Master iMessage  Backgrounds Fast With These Tips - Ellen’s Tips Video

Keep Your Camera Lens Clean with this Secret iOS 26 Feature - CNet

iOS 26 Brings Parents More Control Over Kids’ Screen Time - CNet

You Can Use iPhone Widgets (From Your Actual iPhone) on  Mac - How to Geek

I Tested AirPod Live Translation with My Family.  Here’s What I Learned - CNet

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Seniors Can Master iMessage Backgrounds Fast With These Tips

iOS 26 has officially launched—and it’s one of the biggest updates Apple has ever released! There are lots of exciting changes, but today I want to share a fun new feature that will make your iPhone feel fresh and personal. That means instead of the same plain background, you can: Add a favorite photo from your library Choose calming themes like Sky, Water, or Aurora Pick a solid color that matches your style Even generate custom backgrounds with Apple Intelligence (on newer iPhones) Master iMessage  Backgrounds Fast With These Tips - Ellen’s Tips Video Keep Your Camera Lens Clean with this Secret iOS 26 Feature - CNet iOS 26 Brings Parents More Control Over Kids’ Screen Time - CNet You Can Use iPhone Widgets (From Your Actual iPhone) on  Mac - How to Geek I Tested AirPod Live Translation with My Family.  Here’s What I Learned - CNet Seniors Can Master iMessage Backgrounds Fast With These Tips iOS 26 has officially launched—and it’s one of the biggest updates Apple has ever released! There are lots of exciting changes, but today I want to share a fun new feature that will make your iPhone feel fresh and personal. That means instead of the same plain background, you can: Add a favorite photo from your library Choose calming themes like Sky, Water, or Aurora Pick a solid color that matches your style Even generate custom backgrounds with Apple Intelligence (on newer iPhones) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHjwNtTddbo Keep Your Camera Lens Clean With This Secret iOS 26 Feature Kids have sticky fingers. If they touch your iPhone, expect smudges on your screen and camera lens. So the next time you take a photo, the pic might look hazy, and you'll have to take the photo multiple times. It's not always your kids' fault either. Even adults can be to blame for a dirty camera lens. Luckily, with iOS 26 there's a feature that can warn you when your camera lens needs cleaning, that way you don't waste a perfectly good sunset or other Instagrammable moment. https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/keep-your-camera-lens-clean-with-this-secret-ios-26-feature/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=insider&zdee=%5BContact.email_zdee%5D#ftag=CADf328eec iOS 26 Brings Parents More Control Over Kids' Screen Time As a soon-to-be parent, I'm worried about how people online will interact with my kid once they have a phone or tablet. The good news for parents struggling with this now: Apple's iOS 26 brings more parental controls to iPhones. https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/ios-26-brings-parents-more-control-over-kids-screen-time/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=insider&zdee=%5BContact.email_zdee%5D#ftag=CADf328eec You Can Use iPhone Widgets (From Your Actual iPhone) on a Mac Widgets are still a relatively new feature in macOS, and they probably don’t get the attention they deserve. For example, did you know you can have the same exact widgets from your iPhone on your Mac desktop? There are actually two different ways to use iPhone widgets on macOS, and one doesn’t require having an iPhone at all. The first method is more powerful and relies on having an iPhone and a Mac signed in with the same Apple ID. This integration allows you to use widgets from any app installed on your iPhone and even open the same instance of the app on your Mac. The second method simply takes advantage of iPhone apps that have been made available in the Mac App Store. https://www.howtogeek.com/psa-you-can-use-iphone-widgets-on-a-mac/?user=bWZraWxjb3luZUBnbWFpbC5jb20&lctg=ed18faa843a874784dc82c350d012cfc30d9b40e0d56321df43660c5fc6e0154 I Tested AirPods Live Translation With My Family. Here's What I Learned I couldn't ask for better timing. My Spanish-speaking mother-in-law was coming to visit the day Apple released live language translation features on AirPods.  It works on the new AirPods Pro 3, which hits stores Friday, along with last year's AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 -- and the user also needs to have it paired to an iPhone running the latest iOS 26 software with Apple Intelligence. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/i-tested-airpods-live-translation-with-my-family-heres-what-i-learned/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=insider&zdee=%5BContact.email_zdee%5D Master iMessage  Backgrounds Fast With These Tips - Ellen’s Tips Video Keep Your Camera Lens Clean with this Secret iOS 26 Feature - CNet iOS 26 Brings Parents More Control Over Kids’ Screen Time - CNet You Can Use iPhone Widgets (From Your Actual iPhone) on  Mac - How to Geek I Tested AirPod Live Translation with My Family.  Here’s What I Learned - CNet Seniors Can Master iMessage Backgrounds Fast With These Tips iOS 26 has officially launched—and it’s one of the biggest updates Apple has ever released! There are lots of exciting changes, but today I want to share a fun new feature that will make your iPhone feel fresh and personal. That means instead of the same plain background, you can: Add a favorite photo from your library Choose calming themes like Sky, Water, or Aurora Pick a solid color that matches your style Even generate custom backgrounds with Apple Intelligence (on newer iPhones) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHjwNtTddbo Keep Your Camera Lens Clean With This Secret iOS 26 Feature Kids have sticky fingers. If they touch your iPhone, expect smudges on your screen and camera lens. So the next time you take a photo, the pic might look hazy, and you'll have to take the photo multiple times. It's not always your kids' fault either. Even adults can be to blame for a dirty camera lens. Luckily, with iOS 26 there's a feature that can warn you when your camera lens needs cleaning, that way you don't waste a perfectly good sunset or other Instagrammable moment. https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/keep-your-camera-lens-clean-with-this-secret-ios-26-feature/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=insider&zdee=%5BContact.email_zdee%5D#ftag=CADf328eec iOS 26 Brings Parents More Control Over Kids' Screen Time As a soon-to-be parent, I'm worried about how people online will interact with my kid once they have a phone or tablet. The good news for parents struggling with this now: Apple's iOS 26 brings more parental controls to iPhones. https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/ios-26-brings-parents-more-control-over-kids-screen-time/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=insider&zdee=%5BContact.email_zdee%5D#ftag=CADf328eec You Can Use iPhone Widgets (From Your Actual iPhone) on a Mac Widgets are still a relatively new feature in macOS, and they probably don’t get the attention they deserve. For example, did you know you can have the same exact widgets from your iPhone on your Mac desktop? There are actually two different ways to use iPhone widgets on macOS, and one doesn’t require having an iPhone at all. The first method is more powerful and relies on having an iPhone and a Mac signed in with the same Apple ID. This integration allows you to use widgets from any app installed on your iPhone and even open the same instance of the app on your Mac. The second method simply takes advantage of iPhone apps that have been made available in the Mac App Store. https://www.howtogeek.com/psa-you-can-use-iphone-widgets-on-a-mac/?user=bWZraWxjb3luZUBnbWFpbC5jb20&lctg=ed18faa843a874784dc82c350d012cfc30d9b40e0d56321df43660c5fc6e0154 I Tested AirPods Live Translation With My Family. Here's What I Learned I couldn't ask for better timing. My Spanish-speaking mother-in-law was coming to visit the day Apple released live language translation features on AirPods.  It works on the new AirPods Pro 3, which hits stores Friday, along with last year's AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 -- and the user also needs to have it paired to an iPhone running the latest iOS 26 software with Apple Intelligence. https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/i-tested-airpods-live-translation-with-my-family-heres-what-i-learned/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=insider&zdee=%5BContact.email_zdee%5D

