Happy beta release day — iOS 12 developer beta 5 is out now. iOS 12 is getting closer to being complete with release expected around early September, so we’ll dig in and see if anything has changed in the new version.

iOS 12 includes several significant changes for iPhone and iPad including performance improvements, especially on older devices; ARKit 2.0 with shared experiences; refined search and sharing in Photos; more Siri access in third-party apps and Siri Shortcuts based on Workflow; updates to Stocks, Voice Memos, Apple Books, and Apple News; use management features including updates to Do Not Disturb, more manageable notifications, and Screen Time parental controls; Memoji in Messages; FaceTime between up to 32 users; and much more.

We also saw several changes in betas 2 through 4 including:

  • Podcasts app now shows Now Playing indicator on currently playing chapters (chapter support is new to iOS 12)

  • New splash screen for updated Voice Memos app

  • New splash screen for Screen Time in Settings, includes Down Time walkthrough for parents

  • New arrow launcher for Shortcuts in Spotlight

  • iPhone-only apps on iPad now use iPhone 6 version, not iPhone 4 version (…Instagram…)

  • Softer location icon in status bar

  • Time Travel references removed from Watch app –> Clock

  • Clear All Notifications now has a springy animation

  • Can now swipe to clear alerts in one swipe (like iOS 11)

  • Apple Watch Face Gallery now only highlights new Siri watch face updates (previously showed watchOS 4 faces)

  • Voice Memos for iPad redesigned

  • FaceTime effect picker tweaked

  • CarPlay appears to be fixed when using side and backup cameras

  • Watch app now shows third party apps that work with Siri watch face

  • 11 Activity app stickers that animate and do not require Special Challenge to unlock

  • iOS automatic updates suggested during setup

  • Even more new Activity stickers in Messages

  • Setting wallpaper with a photo now resolved, couldn’t reposition before

  • Cellular usage now organized by highest amount of data usage, not alphabetical

  • Activity app has tweaked icons for workouts

  • Tweaked disclosure icon on passes in Wallet (i → …)

  • 1x/2x for iPhone apps on iPad now has expand arrows instead

  • Animoji gains more lip style choices, ear ring colors now have shine

  • Battery Health no longer labeled beta

  • Screen Time presentation improved

  • Splash screen for Photos features

  • Lyrics search in Apple Music now promoted in Search

  • FaceTime has new tones when connecting and disconnecting from a call

Refresh for updates! We’re updating our iPhones and iPads and digging in immediately. Also share tips at tips@9to5mac or zac@9to5mac.com and on Twitter @9to5mac and @apollozac.