15 Things You Didn’t Know Your iPhone Could Do

How to protect your parents, family (and yourself) from scam calls and fraud - 9 to 5 Mac

15 Things you Didn’t Know Your iPhone Could Do - NY Times

How to remove an iPhone from your Apple Account - Slashgear

How to factory reset your Airpods - Android Police

Apple May Soon Admit Most People Use the iPad like a Laptop - iDrop News

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How to protect your parents, family (and yourself) from scam calls and fraud

In 2023, US residents over 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraudsters, and 87% of those losses were linked to personal information theft – here’s how to stop scam calls.

Historically, older Americans have tended to be less familiar with new technologies than their younger counterparts. Criminals have long recognized that people over 60 often represent lucrative opportunities.

Fraudsters increasingly use sophisticated tools to identify, target, and exploit this vulnerable group with scam calls that use personal details harvested from data brokers. Just a single scam call answered on an iPhone or Android can result in financial fraud, theft, and heartbreak.

https://9to5mac.com/2024/05/25/delete-personal-information-from-internet/

15 Things You Didn’t Know Your iPhone Could Do

No matter how long you’ve used an iPhone, there are always new (or new-to-you) features to discover. And stumbling upon a time-saving trick after so many years is, quite frankly, a delight.

Here are 15 tips and tricks that Wirecutter staffers rely on all the time. If you don’t already know about them, we hope they make your life a lot easier.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/iphone-tips-tricks/?campaign_id

How To Remove An iPhone From Your Apple Account

There are many things to love about the Apple ecosystem. From sleek exteriors to intuitive user interfaces, Apple has solidified its place in the competitive consumer technology space as a consistently reliable manufacturer. Unsurprisingly, one ingredient in its secret sauce is how its devices work seamlessly together. With multiple Apple devices linked by an Apple Account, you can enjoy the benefits of the HandOff feature, which is designed to let you switch between iPad, iPhone, and Mac devices instantaneously. For example, you can turn your iPad into a second screen with SideCar, download or play content purchased on other devices, and copy and paste between devices using the Universal Clipboard.

https://www.slashgear.com/1580610/how-to-remove-iphone-from-apple-account/?zsource=googlenewsapp

How to factory reset your AirPods

Apple AirPods is one of the top wireless earbuds, with robust ANC, excellent sound quality, seamless setup with Apple devices, respectable battery life, and Find My integration. Still, it can have issues. You may run into AirPods bugs at times. Whether you face sound glitches, Bluetooth errors, battery drain, or want to sell your AirPods for the latest model, reset your AirPods and get the job done in no time.

https://www.androidpolice.com/factory-reset-apple-airpods-tutorial/

Apple May Soon Admit Most People Use the iPad Like a Laptop

It’s pretty clear that Steve Jobs envisioned the original iPad as a predominantly portrait tablet. When it launched in 2010, nearly all of the marketing around it pointed to a device designed to be used as a digital notepad and e-reader that would be used at least as much upright as it would be turned sideways.

https://www.idropnews.com/rumors/apple-may-soon-admit-most-people-use-the-ipad-like-a-laptop/214065/

8 handy iPhone keyboard tricks you might not know

11 hidden Apple Watch features you should be using every day - BGR

How to factory reset your AirPods - Android Police

The Secret iPhone Feature that Lets You Take Stunning Long-Exposure Photos - CNet

8 handy iPhone keyboard tricks you might not know - Popular Science

5 Apple Watch Settings I Changed That Significantly Improve the Battery Life - MSN

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11 hidden Apple Watch features you should be using every day

I wear my Apple Watch Ultra 2 every day. It has several hidden features that make my life easier, whether when I’m working out or trying to find my iPhone.

If you love your Apple Watch and want to step things up with new, hidden features, this article is for you. Here are 11 of the Apple Watch’s hidden features you should use daily.

https://bgr.com/tech/11-hidden-apple-watch-features-you-should-be-using-every-day/

How to factory reset your AirPods

Apple AirPods is one of the top wireless earbuds, with robust ANC, excellent sound quality, seamless setup with Apple devices, respectable battery life, and Find My integration. Still, it can have issues. You may run into AirPods bugs at times. Whether you face sound glitches, Bluetooth errors, battery drain, or want to sell your AirPods for the latest model, reset your AirPods and get the job done in no time.

https://www.androidpolice.com/factory-reset-apple-airpods-tutorial/

The Secret iPhone Feature That Lets You Take Stunning Long-Exposure Photos

Use Live Photos to take gorgeous long-exposure shots, with no extra apps or equipment needed.

If you've seen artistic photos of waterfalls or rivers, then you'll no doubt have seen long-exposure shots where the water is intentionally blurred to look silky-smooth while the surroundings -- the rocks and trees -- remain pin-sharp. It's a great technique to give the impression of motion in a still image, and it used to be something you'd need a DSLR with filters and a tripod to take. But a neat feature built right into your iPhone's camera can create these gorgeous photos. 

