iOS 12.1.3 Fixes Major Messages, CarPlay, HomePod Headaches

Apple has just rolled out version 12.1.3 of iOS and while the numbering does suggest it's just a maintenance update, it's one that many users might want to apply ASAP. No, it doesn't add any new feature or activates a hidden one. Instead, it fixes bugs users have been experiencing across almost all of Apple's products except Macs that have been giving them no small amount of heartache in the past weeks since iOS 12.1.2.

iMessage has been one of Apple's most envied services but the Messages app has recently been causing users pain instead. Since the last iOS update, a bug in the Details page of the app has made it nearly impossible to see older photos or videos exchanged with a contact. Plus, some photos sent via a Share sheet might randomly have striped artifacts. Both bugs have reportedly been addressed in this new update.

The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR have been making headlines but not all in a good light. Beyond sales concerns, however, one issue that owners of these 2018 iPhones have encountered is that they randomly disconnect from CarPlay. iOS 12.1.3 fixes that as well as a bug in the HomePod that causes the smart speaker to also randomly restart or for Siri to inexplicably become deaf.

Finally, some 2018 iPad Pro owners have reported getting distortions when using an external audio input peripheral. While that may sound like a very minor problem, it does reduce the usability of these iPads as the professional content creation and productivity tools that Apple wants everyone to know. Now that's fixed, too.

One word of caution, though. While these rather critical fixes may urge users to immediately install iOS 12.1.3, it should also be noted that some of those bugs crept up in the iOS 12.1.2 update. Depending on how important those fixes may be, it might be wiser to let the update stew for a day or two before applying it.