Apple confirms Group FaceTime, dual-SIM support to arrive alongside iOS 12.1

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
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in iOS
Apple this week updated its iPhone User Guide for the upcoming release of iOS 12.1, confirming the latest version of the mobile operating system will include Group FaceTime and, for iPhone XS and XR, dual-SIM support.

Group FaceTimeGroup FaceTime in iOS 12.


Available for free through Apple Books, the revised "iPhone User Guide for iOS 12.1" is largely unchanged from a previous version created for iOS 12. There are, however, two major additions that confirm upcoming availability of features teased at WWDC 2018 in June and Apple's iPhone unveiling last month.

The e-book, which serves as a digital manual for new iPhone users, now lists Group FaceTime as a iOS 12.1 feature. Introduced at WWDC, Group FaceTime allows users to conduct FaceTime video conference calls with up to 32 participants.

Originally slated for release with iOS 12 in September, Apple postponed launch in August. The feature returned for testing in the first iOS 12.1 beta issued to developers last month, prompting speculation of its inclusion in a final build this fall.

In addition to Group FaceTime, the user guide also notes dual-SIM functionality for iPhone XR, XS and XS Max will go live when the iOS point update sees release.

A tentpole feature of Apple's latest smartphones, dual-SIM support allows iPhone owners to utilize two cellular plans on a single device without constant SIM card swapping. Apple's solution relies on Dual SIM Dual Standby technology, which keeps both a physical SIM and an embedded eSIM -- or a second physical SIM card in China -- addressable simultaneously.

Apple has not specified a release date for iOS 12.1, though beta versions have been in testing since mid-September. The update could coincide with a media event next week, where the company is expected to unveil new iPad Pro and Mac hardware.

Apple's iPhone User Guide for iOS 12.1 is a free download from iTunes.

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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 8
    SpamSandwichSpamSandwich Posts: 33,407member
    Will be nice to finally have group FaceTime. Who else remembers iChat on OSX with 3-way calls?
    supadav03
  • Reply 2 of 8
    matrix077matrix077 Posts: 868member
    ECG on the watch? Possible?
    caladanianwatto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 8
    stanthemanstantheman Posts: 332member
    Dual-SIM support will be a big hit for those who now carry one phone for business and another for personal use. It should also appeal to those who travel overseas and want to take advantage of local service fees as opposed to international roaming charges. Either way, the savings could easily be enough to pay for an iPhone update. Carriers like AT&T, Verizon and Sprint should offer deep discounts to customers who purchase a second line for their iPhone XS, just as they do for Apple Watch service. The customer could get by with a single line, and doesn’t place any greater demand on the carrier’s network by splitting his/her calls between two phone numbers. Therefore, if a second SIM (number) could generate an extra $10-$20 per month for the company, nearly all of that incremental revenue would flow through to its bottom line.
    caladanianracerhomie3watto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 8
    gilly33gilly33 Posts: 434member
    stantheman said:
    Dual-SIM support will be a big hit for those who now carry one phone for business and another for personal use. It should also appeal to those who travel overseas and want to take advantage of local service fees as opposed to international roaming charges. Either way, the savings could easily be enough to pay for an iPhone update. Carriers like AT&T, Verizon and Sprint should offer deep discounts to customers who purchase a second line for their iPhone XS, just as they do for Apple Watch service. The customer could get by with a single line, and doesn’t place any greater demand on the carrier’s network by splitting his/her calls between two phone numbers. Therefore, if a second SIM (number) could generate an extra $10-$20 per month for the company, nearly all of that incremental revenue would flow through to its bottom line.
    Yeah right. Sounds great but I doubt those three will do it. T-Mobile maybe. 
    racerhomie3watto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 8
    supadav03supadav03 Posts: 503member
    about damn time...
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 8
    racerhomie3racerhomie3 Posts: 1,264member
    supadav03 said:
    about damn time...
    If you are in such a hurry ,definitely use other 3rd party ones. Don’t tell Apple to hurry up. It will be ready when it’s ready.
    StrangeDayswilliamlondon
  • Reply 7 of 8
    tkrunner1738tkrunner1738 Posts: 289member
    I am running the public beta of 12.1 and noticed when setting up my Xr that it shows a place for phone number 2 in iTunes, and forgot about the dual sim. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 8 of 8
    bestkeptsecretbestkeptsecret Posts: 4,265member
    I really hope all those guys like Lebara and Lyca start supporting eSIM. It will make is very convenient for travel to the UK.
    watto_cobra
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