Apple to Focus on Software Quality Over New Features in iOS 12

Although Apple announced that it is focusing on reliability and performance over new features in iOS 12, a new report demonstrates that the operating system might have a few new tricks up its sleeve.

According to a new report from Bloomberg, the next sweeping iOS update, codenamed “Peace” and likely to be called iOS 12, will include a number of app redesigns, the expansion of Animoji into Facetime, and other changes, but not some of the biggest rumored changes such as redesigned home screens for iPhone and iPad.

One of the biggest changes for iOS 12 is a universal app system which will allow for apps to work across iPhone, iPads and Macs could greatly improve both the iOS and macOS ecosystems (including Apple’s own apps, like News and Home) and is thought to also be part of a release called “Liberty,” possibly macOS 10.14.

Currently, users have to download separate iOS and macOS apps to use the same programs across their mobile devices and desktops or laptops. Along with this change, Apple could bring some mobile-specific apps to macOS, like the Home app that controls HomeKit-enables smart home devices.

According to the report, iOS 12 will also bring various new features, including a new Digital Health tool that shows parents how much time children spend on iOS devices; Animoji support in FaceTime (as well as more Animoji); Face ID support on iPad; multiplayer support for AR games; a redesigned stocks app; upgraded Do Not Disturb mode; a new way to import photos into an iPad; and a new way to integrate Siri into iPhone search.

However, several other features that were initially planned for iOS 12 have been postponed to iOS 13 or later, including a redesigned home screen for the iPhone, iPad, and CarPlay, and a revamped Photos app that can suggest what images to view. Some iPad-only features have also reportedly been delayed, including a multitasking mode that would let users run several tabs in the same app window, as well as a feature that would allow users to run two screens of the same app side by side.

Overall, Apple seems to be continuing to update its software annually, but without rushing developers to meet annual deadlines. This should lead to improved software experiences across platforms, something that Apple has recently been criticized for not achieving.