iOS 11.2 features – Apple has released the final version of iOS 11.2 (an upcoming software update) to the registered iOS developers. While we should not expect many new features from iOS 11.2 software update for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, it still has something unique to offer over its predecessor versions. Here we are going to talk about iOS 11.2 features – what’s new.
Also, check out: What’s New in iOS 12
This features list include all the new features found in the iOS 11.2. You can expect numerous updates to this page so it’d be better to bookmark it for future reference. Here is a detailed rundown of all the new features of iOS 11.2 found in the final release.
New iOS 11.2 Features
Apple has released the final version of iOS 11.2. The official change-log of iOS 11.2 beta did not mention much other than bug fixes and performance improvements. However, the diggers have discovered the following new features inside the final release:
Apple Pay Cash
iOS 10.2 brings along Apple’s new peer-to-peer payments service called Apple Pay Cash. The service works through the Messages app and is meant to transfer money to friends/family or someone in peers just like a message. The Apple Pay Cash allows iOS users to quickly perform a person-to-person money transfer. In simple words, with Apple Pay Cash, it is going to be a lot easier to send to or receive money from friends.
Apple Pay Cash feature resides inside iMessage app in Messages, but technically, it’s part of Apple Pay. A user can send cash from the linked debit or credit card. On the other hand, the received cash is stored in a virtual ApplePay Cash card in Wallet that you can then use to make payments or transfer it to your bank account.
SiriKit on HomePod
Apple first introduced SiriKit in iOS 10. But now, Apple is going to integrate it with its upcoming HomePod smart speakers. With the released of iOS 11.2, Apple has primarily added SiriKit for HomePod feature for iPhone and iPad devices. With the introduction of this new feature, a limited app support from third-party app developers will be available for the HomePod.
With Sirikit for HomePod, users can access apps on iPhone or iPad for Messaging, Lists, and Notes using HomePod. With SiriKit, there are a few fundamental changes. While the Siri requests are made through HomePod, a nearby iPhone or iPad processes these requests. Since Apple has not yet launched the HomePod, Apple is suggesting SiriKir developers test the functionality by pairing headphones to an iPhone or iPad to see how the scenario will play out.
With SiriKit support for third-party apps coming through iPhone or iPad, and not handled by HomePod, it will be interesting to see the overall implementation of this. HomePod is launching in December and will set you back $349.
Fix for Calculator Lag Causing Missed Calculations
Recently a bug was discovered in the stock Calculator app of iOS 11 that caused missed calculations when trying to perform a calculation by rapidly entering the numbers. A lag due to a prolonged animation which failed to register some inputs turned out to be the culprit. For instance, entering “1+2+3=” would not return the correct answer, i.e., “6”, but instead, would give you an output of “24.” The animation lag is preventing all the inputs from getting registered.
The issue existed since the release of iOS 11 and somehow still lives in the current iOS 11.0.3 software version. Even the iOS 11.1 beta version failed to address the Calculator bug which is currently at the fifth beta stage. However, Apple has finally fixed the issue with the first beta release of iOS 11.2. With this upcoming software update, users should be able to perform calculations at a rapid pace.
Misc. Changes
- Apple has added a small bar underneath the icons at the top right side of the device on the Lock screen. It is designed to make the location of Control Center more clear. iPhone X users access Control Center by swiping from the top-right side of the screen.
- OS 11.2 also brings support for faster 7.5W wireless charging for the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus.
- Apple has tweaked several existing emoji characters in iOS 11.2.
- The company has added the official marketing wallpapers of iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X for older iPhone models as well.
- Additional Live wallpapers for the iPhone X.
- The firmware also fixes the flickering of boot logo.
- The Now Playing card that appears in Control Center when AirPlaying content on an Apple TV has also been tweaked slightly.
- Two new informational popups in Control Center appears for WiFi and Bluetooth toggles.
We will update this post as we find any new feature inside any future beta release of iOS 11.2. If you want to try iOS 11.2 on your iPhone or iPad, check out our detailed installation guide:
iOS 11.2 Official Change-log
Apple Pay Cash (US Only)
Send, request, and receive money from friends and family with Apple Pay in Messages or by asking SiriOther improvements and fixes
– Adds support for faster wireless charging on iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X with compatible third-party accessories
– Introduces three new Live wallpapers for iPhone X
– Improves video camera stabilization
– Adds support in Podcasts to automatically advance to the next episode from the same show
– Adds support in HealthKit for downhill snow sports distance as a data type
– Fixes an issue that could cause Mail to appear to be checking for new messages even when a download is complete
– Fixes an issue that could cause cleared Mail notifications from Exchange accounts to reappear
– Improves stability in Calendar
– Resolves an issue where Settings could open to a blank screen
– Fixes an issue that could prevent swiping to Today View or Camera from the Lock Screen
– Addresses an issue that could prevent Music controls from displaying on the Lock Screen
– Fixes an issue that could cause app icons to be arranged incorrectly on the Home Screen
– Addresses an issue that could prevent users from deleting recent photos when iCloud storage is exceeded
– Addresses an issue where Find My iPhone sometimes wouldn’t display a map
– Fixes an issue in Messages where the keyboard could overlap the most recent message
– Fixes an issue in Calculator where typing numbers rapidly could lead to incorrect results
– Addressed an issue where the keyboard could respond slowly
– Adds support for real-time text (RTT) phone calls for the deaf and hard of hearing
– Improves VoiceOver stability in Messages, Settings, App Store, and Music
– Resolves an issue that prevented VoiceOver from announcing incoming Notifications