Apple announces iOS 12.1 update with Group FaceTime and more emoji

Coinciding with the release of its latest iPad Pro, Apple launched a group chat version of FaceTime. — Apple/dpa

Apple has announced an update to its iOS 12.1 mobile operating system which features Group FaceTime and new emojis for iPhones and iPads.

Group FaceTime now allows users to call multiple people at once. During a call, FaceTime automatically detects active speakers and highlights who is speaking by bringing them to the front of the screen.

The call can also be placed from within the messaging app – so if there is a group chat on iMessage, then members can place a group call to all participants. All messages and calls have end to end encryption.

Now to the important news: the new emoji.

As Apple says: "Emoji are used by people all over the world to communicate and iOS 12.1 brings even more characters to the keyboard that better represent global users."

The software update includes more than 70 new emoji, including emoji with different hair colours, male and female superheroes and new animal emoji for llamas, mosquitoes and kangaroos.

The new iOS update also brings a new update to Apple's camera app, adding better depth control for "professional-level bokeh".

The iPhones XS, XS Max and XR all have dual SIM and digital eSIM support with iOS 12.1. – dpa