History of IOS 12 in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 26, 2026

iOS 12, released on September 17, 2018, is the twelfth major iteration of Apple's iOS mobile operating system. While similar in appearance to iOS 11, its primary focus was on enhanced performance, quality improvements, and strengthened security. It was announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 4, 2018, and succeeded by iOS 13 for iPhones and iPod Touches on September 19, 2019, and iPadOS 13 for iPads on September 24, 2019.

March 2017: Apple Acquired Workflow App

In March 2017, Apple acquired the Workflow app, which was later replaced by the Shortcuts app in iOS 12.

January 2018: Investors Call for Apple to Address iPhone's Negative Effects on Youth

In January 2018, investors JANA Partners and the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) publicly urged Apple to take greater responsibility for the potential negative impacts of iPhones on younger users.

June 4, 2018: iOS 12 Announcement

On June 4, 2018, iOS 12 was announced at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference. The new operating system focused on performance improvements and security updates.

June 2018: Tim Cook Acknowledges Over-use of Phone and Support for Screen Time Feature

In June 2018, following the announcement of the Screen Time feature, Tim Cook admitted to spending more time on his phone than he should. JANA Partners and CalSTRS then expressed support for the new Screen Time feature.

June 25, 2018: First iOS 12 Public Beta Release

On June 25, 2018, Apple released the first public beta version of iOS 12, following the developer beta release after the WWDC keynote.

September 17, 2018: iOS 12 Public Release

On September 17, 2018, Apple released iOS 12 to the public. This version prioritized performance and quality improvements, along with security updates, over new features.

October 30, 2018: Release of iOS 12.1 with Group FaceTime

On October 30, 2018, Apple released iOS 12.1, introducing the ability to have up to 32 participants in a FaceTime conversation. However, video support was limited to devices with the Apple A8X or Apple A9 chip or later.

January 28, 2019: Group FaceTime Disabled Due to Bug

On January 28, 2019, Apple disabled the Group FaceTime feature due to a software bug that allowed callers to hear audio from the recipient before the call was accepted.

February 7, 2019: Group FaceTime Restored with iOS 12.1.4

On February 7, 2019, Apple restored the Group FaceTime functionality with the release of iOS 12.1.4, which addressed the bug that had led to its temporary removal.

September 19, 2019: Release of iOS 13 for iPhone and iPod Touch

On September 19, 2019, Apple released iOS 13 for the iPhone and iPod Touch, succeeding iOS 12 on these devices.

Apple iPod Touch 32GB Space Gray MKJ02LL/A (6th Generation) (Renewed)

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September 24, 2019: Release of iPadOS 13 for iPad

On September 24, 2019, Apple released iPadOS 13 for the iPad, succeeding iOS 12 on the iPad.

Apple iPad (10th Generation): with A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life – Silver

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2019: Completion of Apple Maps Rebuild in the US

By the end of 2019, Apple had completed the rebuild of Apple Maps in the entire US. The rebuild relied on first-party map data for increased accuracy.

December 14, 2020: Release of iOS 12.5 with Exposure Notification API

On December 14, 2020, Apple released iOS 12.5, which included the Exposure Notification API, backported from iOS 13, to facilitate privacy-preserving contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2023: Time lapse between updates

In 2023, there was a significant time lapse of over three years since the previous iOS 12 update.

January 26, 2026: Release of iOS 12.5.8

On January 26, 2026, Apple released iOS 12.5.8 as the last security update for devices unable to run later iOS versions. This update extended an expiring certificate to allow iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation to function beyond 2027.

2027: Certificate Expiration Extension

In 2027, the expiring certificate was extended by the iOS 12.5.8 update to ensure continued functionality of iMessage, FaceTime and device activation on older devices.