Just unwrap new AirPods Pro? Here are the must-try features
Did you just unwrap new AirPods Pro? If so, it’s key that you know there is a lot more to the experience than just listening to music and podcasts. Here are some of my recommendations for new AirPods Pro users. more…

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Apple Wallet got two feature upgrades it really needed in iOS 26
Apple Wallet got a bunch of new features in iOS 26, including the recently released Digital ID that, along with AI order tracking, fix key shortcomings in previously launched Wallet features. more…

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This AI video enhancer for Mac fixes blur, reduces noise, and upscales to 4K
Aiarty Video Enhancer can remove noise, reduce blur, and enhance your old videos to become watchable in beautiful 4K on your modern devices.Image source: AiartyAs content creators on Mac know, improving footage isn't always simple. We've all faced clips that are noisy, blurry, or simply too low in resolution to look great on modern screens.Whether it is cherished family videos, clips exported from old iMovie projects, or legacy mobile footage, traditional tools often fall short. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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Sergey Brin thought he had his Steve Jobs moment with the failed Google Glass
Looking back on Google Glass, Google co-founder Sergey Brin thought he was "the next Steve Jobs," a mindset that pushed the device out the door before it was ready for consumers.Sergey Brin wearing Google GlassSmart glasses are back, though whether or not that's a good thing remains to be seen. Meta's Ray-Ban Meta lineup is the current most well-known iteration of the technology, but it's certainly not the first.All the way back in 2012, Google introduced Google Glass, a lensless pair of smart glasses, to a limited audience. While Glass wasn't the first pair of smart glasses, it was certainly the most widely known. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Top 10 Apple setups of 2025
Cult of Mac's top 10 Apple setups of 2025 excel in raw computing power, aesthetic beauty, functional innovation -- or all three. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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How to buy a refurbished iPhone without getting burned
Buying refurbished tech is one of the easiest ways to save cash, cut waste, and still score a great iPhone, but, if you're not careful, you can lose your money. Here's what to look out for, and how to keep yourself safe.iPhone 15 ProI personally love buying refurbished gear. My M2 MacBook Air was a refurb that I snagged from NewEgg.Not only did I save money, but I also managed to keep a device out of the landfill, which is kind of a big deal for me. And as I'm notoriously slow to upgrade my devices, it'll have a long, happy life in my home. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Ride1Up Portola e-bike review: A foldable e-bike geared towards the everyman
The Ride1Up Portola takes some getting used to even if you're coming from another e-bike, and is an excellent blend of features, performance, and price.Ride1Up PortolaI love biking. I've talked about this extensively in the past.In 2023, I received the Gravel edition of the Roadster V2, a "stealthy" e-bike from Ride1Up. Before that, I hadn't hopped into the bike saddle since I was in high school. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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First half of 2025 in review on the AppleInsider Podcast
It's been a busy year for Apple and alongside this week's news, it's time to look at just what happened when — from Apple Intelligence woes to brand new devices.First of two special AppleInsider Podcast episodes looking back over Apple's 2025T'was the week of Christmas and yet all around were still stirring yet more discussion of Apple staffers quitting the company. Join us as we may well be able to conclusively prove there's no mass exodus.But then also join us for news of the iPhone Fold, enthusiasm about the iPad Pro and Nintendo Switch 2, and guarded enthusing about Final Cut Pro. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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2026 iPad preview: What to expect from Apple’s next tablet lineup
Macworld The iPad lineup has settled into a predictable and stable update cycle in recent years. Major redesigns are rare, with Apple mostly focusing on internal upgrades such as faster chips, better displays, and incremental refinements. And according to multiple rumors, we already have an idea of what to expect from the iPad lineup in 2026. Based on information reported by Macworld and other reliable sources, Apple is gearing up to launch another wave of minor iPad refreshes with spec bumps. Read on as we detail which iPads will be updated and which won’t over the course of the coming year. Entry-level, 12th-gen iPad: A much faster chip The base model iPad is certainly the right choice for most people who just want a good tablet at an affordable price. This iPad is especially popular in the education segment, with Apple offering it for only $329 to students. In 2025, Apple gave its iPad such a small update that it wasn’t even capable of running Apple Intelligence, but in 2026, it looks like it will get a much more significant spec bump. As previously reported by Macworld, the 12th-generation iPad is expected to debut in 2026 with the faster A19 chip, replacing the A16 found in the current 11th-generation model. The A19 chip is the same as the one in the iPhone 17, and is more than 50 percent faster than the A16 chip in the current iPad. The entry-level iPad could be getting a much faster chip next year.Foundry With the upgrade, the entry-level iPad will