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/the-secret-iphone-feature-that-lets-you-take-stunning-long-exposure-photos/

8 handy iPhone keyboard tricks you might not know

Apple tries to make the iPhone as simple and intuitive to use as possible—and largely succeeds. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some more advanced features available, if you’re prepared to do a little digging.

We’ll help you with your digging with a few iPhone keyboard tricks you might not know. You no doubt spend a lot of time tapping away on it, so make sure you’re aware of everything it’s able to do for you.

https://www.popsci.com/diy/iphone-keyboard-tricks/

5 Apple Watch Settings I Changed That Significantly Improve the Battery Life

While the Apple Watch is undeniably the best smartwatch on the market, battery life often tops the list of user concerns.

The Series Ultra 2 boasts impressive multi-day performance, but most models fall short, requiring daily charging, especially for active users with sleep tracking enabled.

This is super frustrating, particularly when you rely on your watch for health monitoring or evening commutes.

The good news is there are ways to optimize battery life without sacrificing the functionality you love.

We’ve compiled 5 tips to help you extend your Apple Watch’s battery life, from simple adjustments to strategic feature utilization. Let’s get started.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/shopping/5-apple-watch-settings-i-changed-that-significantly-improve-the-battery-life/ar-AA1ny5Ts

7 things you should do first with your iPhone

Google’s Circle to Search is Now on the iPhone. Well, Kinda - CNet

How to Remove the Background from a Picture on iPhone - MSN

It’s been 30 years since Apple released one boldly innovative, still beloved product - MSN

7 things you should do first with your iPhone - MSN

The new Apple iPad Air is great- but it’s Not the one to get - Verge

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Google's Circle to Search Is Now on the iPhone. Well, Kinda

it only works on the iPhone 15 Pro & Max Pro.

Google continued its march into AI earlier this year, releasing Circle to Search for the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 series. Circle to Search works exactly how you think -- using your finger, you can circle, highlight or tap pretty much anything on your Android display and then search for it on Google.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/googles-circle-to-search-is-now-on-the-iphone-well-kinda/

How To Remove The Background From A Picture On iPhone

So you need an ID photo but don't have time to go to CVS or Walmart.  No worries, you can do everything right from your iPhone. Its camera is powerful enough to provide you with a high-quality image for your ID, and it also comes complete with a convenient background remover feature. Yes, unlike Android, where you need third-party tools to erase the background in your images, iPhones running iOS 16 or higher include a Photo Cutout feature. This lets you grab the subject from a photo and convert it into a new image with no background, all without installing new apps. This simplifies the process of creating a clean and professional-looking image for your ID photos, brochures, or webpages.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/how-to-remove-the-background-from-a-picture-on-iphone/ar-BB1m27Ca?ocid=msedgntp&pc=dcts&cvid=57c554b429354e41bed808a6aa660f34&ei=93

It's been 30 years since Apple released one boldly innovative, still beloved product

One of Apple’s most popular series of portable computers celebrates its 30th anniversary this month. It was an innovative device in some many ways that still hold up today.

It had 16-bit sound. It had a trackpad — now a staple of nearly every laptop computer. It had an ethernet port to enable high-speed connectivity. It even had celebrity endorsements in its TV ads. It was a phenomenon. An expensive phenomenon. But one none the less.

At the high-end it was priced at about $4,500.  Thirty years later, those prices would equate to $9,483. It  wasn’t a cheap laptop, but according to Cult of Mac, it was a “triumph on every level” and “packed with innovative features.”  

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/it-s-been-30-years-since-apple-released-one-boldly-innovative-still-beloved-product/ar-AA1o8H5s?ocid=msedgntp&pc=dcts&cvid=9f878582a9c64457d25eba80f2e1d39f&ei=63

7 things you should do first with your iPhone

There’s something so exciting about peeling away the seal on a brand-new iPhone and letting the anticipation build as it slides out of the box. It’s a feeling that never gets old, especially if you’ve had multiple iPhones over the years. 

Once you finally have your new iPhone in your hands, it’s hard not to rush ahead and get right to using your favorite apps. In doing so, you might fly past some important setup steps that can make your overall experience better. We’ve rounded up seven of the most important things to do with your new iPhone that will address key features and ensure you have a seamless iOS experience.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/7-things-you-should-do-first-with-your-iphone/ar-AA1h6v0X?ocid=msedgntp&pc=DCTS&cvid=9db2ee1854f44cbdd66dd9d2942ac059&ei=103

The new Apple iPad Air is great — but it’s not the one to get

The new iPad Air is very good. If you buy one, you’ll almost certainly like it. That’s it, that’s the review.

