Apple Releases Updated Version of iOS 12.1 for iPhone XR

[MacRumors]

Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12.1 for the iPhone XR, one week after the initial launch of iOS 12.1 and a little over a week since the iPhone XR's October 26 launch.

The new iOS 12.1 software for the iPhone XR carries a build number of 16B94, a slight change from the original 16B93 build number.

The update doesn't appear to be showing up on devices that have already installed iOS 12.1, suggesting the new version of the software is designed for customers who have not yet upgraded their iPhone XR devices to the iOS 12.1 update. Why Apple released an updated version of iOS 12.1 for the XR is unknown, but it's likely to include minor bug fixes.

iPhone XR owners who have not yet installed iOS 12.1 can do so over-the-air by going to Settings --> General --> Software Update.

iOS 12.1 is a major update that brings a host of new features to the iPhone XR. It brings support for the eSIM, a digital SIM that lets you activate a cellular plan from a carrier without the need to use a physical SIM card.

eSIM support is not yet available from U.S. carriers, but AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are working on implementing support before the end of the year. Other carriers around the world have begun introducing eSIM support.

iOS 12.1 also brings a new real-time Depth Control feature, which lets you adjust the depth of field of your Portrait Mode photos before you capture them, and it adds support for Group FaceTime calls with up to 32 people.

Other new features include more than 70 new emoji and several important bug fixes that should entice anyone who has not yet installed the update to do so.

Excessive skin-smoothing with the front-facing camera, for example, has been addressed, with Apple updating the Smart HDR feature of the iPhone XR's camera to use a sharper base frame to preserve more detail.

The update also improves cellular connectivity on the iPhone XR and fixes bugs with voicemails, the phone app, Screen Time, Family Sharing, and more.

Article Link: Apple Releases Updated Version of iOS 12.1 for iPhone XR

 

[bigboyz12000]

My favorite thing about the XR is the size. Its perfect to me. Not to big not too small. I wish they made the XS in that size 6.1"

 

[AngerDanger]

Excessive skin-smoothing with the front-facing camera, for example, has been addressed, with Apple updating the Smart HDR feature of the iPhone XR's camera to use a sharper base frame to preserve more detail.

Maybe iOS 12.1 16B94 has further refined this feature.

EDIT:

Goddammit!

 

[Matthew.H]

It would be nice to know why Apple has release a different version for 1 model of phone. Did the first version of 12.1 cause issues for some XR's?

 

[MrGimper]

It would be nice to know why Apple has release a different version for 1 model of phone. Did the first version of 12.1 cause issues for some XR's?

We will never know, and the increment in build number by just 1 implies it’s the smallest possible update as far as changes are concerned.

 

[egodspeed]

eSIM support is not yet available from U.S. carriers, but AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are working on implementing support before the end of the year. Other carriers around the world have begun introducing eSIM support.

FYI...

I installed and used the TruPhone app yesterday here in the United States on my iPhone XS Max. It's the only provider I know of that allows you to use the ESIM TODAY... for data. Not sure if I could set it up for anything else. That said, it seems to run only on 3G, which is kinda pathetic. But hey, it works.

 

[Banglazed]

FYI...

I installed and used the TruPhone app yesterday here in the United States on my iPhone XS Max. It's the only provider I know of that allows you to use the ESIM TODAY... for data. Not sure if I could set it up for anything else. That said, it seems to run only on 3G, which is kinda pathetic. But hey, it works.

3G is the default. Have you tried to check under Cellular to change it to 4G/LTE?

 

[egodspeed]

3G is the default. Have you tried to check under Cellular to change it to 4G/LTE?

Yep, tried it. The "LTE" toggle switch is enabled.

 

[rbalkun]

Gigsky works for LTE

 

[whirldy]

Would have been nice IF they *fixed* non-person in Portrait Mode

 

[funkyp56]

Hmm...my Xs Max is 12.1 (16B92) not 93-95

 

[Just Jeff]

Weird, iTunes offers to upgrade the phone to the new build.

 

[Sasparilla]

Definitely makes you wonder what the fix is for - must be somewhat important to push it separate from a normal release.

 

[Alan Gordon]

It would be nice to know why Apple has release a different version for 1 model of phone. Did the first version of 12.1 cause issues for some XR's?

It did with my iPhone XR, but not my mom's XR.

For me, multi-tasking would cause the iPhone to temporarily lock up and Siri would not respond to my commands were among the most glaring issues. Worked fine on iOS 12.0, and works fine with the iOS 12.1.1 beta.

 

[CmdrLaForge]

My Xr shows no further updates. Can't be so important otherwise they would release it for all Xr owners.

 

[Banglazed]

Hmm...my Xs Max is 12.1 (16B92) not 93-95

The update is for XR only

 

[sbailey4]

Hmm...my Xs Max is 12.1 (16B92) not 93-95

All devices other than the XR got 12.1 build 16B92. The XR got build 16B93 and now this update is just for the XR and is 16B94.

 

[Cosmosent]

"The Reason" for the new XR build is out there !

 

[DrJohnnyN]

Maybe iOS 12.1 16B94 has further refined this feature.

EDIT:

View attachment 801835

Goddammit!

You're a master at GIF. Sometimes I come onto these forums to see your newest GIF.

 

[lec0rsaire]

So XR buyers what is the verdict so far? Are you happy? If you switched from a dual lens iPhone, do you miss that?

How is the display? I haven’t had time to stop by an Apple Store recently. I’ve seen YouTube reviews but I prefer hearing from regular people.

 

[alpi123]

Would have been nice IF they *fixed* non-person in Portrait Mode

I don't think Apple has enough data to be able to recognize objects. Could come in a later update.

 

[Focusx0131]

Since 12.1 my XR would randomly go to a completely unresponsive screen for a couple minutes so I hope this addresses that.

 

[Alan Gordon]

So XR buyers what is the verdict so far? Are you happy?

Very happy! I upgraded from an iPhone 7 Plus, and I love the XR. The bigger screen in a smaller size is great. The speed is great, the colors are great, the speakers are great, Face ID is great, etc.

If you switched from a dual lens iPhone, do you miss that?

Yes and no. I wish it had the optical zoom, but not a deal breaker for me.

How is the display? I haven’t had time to stop by an Apple Store recently. I’ve seen YouTube reviews but I prefer hearing from regular people.

Coming from a 7 Plus with higher resolution and higher DPI, I expected to be slightly disappointed, but unless I stare intently at the screen, it looks just as sharp. I don't watch TV or movies on my iPhone, but movies look really good, particularly those with HDR/DV, and the audio is MUCH better than my 7 Plus.

I'd recommend the XR to anybody.

 

[DrJohnnyN]

So XR buyers...

Played with one at the Apple Store and it seems like a gigantic leap forward from the previous "low-end" iPhone. Would recommend to people in the market for a new phone.

 

[Gix1k]

My XR is on 12.1.1....oh well.

Interesting thing about this XR....I have an X at home as well and I prefer this XR over the X. The screen is so close that it's hardly a difference looking at them. The XR is much brighter on 100%. The 6.1 size is just perfect.