finally support more advanced capabilities, including Apple Intelligence. It will also become a great option for gamers, as the A19 chip can run console-level games with ease. In addition to the A19 chip, Apple is also expected to bring its new N1 wireless chip to the new iPad. This is Apple’s first custom wireless chip to handle both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, delivering both better performance and energy efficiency. Reports suggest that Apple will keep the same overall design, display, and camera system. This means that the 12th-gen iPad will likely have the same 60Hz LCD panel as the current generation, as well as Touch ID in the power button. While the idea of having the same design and display for another year may not sound exciting, most buyers looking for an entry-level iPad are more interested in having a reliable tablet at a lower price. The A19 chip will make the next entry-level iPad very future-proof. iPad Air: M4 comes to the middle of the lineup The iPad Air has increasingly become Apple’s “sweet spot” tablet, offering near-Pro performance without the Pro price tag. In 2026, that positioning looks set to continue. Macworld has reported that Apple plans to update the iPad Air with the M4 chip, replacing the current M3. The jump from M3 to M4 isn’t significant, but most users don’t upgrade their iPad every year anyway. The idea is certainly to make the product more appealing to first-time buyers or those upgrading from a much older iPad. The iPad Air is reportdly getting an M4 in 2026.Foundry The upgrade appears to be almost entirely internal. Just like the next entry-level iPad model, the M4 iPad Air will also feature Apple’s N1 wireless chip and possibly the C1 modem. Otherwise, the design, display, and cameras are all expected to remain unchanged. The current iPad Air is available in 11-inch and 13-inch screen options, both with a 60Hz LCD panel. Apple is comfortable with the current Air design, which already supports Magic Keyboard and the latest Apple Pencil Pro. Plus, the iPad Air is already compatible with features including Apple Intelligence and Stage Manager. In short, the iPad Air will get even better and more powerful with M4, just don’t expect it to have the same fancy display and design as the iPad Pro. iPad mini: The next to get OLED While both the entry-level iPad and iPad Air will retain the same display technology for another year, the next generation of iPad mini may surprise us with a more modern display. According to Bloomberg, the 8th-gen iPad mini could feature an OLED panel for the first time. Other sources have already corroborated that the smallest iPad will have its LCD screen replaced by an OLED display made by Samsung. The iPad mini could be in for an OLED upgrade next year.Foundry OLED panels are brighter and have better contrast than LCD, as each pixel is controlled individually. Currently, the iPad Pro is the only iPad to feature OLED, though it’s unclear whether the OLED panel in the new iPad mini will feature ProMotion with a higher refresh rate or remain limited to 60Hz. When it comes to performance, MacRumors reported that the iPad mini 8 will be powered by the A19 Pro chip – the same as the iPhone 17 Pro models. The chip is about 30 percent faster than the A17 Pro in the iPad mini 7. It’s not a huge leap, but it’s enough to keep the iPad mini on par with the latest Apple devices. In addition, a separate Bloomberg report suggested that the next iPad mini could be the first water-resistant iPad. Unfortunately for iPad mini fans, rumors about the release date are quite conflicting. While some believe it may arrive in late 2026, it seems more likely that the iPad mini 8 will be held back until 2027. iPad Pro: Don’t expect a new model anytime soon Of all the iPads Apple makes, the one least likely to make headlines next year is the iPad Pro. That’s because Apple has just released the M5 iPad Pro, and a new model is unlikely to arrive until spring 2027, about 18 months after the release of the latest model. According to rumors, Apple is already working on a new iPad Pro with the yet-to-be-announced M6 chip. However, the M6 is still a year away from being announced, as is the next generation of iPad Pro. In addition to the new chip, the next generation of iPad Pro is also rumored to feature vapor chamber cooling, just like the iPhone 17 Pro. Given that Apple has already refreshed the iPad Pro design with the M4 models in 2024, another redesign for 2027 is highly unlikely. The iPad Pro probably won’t get an update until 2027.Foundry Should you buy a new iPad now or wait? Whether you should buy an iPad now or wait depends largely on which model you’re considering and the age of your current iPad. If you’re looking at the entry-level model, waiting for the next generation is definitely worth it. Despite no changes to the design or display, the jump from the A16 to the A19 chip will not only bring significantly better performance, but also enable support for more iPadOS features. For the iPad Air, the decision is less clear-cut. The move from M3 to M4 won’t dramatically change the experience for most users, and the current iPad Air is already extremely capable. If you find a good deal on an M3 iPad Air, buying now still makes sense. iPad mini buyers may want to hold off if possible. An OLED display and A19 Pro chip would be meaningful upgrades, even if the release timeline remains unclear. That said, if you need a compact iPad today, the current model remains a solid option, especially given that the new mini may not arrive until 2027. As for the iPad Pro, don’t hesitate to buy one. With the M5 models just released and no major update expected in the near future, there’s little reason to wait unless you’re specifically holding out for next-generation features like vapor chamber cooling.

