Apple releases iOS 12.1.1 with redesigned FaceTime, expanded eSIM support, and more

Apple today released numerous software updates with one of them being iOS 12.1.1. Although, this is anything but a minor update.

The release brings us an improved user interface that makes it much easier to switch between the front-facing and rear camera during FaceTime calls, so there’s no more having to tap 3 or 4 times to get it to switch. FaceTime is also seeing the addition of Live Photos (again). The feature that allows you to capture Live Photos during calls was removed in iOS 12, but has been brought back in both regular FaceTime and Group FaceTime calls.

iPhone XR users are also seeing a big update. With the removal of 3D Touch Apple has had to resort to using Haptic feedback. iOS 12.1.1 now also includes the Haptic Touch feature which will expand out notifications with a long press. Additionally users may notice the Watch app is now updated to look more like the redesigned Series 4.

You can find the full change log below:

– Notification preview using haptic touch on iPhone XR
– Dual SIM with eSIM for additional carriers on iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max
– One tap to flip between the rear and front-facing camera during a FaceTime call
– Live Photo capture during one-to-one FaceTime calls
– The option to hide the sidebar in News on iPad in landscape orientation
– Real-time text (RTT) when using Wi-Fi calling on iPad and iPod touch
– Stability improvements for dictation and VoiceOver

Bug fixes include:

– Fixes an issue where Face ID may temporarily become unavailable
– Addresses an issue that prevented visual voicemail from downloading for some customers
– Fixes an issue in Messages that could prevent predictive text suggestions when typing on the Chinese or Japanese keyboards
– Addresses an issue that could prevent Voice Memos recordings from uploading to iCloud
– Fixes an issue where time zones may not have updated automatically

This release also adds features and fixes bugs for HomePod including:

– Support in Mainland China and Hong Kong
– HomePod LEDs illuminate during Group FaceTime calls