to another like you would using a mouse.

All you need to do to activate this feature is tap and hold the area below the Space Bar and move you finger around. You’ll automatically see the cursor move over the text.

4. When One Face ID Just Isn’t Enough

Users can now feed in two Face IDs to unlock their devices. Head to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Set Up an Alternate Appearance. And voila!

This is just an added security feature that iOS 12 has added, else I don’t really see the need to have another face ID as a back-up.

5. Automatic Software Update

Another feature that’s very late to the party, but still Apple fans will rejoice, is the Automatic Update feature. Now, users will be able to activate the feature by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

You will be sent a notification before the updates are being installed.

6. Drag and Drop Memoji

Apple fans have developed a liking for animated emoticons ever since its release and now iOS 12 is offering another update for the users to play with. The new update allows Apple gizmo users to drag and drop a memoji on top of selfies and even other pictures.

7. Search by Lyrics in Apple Music

Apple Music too brings in a new update where users will be able to search any track via its lyrics. So, if you have forgotten the name of a song, but remember just the chorus, just type in the lyrics and you’ll find the song.

We tried this feature and it didn’t seem to work for us. We tried searching “What Goes Around by Justin Timberlake” by searching “is he everything you wanted in a man?” And, no result.

8. Detailed Battery Statistics

Apple device users will have a better idea of how they are using their battery thanks to the new iOS 12 update. To have a detailed look at your battery consumption, go to Settings > Battery and scroll down to see detailed battery usage data.

This feature has been available in Android devices since eons! Just FYI.

9. Do Not Disturb Me

The Do Not Disturb feature now gets a lot of customisations with the new update. Earlier, one had to activate the DND feature and close it manually. Right?

The iOS 12 update allows the users to schedule Do Not Disturb for a particular period of time, which you can set manually. Example: Set Do Not Disturb from 10:00AM to 11:00AM.

A great addition for people who usually forget to turn off the DND feature.

10. A Call for Digital Well-Being

Apple had unveiled its ‘Digital well-being’ feature at this year’s Developers Conference and the feature is now available in the latest Apple update. The feature has been dubbed ‘Screentime’.

It gives the users a detailed summary of how much time they have spent on social networking, entertainment and creativity.

To view how much time you are spending on your phone, go to Settings>Screen Time.

Google had announced its own Digital Wellbeing feature earlier which is available on devices running on stock Android or the latest Android Pie. Apple’s finally won a race.