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Thoughtful, detailed coverage of everything Apple for 34 years
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Category: iPhone, iPad, & iOS

Adam Engst 1 comment

Helium Is the iPhone’s Kryptonite

Not that you were planning on seeking it out, but Apple recommends that you keep your iPhone and Apple Watch away from high concentrations of helium.

Adam Engst 19 comments

Apple Releases AirPods 4, Adds Hearing Aid Mode to AirPods Pro 2

The new AirPods 4 introduce an updated industrial design that Apple says will fit more ears and include a more expensive model with Active Noise Cancellation. However, the more exciting news may be the addition of hearing tests and a Hearing Aid mode for the current AirPods Pro 2.

Adam Engst 30 comments

iPhone 16 Models Add Camera Control, Prep for Apple Intelligence

At its Glowtime event, Apple unveiled its latest crop of iPhones, with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus gaining the new Camera Control, along with the Action button from last year’s Pro models. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max boast larger screens, better cameras, and faster performance.

Adam Engst 9 comments

This Year’s Crop of OS Upgrades Scheduled for 16 September 2024

Apple has revealed that the initial versions of its 2024 operating systems—macOS 15 Sequoia, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, visionOS 2, tvOS 18, and HomePod Software 18—will ship on 16 September 2024.

Adam Engst 40 comments

Do You Use It? iPhone 15 Pro Action Button

This week’s Do You Use It? poll asks owners of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max if they use the Action button, and if so, for what.

Adam Engst 15 comments

TipBITS: Use Trackpad Mode When Editing Text on the iPhone and iPad

Trackpad mode has been a fixture of the iPhone and iPad keyboard for years, but many people are unaware of it. Here’s a quick tutorial and an exhortation to spread the word.

Adam Engst No comments

Apple “Glowtime” Event Scheduled for 9 September 2024

Apple has announced an event for 9 September 2024, teasing it to the press with the word “Glowtime.” We expect new iPhones and Apple Watches, likely accompanied by release dates for iOS 18 and watchOS 11 at minimum, and probably the rest of Apple’s operating systems as well.

Adam Engst 6 comments

Do You Use It? Moderate Usage of iPhone Apps on M-Series Macs

The results of our poll asking readers how often they use iPhone or iPad apps on an Apple silicon Mac show that roughly half don’t do it at all, but the other half appreciate the capability. If you didn’t realize you could do this, give it a try!

Adam Engst 56 comments

California Driver’s Licenses in Apple Wallet Largely Symbolic

Although Apple makes it sound like Californians will be able to ditch their physical driver’s licenses and state IDs in favor of digital versions in the Wallet app, California and the other states supporting digital IDs in Wallet require that you continue to carry your physical ID.

Adam Engst No comments

iOS 18.1 to Let Developers Offer In-App NFC Transactions

When iOS 18.1 ships later this year, iPhone developers will be able to offer NFC contactless transactions within their apps, enabling in-store payments, car keys, closed-loop transit, corporate badges, student IDs, home keys, hotel keys, merchant loyalty and rewards cards, and event tickets, with government IDs promised for the future.

Adam Engst 44 comments

macOS 14.6.1, macOS 13.6.9, iOS 17.6.1, and iPadOS 17.6.1 Fix Advanced Data Protection

Apple’s latest updates address a problem that prevented users from turning Advanced Data Protection on or off. What other problems might they fix as well? Read on for details and our installation advice.

Adam Engst 13 comments

macOS 14.6 Enables Double Display Support for 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro

Apple has released updates to all its operating systems, saying only that they provide “important bug fixes and security updates” for everything other than macOS 14.6 Sonoma, which enables the M3 model of the 14-inch MacBook Pro to drive two external displays when the lid is closed.

Adam Engst 8 comments

Apple Opens Public Betas for macOS 15 Sequoia, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, and HomePod Software 18

Apple has opened the public beta program for its forthcoming 2024 operating systems. Remember, these aren’t meant for everyday use. Only install them on devices that you can dedicate to testing!

Adam Engst 6 comments

The Real System Requirements for Apple’s 2024 Operating Systems

Apple’s upcoming operating systems have good historical hardware support, but devils dance in the details. Two MacBook Airs, three iPads, and three Apple Watches fall by the wayside this year. Older devices that are generally compatible won’t be able to take advantage of all the new features. Read on to find out what your devices will support.

Adam Engst 5 comments

Apple Says It Won’t Ship Apple Intelligence for EU Users in 2024

Apple has said the Digital Markets Act’s interoperability requirements will prevent it from shipping Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring, and SharePlay Screen Sharing for EU users in 2024.