Apple released an official user guide for iOS 12.1 as an Apple Book, giving users a comprehensive look at everything new in the update. Beyond covering features already announced, the guide also confirmed several additions that had been spotted in the beta but had not yet been officially acknowledged for the final release.
Group FaceTime Finally Confirmed
One of the most anticipated features that was quietly removed during the iOS 12.0 beta was Group FaceTime. The user guide confirmed it would arrive with iOS 12.1, allowing up to 32 participants to join a FaceTime call simultaneously. The guide did note that the feature would not be available in all regions at launch.
Depth Control and Dual SIM
The guide also confirmed that photos taken with the Camera app would gain post-capture depth-of-field adjustment, letting you tweak the bokeh effect on Portrait mode shots after they have already been taken. A useful addition for anyone who uses Portrait mode regularly.
Dual SIM support was also confirmed for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Apple would enable the eSIM on these devices, allowing customers to run two phone numbers on a single iPhone without needing a physical second SIM card.
iPhone User Guide for iOS 12.1
- Available free on Apple Books for iOS and Mac