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Just got AirPods Pro 3? These 10 tips will turn you into an instant expert
Macworld The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple’s most feature-rich earbuds, offering advanced tools and settings to fine-tune users’ everyday listening experience. From touch and pressure sensitivity to health monitoring and immersive audio output, the latest AirPods are jam-packed with futuristic technology, despite their miniature design. Apple AirPods Pro 3 Read our review Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: $199 at Walmart | $199.49 at Amazon | $199.99 at Target The AirPods Pro 3 are highly customizable, letting you control the stem behavior, audio output, charging habits, and much more. While the default preferences work well for most users, there are some settings you may want to adjust to better suit your life. It’s worth noting that some of these options are exclusive to the AirPods Pro 3, while others also work with other select models, such as the AirPods 4 and Pro 2. 1. Pairing process Pairing your AirPods Pro 3 with your iPhone requires a one-time, straightforward setup. Simply place the charging case next to your iPhone and open its lid. A relevant sheet should instantaneously pop up on iOS—hit the Connect button. Once done, your iPhone will prompt you to tap twice on the charging case’s back to confirm the action. Going forward, your AirPods will automatically connect to your iPhone and any of your iCloud devices whenever you take them out of their case. Another Apple ecosystem perk is Automatic Device Switching. The feature works by automatically changing the audio source device depending on your playback activity. So, if they’re connected to your Mac and you start playing music on iOS, for example, your AirPods will shift to your iPhone. If you’re unhappy with this behavior, you can head to the Settings app > [your name]’s AirPods > Connect to This iPhone, then select When Last Connected to This iPhone (rather than Automatically). Foundry 2. Audible announcements Your AirPods Pro 3 can announce incoming notifications, which can be helpful when your iPhone is out of reach. The feature, however, can become too intrusive if you receive lots of messages, as it’ll constantly interrupt your music and lower its volume to read every delivered text. Fortunately, you can turn it off completely or for select apps by going to Settings > Notifications > Announce Notifications. If you’ve opted for notification and call announcements, you can also customize the AirPods Pro 3’s head gestures. The feature lets you interact with alerts by nodding or moving your head side to side. You can try and customize these shortcuts by going to AirPods settings and visiting the Head Gestures menu. 3. Tailored tips To accommodate different ear shapes, the AirPods Pro 3 support five tip sizes. If the default medium ear tip feels off, you can try one of the other variants included in the AirPods’ box. To confirm that the seal is good, you can go to AirPods settings and tap on Test Acoustic Seal. After following the on-screen instructions, iOS will inform you of any needed adjustments. To improve spatial audio’s performance and precision, you can scan your ears using the Personalized Spatial Audio section. This will create a unique sound profile that syncs across all of your compatible Apple devices. Foundry 4. Stem settings The AirPods Pro 3’s stems can react to your presses and swipes. To customize what pressing and holding does to either stem, you can head to Press And Hold AirPods in AirPods settings. This lets you pick between triggering Siri and toggling ANC or other Listening Modes. Similarly, you can choose what single and double stem presses do during a call under the Call Controls menu. This enables you to quickly mute/unmute an ongoing call or end it without interacting with your iPhone. Likewise, you can press once or press and hold when the Camera app is open to shoot by setting up the Camera Remote feature under the Camera Control menu. If you tend to run under the pouring rain, then the water drops will likely trigger the swipe gesture on the AirPods’ stems and lower the volume of your music. To disable the touch-sensitive surface, go to Accessibility in AirPods settings and turn off Volume Swipe. Foundry 5. Hearing help The AirPods Pro 3 can evaluate your hearing and double as hearing aids if needed. To get started, go to AirPods settings and tap on Take a Hearing Test. Once the test concludes, you can enable the Hearing Assistance feature if hearing loss has been detected. This will amplify surrounding sounds based on your personal test results. Foundry 6. Battery boosting If you tend to leave your AirPods’ case charging overnight, it’s best to enable the Optimized Charge Limit option under the Battery menu in AirPods settings. The feature learns from your usage habits and pauses charging