Minecraft Beta Version

According to https://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Bedrock_Edition_beta_1.13.0.1 it seems you opted in to recieve BETA updates to Minecraft.

As Beta versions are test versions and might contain unstable code, public servers do not update to Beta versions.

So if you wish to use public servers, make sure you only use non-Beta versions of Minecraft. If necessary, un-enroll from the Minecraft Insider Beta program, and wait until the next official update, or uninstall and re-download the latest public non-beta
version of Minecraft.

Your son is playing on the official release channel for Minecraft. His 1.12 version is currently the latest official version, whereas his friends have joined the Insider Program and are playing a beta test version of Minecraft.

His friends can either un-enroll from the Beta Insider Program, or you son can try to join the Insider Program and update his Minecraft to a beta version.

Be aware however, that beta version still contain untested parts, and the game can crash, malfunction and in turn destroy worlds if an error occurs.

If your son is still willing to test the Beta, he can download the free Insider app from the store, and join the Minecraft Beta.

Then he'll have to download/update his Minecraft to the newer beta version.

Version 1.12.1 is the currently the most recent official version of Minecraft in the Bedrock edition.

If you (or your friends) have opted in to receive the Beta version of Minecraft, then you'd be at version 1.14.

So unless you actively used the Insider program to opt in to the Minecraft Beta, the 1.12 version is the most up to date version, and everything is as it should be.

If you want to play with friends that have 1.14, they either have to leave the Beta, or you'll have to join the Beta to get 1.14. But be aware, that using Beta versions, you are playing on untested software, which can cause unexpected crashes or data loss.

I also have both versions of Minecraft and got the newest version for free due to having the Minecraft Xbox One Edition.

If you un-enrol from the beta version you will have to reinstall Minecraft to get the version that isn't part of the beta programme. You won't be charged for the game, the only change will be that you won't be able to go on the worlds that you previously
created or saved on the beta version since it will have the beta features.

If you ever decide that you would like to play the beta version again, you can join the beta programme on the Xbox Insiders Hub then reinstall the game again to have the beta version.

Hope this helps and happy mining

Tretheg4mer2,

The version of Minecraft that you are playing (1.7.0.9) is a Beta version. Did you, or someone on your console sign up for the Minecraft Beta, as part of the Xbox Insiders program? Version 1.6.1 is the current retail release.

If you want to go back to 1.6.1 you will have to leave the Beta program, and then uninstall, and re-install Minecraft once you are out of the Beta. See the guide and FAQ here: https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2018/07/09/minecraft-beta-guide-and-faqs/