Keep Your Camera Lens Clean With This Secret iOS 26 Feature

Kids have sticky fingers. If they touch your iPhone, expect smudges on your screen and camera lens. So the next time you take a photo, the pic might look hazy, and you'll have to take the photo multiple times. It's not always your kids' fault either. Even adults can be to blame for a dirty camera lens. Luckily, with iOS 26 there's a feature that can warn you when your camera lens needs cleaning, that way you don't waste a perfectly good sunset or other Instagrammable moment.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/keep-your-camera-lens-clean-with-this-secret-ios-26-feature/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=insider&zdee=%5BContact.email_zdee%5D#ftag=CADf328eec

iOS 26 Brings Parents More Control Over Kids' Screen Time

As a soon-to-be parent, I'm worried about how people online will interact with my kid once they have a phone or tablet. The good news for parents struggling with this now: Apple's iOS 26 brings more parental controls to iPhones.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/ios-26-brings-parents-more-control-over-kids-screen-time/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=insider&zdee=%5BContact.email_zdee%5D#ftag=CADf328eec

You Can Use iPhone Widgets (From Your Actual iPhone) on a Mac

Widgets are still a relatively new feature in macOS, and they probably don’t get the attention they deserve. For example, did you know you can have the same exact widgets from your iPhone on your Mac desktop?

There are actually two different ways to use iPhone widgets on macOS, and one doesn’t require having an iPhone at all. The first method is more powerful and relies on having an iPhone and a Mac signed in with the same Apple ID. This integration allows you to use widgets from any app installed on your iPhone and even open the same instance of the app on your Mac. The second method simply takes advantage of iPhone apps that have been made available in the Mac App Store.

https://www.howtogeek.com/psa-you-can-use-iphone-widgets-on-a-mac/?user=bWZraWxjb3luZUBnbWFpbC5jb20&lctg=ed18faa843a874784dc82c350d012cfc30d9b40e0d56321df43660c5fc6e0154

I Tested AirPods Live Translation With My Family. Here's What I Learned

I couldn't ask for better timing. My Spanish-speaking mother-in-law was coming to visit the day Apple released live language translation features on AirPods. 