as needed to preserve your battery’s health. Speaking of the battery, you may also want to familiarize yourself with the compatible charger types. You can top up the AirPods Pro 3 case using a USB-C cable or opt for one of the several wireless charging options. These include Qi, Qi2, MagSafe, and Apple Watch wireless chargers. Foundry 7. Cardio controls The AirPods Pro 3 offer a heart rate monitor to collect data during workouts. However, the sensor measures your heartbeat even when you’re wearing an Apple Watch, which can consume power unnecessarily. To prolong your AirPods’ battery life and limit the potentially redundant readings, you can disable the Heart Rate toggle in AirPods settings if you’re relying on an Apple Watch. 8. Translation training If you’re living in a foreign country or plan to visit one soon, the AirPods Pro 3 can translate your conversations in real time. For the feature to work, however, you will first need to download the relevant language pair to your iPhone. Go to Languages in AirPods settings, then download the needed packages. Once ready, you can press and hold both stems simultaneously to initiate a live translation session. 9. Sleep sensing Your AirPods Pro 3 pack sensors that can detect when you fall asleep. If you tend to snooze while listening to your favorite podcast or playlist, you can toggle Pause Media When Falling Asleep in AirPods settings to automatically stop the playback whenever you doze off. 10. Beta builds This one’s for the adventurous, tech-savvy users. If you’re keen on trying new AirPods features before they launch to the general public, you can enable the toggle under AirPods Beta Updates in AirPods settings. For this to work, however, you’ll first need to be running the iOS beta on your paired iPhone. Keep in mind that beta firmware can break essential features or brick your AirPods altogether. There’s no easy way to downgrade to the latest stable firmware or revive your AirPods if they die or you’re unhappy with the experience. If these are risks you’re willing to take, you can get a sneak peek of upcoming software additions and provide feedback to Apple.

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10 incredible things you never knew your Apple Watch could do
Macworld For many people, the Apple Watch is primarily a fitness tracker and an extension to the iPhone. It conveniently mirrors iOS notifications, calls, and messages, letting users stay updated without taking their phones out. What a lot of wearers don’t know, though, is how powerful and feature-packed watchOS really is, and how much your smartwatch can accomplish. Below are 10 Apple Watch perks you’re probably unfamiliar with. Top 3 Apple Watch features Use your Apple Watch as a TV remote! Find a lost iPhone! Control your iPhone’s camera! Read on to learn about these features and more! Add any QR code to your Wallet If you’re a watchOS user, chances are you’re already relying on Apple Pay to quickly make payments from your wrist. Similarly, the Apple Watch automatically syncs compatible tickets whenever you add them to the Wallet app on iOS. This lets you enter venues and board planes by double-clicking the side button and scanning the QR code on the smartwatch’s display. But what if your favorite gym, cinema, or airline doesn’t officially offer Apple Wallet cards for purchased tickets or memberships? Fortunately, you can manually create an Apple Watch card using any QR code. Simply download the Wallet Creator app on your iPhone, create the card, and add it to the Wallet app on iOS. In a few seconds, the newly created card should also appear on your Apple Watch when you double-click its side button. This spares you from digging through your emails or third-party apps whenever you need to cross compatible gates. Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Text when your iPhone is away It’s no secret that cellular-enabled Apple Watches can independently make calls and send texts. But did you know that regular Wi-Fi models can also do that, even when your iPhone is off or in a different location? All you need to do is connect to a Wi-Fi network. Open the Settings app on your watch, then Wi-Fi, and enter the name and password of the network you want to connect to. Once connected, you’ll be able to send and receive iMessages and make FaceTime audio calls to other Apple users right from your wrist. This is especially helpful during emergencies if your iPhone dies or gets stolen. Browse the web on your wrist Another hidden Messages feature is the built-in web view that provides a basic Safari experience on watchOS. All you have to do is iMessage yourself a link, then open it on your Apple Watch. The feature also supports the Reader perk, which presents articles neatly and hides distracting items. Reading articles on a smartwatch’s tiny display probably won’t be a regular habit, but it could come in handy in certain situations. Put an iPod on your wrist You probably already use your Apple Watch’s native Now Playing app to control the music streaming on your iPhone. However, many users miss out on watchOS’s native playback perk. Simply pair AirPods or third-party Bluetooth headphones to your smartwatch, and stream directly from Apple Music if you have an internet connection. For offline listening, both Apple Music and Spotify support downloading playlists to the wearable’s local storage, letting you leave your iPhone behind. This makes it possible to run outdoors with just your Apple Watch and a pair of wireless earbuds. Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Never lose your Apple TV remote If you have an Apple TV, there’s a handy Remote app installed on your watch that lets you fully control your television. Even on this miniature screen, the interface manages to fit all of the main buttons, letting you switch apps, go back, navigate, control the volume, and more. It’s ideal for when you’re cooking or cleaning and don’t want to dirty the physical Siri Remote or your iPhone. Or those times when neither of those items is conveniently to hand. You can similarly control other smart home appliances that rely on the HomeKit infrastructure using the native Home app on watchOS. I often use it to change the color of my light bulbs when Siri—in typical Siri fashion—fails to process my voice commands. Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Quickly contact other Apple Watch users Apart from FaceTime and iMessage, the Apple Watch offers an exclusive communication tool that seemingly very few people use. Walkie-Talkie is a built-in app that lets you quickly contact other watchOS users using your voice. Once you add a friend there, you can communicate verbally in real time using the FaceTime audio technology. When you’re in a meeting or just don’t want to be reached, you can toggle off your availability. While most users probably prefer regular audio messages or phone calls, the Walkie-Talkie app makes it easier to get quick answers for minor questions—like what brand of milk to get from the supermarket. It mostly caters to best friends, family members, and partners, as having less intimate acquaintances reach you at any time would be too intrusive. Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Find a lost iPhone If you often misplace your iPhone, you’ve likely made use of the handy Ping toggle in the Apple Watch’s Control Center. When you tap it, your iPhone produces a loud screech if it’s within Bluetooth range. What you probably don’t know, though, is that pressing and holding on that toggle will also make your iPhone’s camera LED flash. This makes it possible to locate your phone in a pitch-black environment. Listen to the time Did you know that your Apple Watch can tell the time? Literally, I mean. Once you enable the Speak Time toggle in Clock settings, you can have watchOS announce the current time audibly by holding two fingers on the watch face. I sometimes use this feature when I wake up in the morning to identify the time without opening my heavy eyelids. Control your iPhone’s camera If you’re living the solo life and often need to record videos or take photos of yourself, this one’s for you. watchOS offers a built-in Camera Remote app that transforms your Apple Watch into a viewfinder for your iPhone’s Camera app. This ensures you’re in frame and helps you fine-tune composition before shooting. The app also offers handy shortcuts to some of the Camera app’s buttons, like the shutter, zoom, and flash. Your Apple Watch can do a lot more than count steps and track activiity.Foundry Calculate the tip with ease For the last tip, your Apple Watch can actually calculate how much you need to tip at restaurants. Just input the bill’s total in the native Calculator app and hit the Tip button. You can then choose the percentage and optionally the number of people splitting it, et voilà! Apple Watch can do more than you think The Apple Watch has come a long way. What once used to be a dependent accessory can now perform most basic smartphone tasks on its own. That’s even more practical for those with an active cellular plan. It’s true that performing most of these tasks would be more practical using the wider iPhone screen. But there are still instances when the Apple Watch makes more sense. Sometimes your hands are occupied, other times your iPhone is out of charge—regardless of your reasons, it’s comforting to know that the wearable strapped to your wrist at all times can connect you to your loved ones, play your favorite tunes, unlock electric doors, control and find other devices, and much more. Over and out. For even more things to do with an Apple Watch see our guide to the cool things Apple Watch can do. We also have a guide to All the things an Apple Watch can do without an iPhone and we also examine the pros and cons of a cellular Apple Watch.