But is this the iPad you should buy? That’s a more interesting question. The iPad Air is a study in tradeoffs, even more so than before. Starting at $599, it’s not the cheapest iPad you can buy, nor is it the most impressive. It doesn’t support all the accessories, but it does support some of the accessories. It’s fast but not the fastest, thin but not the thinnest, powerful but not the powerful-est. It is Apple’s attempt to find the Goldilocks middle ground — the features that matter most to the most users and nothing else.

https://www.theverge.com/24155407/apple-ipad-air-review-2024

10 Hidden iOS 17.4 Features You'll Want To Start Using On Your iPhone

 

The Secret iPhone Setting Every Owner Should Know - Wall Street Journal

Use these tips to make your passwords even stronger - Macworld

How to easily add your driver's license to your Apple Wallet on iphone - MSN

10 Hidden iOS 17.4 Features You’ll Want to Start Using on Your iPhone - Slashgear

iOS17: How to Disable Your iPhone’s Annoying Inline Predictive Text - CNet

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The Secret iPhone Setting Every Owner Should Know (Video)

A new way to launch apps and certain iOS features is hidden right behind your screen.

https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/back-tap-secret-iphone-setting-every-owner-should-know-5d912357

Use these tips to make your passwords even stronger

The first Thursday of May is World Password Day, a day to remind ourselves of the importance of making our digital lives more secure. For better or worse, just about everything we do is connected, online, and digital–our phones are car and house keys, every penny we have is behind a few banking passwords, and our entire jobs and reputations can be destroyed with access to just a couple social media accounts.

https://www.macworld.com/article/1807351/create-safe-password-tips.html?utm_date=20240503011308&utm_campaign=Macworld%20Daily&utm_content=Image%3A%20Use%20these%20tips%20to%20make%20your%20passwords%20even%20stronger&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Macworld%20Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Adestra&huid=15e8c855-c86f-4bf0-bf6c-541b4d9bda3a

How to easily add your driver's license to your Apple Wallet on iPhone, Apple Watch

if you use Apple Wallet, you know it’s an easy place to quickly access things like plane tickets, Apple Pay, insurance cards and your Starbucks card. For some people, it can also house your driver’s license or state-issued identification card. 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/how-to-easily-add-your-driver-s-license-to-your-apple-wallet-on-iphone-apple-watch/ar-AA1nzEV8?ocid=socialshare

10 Hidden iOS 17.4 Features You'll Want To Start Using On Your iPhone

It doesn't matter whether you already own the latest Apple smartphone, the highly regarded and successful iPhone 15, or an earlier variant; it is important to stay on top of firmware updates. These updates provide users not only with the latest security fixes and patches, but often also add a suite of new features that make iPhones and other iOS devices even more capable and useful.

https://www.slashgear.com/1567405/ios-17-4-features-hidden-iphone-users-start-using/

iOS 17: How to Disable Your iPhone's Annoying Inline Predictive Text

Apple released iOS 17.4 on March 5, and the update brought new features, including podcast transcripts and more Stolen Device Protection options, to your iPhone. When Apple released iOS 17.2 in December, the update introduced a lot of new and useful features to your iPhone, like the long-awaited Journal app. iOS 17.2 also lets you disable a feature introduced in iOS 17 in September called inline predictive text. 

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/ios-17-how-to-disable-your-iphones-annoying-inline-predictive-text/

How to clear cache on iPhone: Free up space on your iOS device

Apple M4 chip: Everything you need to know - iMore

AirPods Not Working? Here are 10 Ways to Fix Them- iDrop News

How to see unsent messages on an iPhone - MSN

How to clear the cache on iPhone:  Free up space on your iOS device - MSN

Hands-on: The best iOS features to upgrade your travel experience - 9 - 5 Mac

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Apple M4 chip: Everything you need to know

Since Apple first announced its transition to Apple silicon in 2020, the company has released three stellar computing chips to power its Mac lineup. Apple’s iPads have also benefited from the M1 and M2 series, and M3 is expected to arrive on tablets with the new M3 iPad Pro in May. 

https://www.imore.com/mac/m4-chip

AirPods Not Working? Here Are 10 Ways to Fix Them 

For the most part, your AirPods will work like a charm. All you usually need to do is take them out of their case, and you’re good to go.

But what happens when your AirPods suddenly stop working? Or do they not connect to your iPhone or iPad like they used to? Well, the good news is that you’re not the only one having these issues.

https://www.idropnews.com/how-to/airpods-not-working-here-are-10-ways-to-fix-them/211220/

How to see unsent messages on an iPhone

Apple offers a neat feature with iMessage on the best iPhones that allows you to unsend a message. Maybe you sent something in error, sent a message to the wrong person, or regret sending it in haste and want to modify it. You can retract a message you send, as can others who send something to you. But is there a way to see that message anyway after it has been unsent? The short answer is no, but there are some workarounds and ways to see unsent messages from other apps beyond iMessage.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/how-to-see-unsent-messages-on-an-iphone/ar-BB1jxcsQ?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=e78aaad69ff141c49d2c26ee285695ba&ei=64

How to clear cache on iPhone: Free up space on your iOS device

Wondering about how to clear cache on iPhone? As we run several apps and navigate browsers like Safari and Chrome, we collect a lot of useless clutter along the way that fills up our phone's cache.