It works on the new AirPods Pro 3, which hits stores Friday, along with last year's AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 -- and the user also needs to have it paired to an iPhone running the latest iOS 26 software with Apple Intelligence.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/i-tested-airpods-live-translation-with-my-family-heres-what-i-learned/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=insider&zdee=%5BContact.email_zdee%5D

How to Clear iPhone Cache - Go to Tech

 

4 Accessories That Won’t Work with the  iPhone 17 and 17 Pro 

OS26 for Seniors - Ellen’s Tips Video

How to Clear iPhone Cache - Go to Tech

Apple Event 2025 Live Updates: Our Early Reactions to iPhone Air, AirPods Pro

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4 Accessories That Won’t Work With the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro

Treating yourself to a new iPhone this year? You might be disappointed to learn that you can’t necessarily bring all your old accessories with you. This even includes a brand-new Apple accessory that was announced at the very same event.

https://www.howtogeek.com/accessories-that-wont-work-with-the-iphone-17-and-17-pro/?user=bWZraWxjb3luZUBnbWFpbC5jb20&lctg=ed18faa843a874784dc82c350d012cfc30d9b40e0d56321df43660c5fc6e0154

iOS26 for Seniors

Apple just released iOS 26, and this update brings some of the biggest changes we’ve seen in years. From a fresh new look, to redesigned apps, to smarter features that make your iPhone easier to use—there’s a lot to take in.

Watch “iOS 26 for Seniors: Everything You Need to Know”

How to Clear iPhone Cache 

I Spent 5 Minutes Doing This One iPhone Maintenance Task—Now Everything Feels Faster, Even on Older Models.

https://www.gotechtor.com/how-to-clear-iphone-cache/

Apple Event 2025 Live Updates: Our Early Reactions to iPhone Air, AirPods Pro 3

Apple's iPhone 17 lineup is here, featuring the thin iPhone Air and an iPhone 17 Pro, which comes in a cosmic orange model. Apple's new iPhone line also features a refreshed base iPhone 17, the slimmest-ever iPhone Air, and the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple has also revealed the AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, the Apple Watch SE 3, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. 

https://www.cnet.com/news-live/apple-event-2025-iphone-17-airpods-pro-3-apple-watch-series-11-live-updates/

iPhone users urged to change simple settings to stop spam calls

Can’t Get Notifications on Your iPad? Here’s How to Turn Off Do Not Disturb - Lifewire

No, Your iPhone Isn/t Listening to You.  Here’s What’s Really Happening-CNet

This is the most underrated iOS 26 feature I’ve tested - ZDNet

9 Uses for your iPhone’s USB-C Port - MadWorld

iPhone Users Asked to Make Simple Changes to Avoid Spam - MSN

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Can’t Get Notifications on Your iPad? Here’s How to Turn Off Do Not Disturb

This article explains how to turn off the Do Not Disturb setting of the Focus feature on an iPad. We also cover methods for turning on this setting.

https://www.lifewire.com/use-do-not-disturb-on-ipad-11764874

No, Your iPhone Isn't Listening to You. Here's What's Really Happening If you want a monster, it's not a hot mic. It's more about shadowy presences lurking on the internet.

https://links.email.cnet.com/s/vb/amvAFr1OWpc3XMPLcT4NSJ8FmQ_bSI2ZvT3EbfFTMEQPAIwghRrVkoiV2-kIMMLli17D8I0Df-9IDy4qHjc6eOe5KFIO-5LA6bRcbMhLGdVZGGj-JlLoIDVkTZfQPHohuUj9l0ppzHwfGg/cgrX2IazEq5RGR101tPlcNbxsvhhRNho/12

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This is the most underrated iOS 26 feature I've tested - and it works on the Apple Watch, too

ZDNET's key takeaways

• Apple increased the size of its timer and alarm buttons on iOS 26.

• The update makes it easier to dismiss them. 

• Not every software update needs to be flashy to be helpful. 

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I'm waking up at the crack of dawn, after a shoddy night of sleep. My iPhone alarm and its ever-strong siren song blare as it shakes me from my slumber. At this point, I'll do anything to turn that wretched sound off as quickly as possible. 

