Apple has released iOS 12 GM to download for iPhone and iPad users who are currently enrolled in the beta testing programs. GM stands for Golden Master, a software development term that indicates the particular version of software is finalized for mass availability. Basically that means that, absent any
The iOS 12 GM release, carrying the build number 16A366, is available now for both developer beta and public beta testers of the operating system.
While the new update is simply labeled as ‘iOS 12’ and thus appears to be the iOS 12 GM build, it’s always possible an additional build will become available before the official release date of iOS 12 on September 17 if some major bug or security flaw is discovered between then and now. Otherwise it appears this version is indeed the GM.
If you’re currently running a beta version of iOS 12 on an iPhone or iPad, you can find iOS 12 GM available to download now from the Software Update mechanism of the Settings app
iOS 12 focuses on performance improvements but also includes a variety of new features, including a new Screen Time capability that lets you put time limits on apps and watch app usage, new Animoji, Memoji customizable cartoony avatars, improvements to Siri, a new Siri Shortcuts feature that lets you automate some tasks in iOS, amongst a variety of other smaller tweaks, improvements, and adjustments to various apps and components of the iPad and iPhone operating system.
Full release notes are included with this version of the iOS 12 GM download, repeated below for those interested in reading them on the web.
iOS 12 Release Notes
The release notes accompanying the latest iOS 12 build download are as follows:
The release date for iOS 12 is September 17, while the release date for macOS Mojave is September 24. You can check the iOS 12 supported devices list if you are not sure whether or not your particular iPhone or iPad can run the latest operating system.
Separately, macOS Mojave beta 11 is available to download as well.