What, exactly, is a cache? For the uninitiated, it's a reserve for your iPhone that saves temporary data. On the plus side, it helps websites load more rapidly. However, it does have its downsides. For example, it can take up a lot of storage that can be used for more pertinent files.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/how-to-clear-cache-on-iphone-free-up-space-on-your-ios-device/ar-BB1lpb2y?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=e78aaad69ff141c49d2c26ee285695ba&ei=31

Hands-on: The best iOS features to upgrade your travel experience [Video]

I was recently lucky enough to go on a great vacation where we spent eight days traveling across Europe. One of the things I noticed was just how helpful my iPhone was throughout this experience. Yes, we all know that we can use maps to help us navigate new cities and geographies. But did you know that you could convert currencies directly in the Notes or iMessage apps? Or you could create a shared library so everyone on the trip can see all the pictures you took. I found over 25 iOS features that are specifically built into iOS to enhance and make your travels easier.

https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/25/hands-on-the-best-ios-features-to-upgrade-your-travel-experience-video/

How to Clean Your Smartphone’s Charging Port and Speakers

 

How to Back Up Your iPhone Contacts - Mac Reports

Apple Maps now supports real-time road alerts from Emergency Vehicles - Appleinsider Form

Apple Watch Dials 911, Saves New York “Bicyclist’s After Horrific Crash - Ndtv.com

How to know if Earpods are fake - QZ.Com

How to Clean Your Smartphone’s Charging Port and Speakers - Consumer Reports

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How to Back Up Your iPhone Contacts

Many people have lost contacts in the past, usually when they have gotten a new phone. I recently had a problem with my contacts and needed to back up my Gmail contacts and move them to iCloud. The process was pretty easy, especially creating the backup. You can do it anytime, right from the Contacts app on your iPhone.  Creating a backup for your contacts can be a good idea when:

• You are worried about losing contacts, especially if you are getting a new phone.

• You want to save contacts for someone else, such as an elderly family member.

• You want to move contacts; for example, you can move contacts from Gmail to iCloud.

https://macreports.com/how-to-back-up-your-iphone-contacts/

Apple Maps now supports real-time road alerts from emergency vehicles

Apple's primary navigation app already supported real-time alerts from other drivers. The introduction of HAAS Alert's Safety Cloud means that Apple Maps users can now receive road hazard warnings reported by professional personnel.

https://forums.appleinsider.com/discussion/226884/apple-maps-now-supports-real-time-road-alerts-from-emergency-vehicles

Apple Watch Dials 911, Saves New York Bicyclist's Life After Horrific Crash

Apple Watch has proven to be a life savior on many occasions. Many reports have shown how it saved lives by detecting abnormalities in users' health using sensors that measure heart rate, ECG, and more.  In one such recent incident, Apple Watch saved a cyclist's life in New York after he suffered a horrific bike accident. The incident happened last month when Eric Zollinger, a real estate broker, was riding a Citi Bike home from his office during a torrential downpour.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/apple-watch-dials-911-saves-new-york-bicyclists-life-after-horrific-crash-5488191

How to know if AirPods are fake

There are a ton of vendors and online marketplaces selling fake AirPods these days. First, you must remember that Apple’s AirPods should not be retailing for $19. Even on Cyber Monday. And that should be the first thing that tells you they’re fake. The second thing to keep in mind is to only purchase from reliable places such as BestBuy or the Apple website.

Buying second-hand AirPods on forums such as Facebook Marketplace can also be risky. The cost savings are tempting, but investing in a product that’s not genuine is foolish. Here are the best ways to tell fake AirPods apart.

https://qz.com/how-to-spot-fake-airpods-1851420021

How to Clean Your Smartphone's Charging Port and Speakers

With everyday use, your smartphone can become a haven for dirt and debris, particularly inside the charging port and speakers. And that’s not just gross. It can also disrupt the charging process and muffle the sound, according to Apple and Samsung.

In fact, Alex Hausfeld, the manager of a uBreakiFix tech repair store in Cincinnati, Ohio, says he often sees as many as five customers a day with smartphone charging issues. "The majority of the time, a cleaning does the trick," he says.

But what’s the safest way to go about cleaning the grime from those tiny receptacles? We consulted with a few experts—in-house and out—for advice. Here’s what they told us.

https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/cell-phones/how-to-clean-smartphone-charging-port-and-speakers-a2505681935/?EXTK