Apple iOS 12.1.1 Enables iPhone XR Haptic Touch Notifications, Other Features

Apple has released a new software update for iOS-running devices — the third one under the iOS 12 operating system that was launched in September. The new update comes with a bunch of new features and improvements, as well as bug fixes.

For iPhone XR users, the rollout of iOS 12.1.1 means being able to preview notifications using Haptic Touch. The feature pretty much works like the 3D Touch option on notifications on older-generation iPhones. It allows users to expand notifications on the Lock screen through a long press.

Per the release notes published on MacRumors Forums, iOS 12.1.1 also brings additional support for more carriers across Europe to the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR. Now users can turn off the physical SIM and use the eSIM for added carriers, like Swisscom in Switzerland, Orange in Spain and Three in Sweden and Denmark, instead.

The latest update iPhones also fixes the bug that was causing Face ID to temporarily become unavailable. In addition, it addresses the issue that prevented visual voicemail from downloading for some users. The bug that prevented iPhones from automatically updating time zones is also repaired.

It’s worth noting that iOS 12.1.1 reintroduces the ability to take a Live Photo during a FaceTime call. However, the feature should be enabled by both parties involved in a FaceTime call. They should toggle on the “FaceTime Lives Photos” option in the settings menu of their devices. Otherwise, users won’t be able to take a Live Photo during a call, according to MacRumors.

In addition, iOS 12.1.1 addresses the issue in Messages that prevented predictive text suggestions for some users of Chinese and Japanese keyboards. It also fixes the bug that prevented Voice Memo recordings from uploading to iCloud.

Other noticeable changes include the ability to hide the sidebar in News when the iPad is in landscape mode and the ability to generate real-time text when Wi-Fi calling is active on the iPad and iPod touch, as pointed out by AppleInsider.

The latest software release from Apple also brings support for HomePod in Mainland China and Hong Kong. Plus, it enables the HomePod LEDs to illuminate during Group FaceTime calls.

The iOS 12.1.1 update is now available to download for all eligible iPhones, iPads and iPod touch. To manually update, users should head to Settings > General > Software Update. Tapping Software Update starts the free download.