Apple has released iOS 12.3.1 for iPhone and iPad. This is a bug fix release that patches issues pertaining to VoLTE and iMessage.
We are basking in the glory of iOS 12.3 at the time of writing, and already, Apple has seeded the next software update, iOS 12.3.1. This is not an earth-shattering release by any means as it fixes a few bugs related to VoLTE and iMessage. If you have been having issue with VoLTE on certain carriers, this release should fix that problem. Furthermore, you might have noticed that the iOS junk message filter does not work as intended at times, allowing junk messages to trickle through to your main inbox, and the latest update fixes that issue too.
Here’s the complete changelog of the iOS 12.3.1 software 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
As usual, this update is available for free to everyone with a compatible device over the air. Just connect your iPhone or iPad to a WiFi network, then head over to Settings > General > Software Update in order to download it. Since this is a very small update, I recommend downloading it over the air and not performing a clean install, until or unless you really have to.
If you do plan on downloading the complete IPSW file for restore using iTunes, then you may do so from the links provided below. In order to perform a clean install, make sure you follow the guide posted here: How to Clean Install iOS 12 on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch [Detailed Tutorial]
Remember, a clean restore will wipe your device clean and bring it to its factory settings, meaning that you will lose all your settings and files. Therefore take a backup of everything using iTunes or iCloud which you can restore later after you have installed iOS 12.3.1 onto your device.
The direct firmware files can be found below:
Download iOS 12.3.1 IPSW Files
iPhone XSiPhone XS MaxiPhone XRiPhone XiPhone 8 and iPhone 7iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 PlusiPhone SE and iPhone 5siPhone 6s and iPhone 6iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone 6 PlusiPad Pro (11-inch), iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (3rd generation)iPad Pro 10.5 and iPad Pro 12.9 (2nd-Generation)iPad 5 and iPad 6iPad mini 5 and iPad Air 3iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3iPad Pro 9.7-inchiPad Pro 12.9 (1st-Generation)iPad Air and iPad mini 2iPod touch