iOS 12 unveiled

The WWDC has unveiled iOS 12 -- this software defines the iPhones for 2018, while also updating current iPhones and iPads. 

Check out all of CNET's coverage of WWDC 2018. 

Coming soon, the software update will bring updates to apps, augmented reality, Animoji, FaceTime (in groups!), photos, and "do not disturb" mode. 

Apple's Senior VP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi discusses the new iPhone update: iOS 12.

Tongue detection

iOS12 introduces four new Animojis: the ghost, koala, tiger and T. rex. The new and existing Animojis now have tongue detection, meaning a lot of people are going to be sticking their tongues out at their iPhones. 

Or, if you want, you can make multiple Memoji that don't look like you, for your many personalities. 

The process of personalizing your Memoji is meant to be simple, with many options to choose from. You can edit details like freckles and tinted sunglasses.

Group facetime

iOS 12 has finally brought group FaceTime -- iOS users can add up to 32 people to one FaceTime call, or start a FaceTime with members of an existing group chat in iMessage.  

While one person is speaking, their icon on the call enlarges, moving the focus to their face. 

You can even FaceTime using your preferred Animoji or your individualized Memoji. 

Siri notifications

Siri's new shortcuts feature can provide information and services that it assumes you may need throughout your day. 

It can even identify repeated or upcoming events on your schedule and offer actions to help.

You can create individualized voice prompts through the new shortcut editor that lets you set up your own commands for personal needs. 

Siri can be programmed to respond to commands like "make me happy," "order my coffee," or "find my keys." There will be hundreds of default commands to download when iOS 12 comes, alongside the many you can personalize for yourself. 

Screentime

Surprisingly, Apple's going to help you use your phone less: iOS 12 lets you set time limits on apps. 

Through an app called Screen Time, users can set a customized time limit for any app. 

This way, your phone will notify you when you're using the app for too long.

Screen Time offers a way to keep track of time you spend on your phone. This app gives weekly reports on how often you use your device, counting notifications from apps, time spent in maps and more. 

You can click on specific days to see what you spent time doing. 

Screen Time keeps track of the number of times different apps notify you, calculating the average notifications within an hour and throughout the day.

This new feature can help make people more aware of wasted time on social media. It can also be useful for parents who want to set limits and monitor their kids' time on certain apps. 

Do not disturb

Apple's Do Not Disturb function is more personalized, making it even easier to avoid looking at your screen. You can choose a specific amount of time when you want to avoid seeing any or all pesky notifications. 

To avoid being awakened by your phone after bedtime, you can put your phone on 'do not disturb'. Simply change it again in the morning to see all notifications you didn't look at the night before. 

Measuring app

Say goodbye to measuring tape: iOS 12 brings an app that uses your iPhone camera to measure real-life objects. 

You can make multiple measurements on the same object by tapping on the edges of the object through your phone or tablet's camera. 

The dimensions will then show up on your screen in an easy-to-understand visualization. 

The measuring app can be used for both 2D and 3D objects. For instance, a 2D baby picture of Craig Federighi. 

Augmented reality

iOS 12 brings the second version of Apple's AR software toolbox for developers: ARKit 2.0. With this update, Apple promises improved face tracking, realistic rendering, 3D object detection, and shared interaction. 

ARKit 2.0 emphasizes multiuser experience in VR. This means that now people on different iOS devices can interact and experience the same AR in real time. 

When shopping online for say, a new guitar, you can view any item through AR. This enables you to view the object's actual size, color, or texture up against objects in your surrounding environment. 

Legos in AR

ARKit 2.0 even can bring your Lego set to life.

Multiple users can interact with their Legos in the same AR environment: editing landscapes, adding buildings, and playing with AR characters on their devices. 

The Lego set comes with characters already set up through AR who show up when looking at the set through your device. 

Users can control or talk to AR Lego characters. Possible character actions include driving, baking and putting out AR fires.

Searching for photos is made easier with iOS 12. The update lets you search for terms, people and scenes.  

The Photo app also has a "For you" tab that suggests memories to revisit, photos to share with key people, and applying loops to certain photos. 

It's a customized way to share photos, making them easier to find and send to friends.

Your "For you" tab keeps track of sharing activity. Once a friend (with an iPhone or iPad) receives photos from you, iOS 12 will search their photos to suggest pictures for them to share with you. 

Improved performance

The software is focused on improving the performance of older devices, like the iPhone 6 Plus. 

iOS 12 will come to the all iPhones and tablets from 2013 to the present, just like iOS 11. 

Faster CPU

iOS 12 brings new features while also promising faster performance. The central processing unit (CPU) now works quicker than that in iOS 11. 

The CPU is up to two times speedier in share sheet display and app launch under load. 

App updates

The News, Stocks, Voice Memos and Books apps are all getting refreshed. 

In the updated Apple news app, a new browse tab and sidebar makes it easier to find new channels or different topics, or to jump to your favorites. 

Top stories are hand-picked by Apple News' editorial team.

The Stocks app has new charts to show stock performance throughout the day. Apple News has also been incorporated: top stories and business news headlines can be read without leaving the Stocks app. 

CarPlay now supports third-party traffic apps. 

In an exciting change of name: iBooks is now Books. The creatively titled Books has a new store, and a feature called Reading Now that gives a front page preview of where you left off. 

In addition to all these iOS 12 updates, there's more that Apple didn't mention at the WWDC.

Check out all of CNET's coverage of WWDC 2018.