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12 hidden iPhone features it’s time to finally start using in 2026
Macworld These days, iPhones can do a lot. And we mean a lot. From photography and navigation to gaming and AI, it’s enough to make you forget they can also, you know, make phone calls and send text messages. With all these clever features on offer, it’s inevitable that a few will be overlooked. Whether you’re a power user or an iOS beginner, we bet there are scores of interesting and useful functions that you never knew existed–and which could help you get even more out of that expensive device. In this article, updated for 2026, we round up some of the best iPhone features and settings you’re probably not using. (For each one we list the version of iOS you’ll need to be running; if you’re not sure, you can check this by opening the Settings app and going to General > About and checking the iOS Version field.) With our help, you’ll be an iPhone master in no time. 1. NameDrop: Easily share contacts Works on iOS 17 and later NameDrop, which lets you touch two iPhones together to exchange contact details, is a great example of Apple’s seamless and intelligent integration between hardware and software, and it’s something that few other phone makers could pull off. Just bring the top ends of two iPhones close to each other and hold them there until you see a bubble-like animation show on their displays. Once that happens, NameDrop will link the two users like magic, and you can then choose the fields you want to share before exchanging your details or tap Receive Only to get their info without sending your own. And here’s a bonus: The feature also works for sending Apple Cash to another iPhone user. Why you should use this feature: It’s a huge time-saver. Instead of laboriously dictating your number, or opening the right app to text your details, do it easily in a flash. 2. Back Tap: Add a button to the back of your iPhone Works on iOS 14 and later Some iPhone features feel so natural that you wonder why you didn’t know about them before, and Back Tap certainly qualifies. With a quick double or triple tap on the back of your phone, you can open your camera app, turn on the flashlight, switch apps, and more. To get started, open the Settings app on your iPhone and head to Accessibility  > Touch  > Back Tap. Select either Double Tap or Triple Tap, then pick an option from the extensive list. You can run system functions, activate accessibility controls, and even launch a shortcut, which is a clever way to kickstart a powerful workflow with minimal effort. Why you should use this feature: What could be more convenient than having instant access to your most commonly used action? Having instant access to two of them. Back Tap is like having a secret Action button on the back of your phone.David Price / Foundry 3. Visual Look Up: Use the camera to learn about nature Works on iOS 15 and later, although newer software (and hardware) will unlock more features How many times have you seen an animal or plant and found yourself scratching your head over what it was? With your iPhone, there’s no need to be left in doubt. Just use Visual Look Up. Simply snap a photo of the animal or plant in question, open the image in the Photos app, then swipe up. You’ll see an option to Look Up Plant or Look Up Animal, which will show likely matches and similar images. Since the feature debuted in 2022, Apple has expanded its scope, and swiping up on other photos may give you the option to Look Up Food, Look Up Artwork and so on, while living creatures gain more specific searches such as Look Up Mammal. Who knows what Apple will add in iOS 27? If you have an AI-compatible iPhone, you can use the Visual Intelligence feature to tap into Apple Intelligence or ChatGPT to get similar assistance. By default this feature is activated by tapping and holding the Camera Control for a couple of seconds until a new camera window bursts onto your screen. (If you haven’t got a Camera Control you can open Control Center and add it there.) Point your camera at the object in question, and an animal or plant name will appear at the top. If it says “Maybe,” tap the name to see a few theories. If ChatGPT is more certain, it will show the name of what it thinks it is, and you can tap it to get some information. Why you should use this feature: Knowledge is power. And learning is fun! Now you know a little bit more about the humble aloe vera.Foundry 4. Song Recognition: Identify music Works on iOS 14.2 and later Shazam is a fantastic way to discover a new song or identify those earworms whose names you can’t quite remember—but you don’t need to open the Shazam app each time, or even install it. Shazam Music Recognition is now built into iOS, and you can put a handy Shazam button right into the Control Center for quick access. Open the Control Center by swiping down from your iPhone’s top-right corner. From here, tap the + in the top-left corner, tap Add a Control, then tap the Recognize Music button (or use the search bar if you can’t spot it). The next time you hear a song you can’t identify, open the Control Center and hit the Shazam button, and it’ll identify the song within seconds. Why you should use this feature: There’s no time to waste when a mystery song is playing. There’s even a button to jump straight to the song in Apple Music.David Price / Foundry 5. Timer Control: Start a countdown in no time Works on iOS 11 and later You probably know