Apple rushes out iOS 12.3.1 to squash bugs

By

iOS 12.3.1 on iPhone XS Max
iOS 12.3.1 only takes out a few bugs, but it still should be installed.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple unexpectedly introduced iOS 12.3.1 this afternoon. It comes just a few weeks after the last update, and apparently only takes care of three bugs, two of which relate to spam in Messages.

According to the release notes for iOS 12.3.1, this small update:

  • Fixes an issue that could prevent making or receiving VoLTE calls
  • Fixes issues in Messages that could cause messages from unknown senders to appear in your conversation list even though Filter Unknown Senders is enabled
  • Fixes an issue that could prevent the Report Junk link from appearing in Messages threads from unknown senders

It came as a surprise because there was no beta testing for this version. This is the first anyone outside of the company has seen it.

Get iOS 12.3.1 now

To install this new operating system version on an iPhone or iPad, either connected the mobile device to a computer running iTunes or do an over-the-air update directly to phone or tablet.

That second option only requires opening the Settings app then going to General > Software Update > Download and Install.

iOS 12.3  debuted May 13. It brought the redesigned Apple TV app that Cupertino previewed during its “show time” keynote in March. There were other improvements too.

 

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.