The one thing that gets in my way? The iPhone's dismiss button for its alarm is too small. In my half-asleep state, I don't always hit and dismiss it the first time. 

https://www.zdnet.com/article/this-is-the-most-underrated-ios-26-feature-ive-tested-and-it-works-on-the-apple-watch-too/#ftag=CAD-03-10abf5f

9 uses for your iPhone’s USB-C port other than fast charging

It took the iPhone an eternity to strike Lightning in favor of the universal USB-C port. Now that it’s here on all models, including the low-end 16e, many users still limit its use to charging, overlooking the slew of other advantages it offers over Lightning. If you’ve got an iPhone 15 or 16 model, you can expand the USB-C port’s functionality beyond battery fill-ups, and we’ve got a few ideas to share.

https://www.macworld.com/article/2630712/iphone-usb-c-charging-display-storage-ethernet-controller.html

iPhone users urged to change simple settings to stop spam calls

If you're fed up with receiving spam calls, there's a simple method to cut them down - as long as you have an iPhone running iOS 13 or later. You have several choices if you want to tackle this issue - you can utilize the built-in Silence Unknown Callers function or download a reliable third-party spam detection application.

With iOS 13 or newer versions, you can block calls from unfamiliar numbers, helping you dodge the annoyance of researching unknown callers - and lowering your chances of being victimized by scams.

It's crucial to keep in mind that scams don't only target elderly individuals, with younger people becoming increasingly vulnerable as fraudulent methods grow more advanced. So, how does it function?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/iphone-users-urged-to-change-simple-settings-to-stop-spam-calls/ar-AA1LofNt?ocid=socialshare

Apple FaceTime Calls on an Android

 

5 Uses for your iPad’s USB-C Port - Slashgear

Apple FaceTime Calls on an Android…-CNet

I’ve tried 3 different smart rings but I keep going back to Apple Watch - ZNet

Apple just declared three MacBooks are now obsolete - MSN

WhatsApp Reveals Bug that Enabled Targeted Attacks on Apple Users - PC Magazine

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5 USES FOR YOUR IPAD'S USB-C PORT

For years, the number one question people asked about the iPad was if it could really replace your Mac. That answer was always no, not really. It was always a sort of oversized iPhone that excelled at neither iPhone tasks nor Mac tasks, consigning it to being a very expensive Netflix machine. Until today. iPadOS 26 brings a number of key features that users had been begging for since the tablet's inception. Desktop-like window management? Check. Better file app? Check. Running background tasks without having to keep the app in focus? Check. The list goes on, making this arguably the iPad's best year so far. Key to helping it embrace its new laptop-killer role is making the most of the single USB-C port.

https://www.slashgear.com/1949947/uses-for-ipad-usb-c-port/

Apple FaceTime Calls on an Android or PC? Yes, You Can

FaceTime is a convenient way to video call if you're using an iPhone or Mac. But since it's an iOS feature, most people assume it only works if everyone on the call has an Apple device. That isn't actually the case. You can now bring in friends on Android phones or Windows computers, and they don't have to install any extra apps to join.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/facetime-on-android-and-pc-yes-you-can/?zdee=%5BContact.email_zdee%5D

I've tried 3 different smart rings but I keep going back to Apple Watch - here's why

I've been wearing an Apple Watch every day for the past decade and I've been using it to track my sleep every night since 2019. Over the past few years, I've known more and more friends, family, and colleagues opting for smart rings instead of smart watches to track their health. I've also personally tested the Oura Ring, the Samsung Galaxy Ring, and the Ultrahuman Ring Air. 

https://www.zdnet.com/article/ive-tried-3-different-smart-rings-but-i-keep-going-back-to-apple-watch-heres-why/

Apple just declared three MacBooks are now obsolete – here’s what that means and why you need to upgrade more than ever

Apple has just declared three of its MacBooks are now obsolete – a designation it awards to its tech sometime after it turns seven years old (starting from when the tech was first available to purchase, not when you specifically bought it).

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/shopping/apple-just-declared-three-macbooks-are-now-obsolete-here-s-what-that-means-and-why-you-need-to-upgrade-more-than-ever/ar-AA1LF6IX

WhatsApp Reveals Bug that Enabled Targeted Attacks on Apple Users

WhatsApp recently patched a security bug in its iOS and Mac clients that enabled zero-click attacks against “specific targeted” Apple users.

The bug was used to deliver advanced spyware that targeted "civil society" individuals, according to Donncha Ó Cearbhaill, Head of Security Lab at AmnestyTech, the global charity's cybersecurity unit. These include people working for charities, NGOs, or as journalists. The campaign is thought to have been going on since the end of May.

https://www.pcmag.com/news/whatsapp-reveals-bug-that-enabled-targeted-attacks-on-apple-users