When Apple released iOS 12, it brought with it a suite of new features and improvements. Here are 19 features you need to know about:

1. Screen Time – This feature provides insights into how much time you’re spending on your device and specific apps. It also allows you to set time limits for app categories.

2. Grouped Notifications – Notifications from the same app are now bundled together, reducing lock screen clutter.

3. Memoj- A new type of customizable Animoji that can be used in Messages and FaceTime.

4. Siri Shortcuts – You can now create custom Siri voice commands to trigger actions in different apps.

5. Improved Performance – iOS 12 focused on enhancing performance, especially on older devices.

6. Group FaceTime – You could chat with up to 32 people at once in FaceTime (Note: This feature was later introduced in a subsequent update).

7. Measure App – A new AR (Augmented Reality) app that lets you measure real-world objects with your camera.

8. Photo Sharing Suggestions – The Photos app now suggests sharing photos with the people detected in them.

9. Search Enhancements in Photos – The search function within Photos has been significantly improved for easier photo finding.

10. Automatic Software Updates – Option to enable your iOS device to automatically update when new software is released.

11. Do Not Disturb at Bedtime – Minimizes night-time distractions by dimming your display and hiding notifications until prompted in the morning.

12. Voice Memos for iPad – Voice Memos was made available on iPad with iOS 12, along with iCloud support for syncing recordings across devices.

13. Password Autofill and Security Code AutoFill- Quick autofill options for passwords and security codes from text messages.

14. Updated Stocks App – The redesigned Stocks app provides more detailed financial information and news integration with Apple News.

15. New Animoji Characters – Introduction of new characters like the ghost, koala, tiger, and T-rex along with tongue detection for more expressive animations.

16. Battery Health Information – View more detailed battery health information and see graphs of your battery usage patterns over time.

17. QR Code Scanner in Control Center – A shortcut to scan QR codes directly from the Control Center.

18. Improved Privacy Settings – Enhanced privacy controls giving you more protection over your data; Safari prevents share buttons and comment widgets on web pages from tracking you without permission.

19. Critical Alerts Option – Certain apps can send out critical alerts that will sound off even if the phone is muted or Do Not Disturb is enabled, useful for alarms or healthcare-related apps.

These features in iOS 12 have continued to shape user experiences by offering more control over how we interact with our devices while providing fun new ways to communicate and practical tools for everyday use.