iOS 12: five hidden features you may have missed

Apple’s iOS 12 launched earlier this week amid promises that the new mobile operating software will speed up older phones and improve battery life. 

The system is free to download on devices ranging from the iPhone 5S through to the latest batch of Apple tablets and the new iPhones XS, XS Max and XR smartphones.

The California-based tech giant announced the new features and settings offered with iOS 12 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, but there are several modes that may prove tricky for even the most dedicated Apple fans to find.

Here are five hidden features that you may have missed. 

1. Alternate Appearance for Face ID

Face ID is the default security feature on the latest batch of iPhones. It allows users to unlock their phones by scanning their face, but the system can sometimes get confused if the user is wearing, say, a hat, or sunglasses. 

That problem can be solved with the Alternative Appearance mode, which lets you scan their face while wearing different headwear and accessories, so that you will still be recognised by the device without having to take them off. 

This feature can also be used to register a second face to Face ID, to give another person access to your phone or tablet.

To set up an Alternate Appearance, head to Settings, then Face ID & Passcode and then press Set up an Alternate Face.

2. Do Not Disturb timer

Do Not Disturb, a setting that mutes calls and alerts, can now be placed on a timer.

You can turn the feature on for an hour, or several hours, when you go to bed. The Do Not Disturb mode then switches itself off when the time is up so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to deactivate the feature.

Tech site iMore says Do Not Disturb can also be set to switch on when you enter a specified location or at a certain time of day.

To set the timer, swipe up to launch the Control Centre before pressing on the Do Not Disturb button. 

3. Turn the keyboard into a Trackpad

Lauded as “the most innovative feature” on iOS 12 by The Quint, the new virtual Trackpad allows iPhone and iPad users to move the location of the cursor on screen. 

 Just tap and hold the spacebar to turn the keyboard into a trackpad, then slide your finger around to move the cursor. Tap with another finger to enter the text selection mode.

The feature is similar to 3D Touch, which allows users to move the position of the cursor by pressing firmly on the display, but this has only been available on certain iPhones. By contrast, the virtual Trackpad is available on all devices with iOS 12 installed. 

4. Update automatically

Perhaps surprisingly, previous iterations of iOS did not come with an option to automatically update the device’s operating system (OS) - a feature that has been offered on Apple’s MacOS-equipped computers for some time. 

That all changes with iOS 12. The system will automatically download and install updates when one becomes available while the user sleeps, says CNet. 

The option can be switched on by heading to Settings, General and then Software Update, before toggling the Automatic Updates feature to “on”.

5. Use AirPods as hearing aids

Apple’s wireless AirPods can now be used as hearing aids thanks to iOS 12. 

The new Live Listen feature uses the small microphones on the AirPods to amplify the volume of the user’s surroundings, says Forbes. 

To activate it, simply go Settings, Control Centre, Customise and tap the Hearing option.