With the recent release of the iPhone XS, Apple has also released their new software update iOS 12, receiving mixed feedback and a flurry of emotions from its users.
Featuring new emojis and “Memoji,” along with Do Not Disturb, Siri Shortcuts, and Screen Time features, the iOS 12 offers a series of subtle changes for its users, with the update occupying 1.37 GB of phone storage.
Although the update uses 1.37 GB after installation, in order to install the update at all “requires at least 2.08 GB of available storage during installation,” according to the iOS 12 description found in the iPhone’s General Settings.
“I’m not planning on updating to iOS 12 because I think it will just slow down my phone that is already outdated,” sophomore Ryan Flaherty said. “I’m guessing a new update would cut into the battery life of my phone too, and then how would I be able to watch Netflix during my classes?”
The iPhone’s new update does not add any new features to the device but build upon previously established features. For example, iconic emojis are now complemented by Memoji and Animoji, which the update describes as a way to “make Messages more expressive with personalized characters that are diverse and fun.” Some Animoji updates include stickers of a T. rex, ghost, koala, and tiger.
Other updates include a special feature called Screen Time, which allows users to know how much time they are spending on their phone or on apps. The feature allows parents to control how much their children use apps or go on certain websites.
“Screen Time provides detailed information and tools to help you and your family find the right balance of time spent with apps and websites,” Apple’s software update said.
Users, especially students, are finding the feature enlightening with how much time they spend on their devices as well as motivating.
“The new Screen Time feature is amazing,” junior Joel Meng said. “Now it’s a game for me to see how little time I spend on my phone.”
Although many responses rave the new feature, some people find it to be an invasion of privacy.
“It’s kind of scary that it tracks your phone usage time,” junior Allie Matti said, but added, “It’s eye-opening how much time we waste on our phones every day.”
In terms of privacy, Apple considers Safari data usage confidentiality and finds solutions to dissolving online cookies and ad retargeting in iOS12.
“Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Prevention in Safari prevents embedded content and social media buttons from tracking cross-site browsing without your permission,” the software update said. “Strong and unique passwords are suggested automatically when creating an account or changing a password in most apps and in Safari.”
But many users feel that, in spite of these efforts in the iOS 12 update for greater privacy from external sites, Apple still invades the privacy of its users.
“I updated, and it turned on Location Services on all of my apps,” freshman Ian Renkes said, “making my battery last about one hour rather than lasting the whole day. It took me forever to figure out what was going on. Also, Location Services? Creepy, if you ask me.”
Apart from mere wariness, many feel that although the update provides some helpful tools and greater variety, it is not worth updating to since its changes appear so miniscule and ultimately uninteresting.
“iOS 12 changes very few things,” freshman Michael Fleischer said. “Each update doesn’t add value – or at least very little value. Don’t get me wrong, I love iPhones and Apple. I just don’t think they’re very innovative anymore.”