you can set a timer without having to hunt for the Clock app, right? Simply open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right, then tap the Timer button (a clock face with a single hand pointing at eleven o’clock). If the button isn’t there, hit the plus sign and add it. But you might not know there’s an even shorter shortcut. Tap and hold the Timer button in Control Center, and a slider will appear on the screen. Move your finger up and down the slider to adjust the duration (the increments vary from a minute to an hour as you move up the scale) and tap Start to begin. Why you should use this feature: It’s the quickest way to set a timer. Or joint-quickest, along with “Hey Siri, set a timer for three minutes.” This works for timers as short as one minute or as long as two hours.David Price / Foundry 6. Flashlight: Adjust the width of your beam Works on iOS 18 and later. You’ll also need a Pro model iPhone Everyone knows your iPhone can provide a helpful flashlight to guide you through the darkness. But did you know you can adjust both the width and distance of its beam with just a few taps? Tap the icon on the Lock screen to turn on your phone’s flashlight (or ask Siri), and you’ll notice that a flashlight icon appears in the Dynamic Island. This isn’t just a reminder that it’s on. Tap it and you’ll be able to adjust the light beam to your requirements. Swipe left to make the beam narrower and more intense, or right, to make it wider and more diffuse. You can also move your finger up and down to adjust the light’s strength as usual. (Note that non-Pro iPhones only get the up and down action. Sorry.) Why you should use this feature: Because your iPhone is the flashlight you carry all the time, so you might as well make it a good flashlight. Narrow the beam for melodramatic interrogations.Foundry 7. Measure: Use the iPhone’s hidden virtual ruler Works on iOS 12 and later Most people don’t walk around with a tape measure in their pocket, but there are times when you need one. Not to worry: your iPhone actually has a hidden Measure app that can help. Open the Search bar (swipe downwards from the middle of your iPhone’s Home screen) and type “Measure” to find the app. Once opened, it’ll turn on your rear camera. To measure something, aim your phone at one point–such as the corner of an object–tap the plus (+) symbol, then move your camera to another point and tap the plus symbol again. The distance between the points will appear on your screen. You can calculate multiple lengths by tapping + again after you’ve taken the first measurement. On iPhone 12 Pro or later, thanks to the LiDAR sensor, you can move your phone near the subject and the line will transform into a ruler that displays incremental units of length. Pro phones can also gauge the height of a person who appears in the Measure app’s viewfinder. Why you should use this feature: It adds yet another useful tool to the iPhone’s toolbox. If you tap the Level tab, you’ll unlock yet another handy tool.Foundry 8. Widgets: Get quick info on the Lock screen Works on iOS 16 and later Widgets aren’t just for the Home screen—you can add a few to your Lock screen as well to view data at a glance. To add widgets to your Lock screen, tap and hold the screen until the Customize button appears at the bottom of the screen. Tap it. Look for a box labeled Add Widgets. Tap this, then select widgets from the list to add them to this box. Depending on the Lock screen layout you’ve selected, the box may already contain widgets. Tap the minus sign to remove any you don’t want, then replace them with better ones. Why you should use this feature: Want to minimise doomscrolling? Learn to accessing key information without having to unlock your phone. There’s a huge array of widgets. Just scroll down to see what’s on offer.David Price / Foundry 9. App Tracking: Stop apps from following your activity Works on iOS 15 and later When you open an app for the first time, you might see a pop-up window asking if you want to let the app track you across other apps and websites. If you find yourself getting tired of repeatedly tapping “Ask App Not to Track,” there’s a simple fix that will reject tracking attempts once and for all. Open the Settings app and navigate to Privacy & Security  > Tracking, then tap the toggle next to Allow Apps to Request to Track so it turns gray. When you do this, you won’t get any more prompts about being tracked—disabling this toggle tells iOS to automatically reject all app tracking attempts on your behalf, so you can protect your privacy without all the annoying pop-ups. Why you should use this feature: Because pop-ups are almost as annoying as intrusive tracking. 10. Default apps: Open links in the apps you want Works on iOS 18.2 and later For years, Apple devices have been heavily locked down, and that’s even extended to controlling your default apps for email, web browsing, and more. That’s no longer the case, though, so if you want to switch up your default apps, it’s now easier than ever. To start customizing your app choices, open the Settings app and go to Apps  > Default Apps. You’ll see several options, from email and messaging to web browsing and translation. Just tap one, then pick an app from the resulting list. Your options will be limited to apps installed on your iPhone, so make sure you’ve downloaded your apps of choice before getting started. Why you should use this feature: Because that premium web browser you installed isn’t much use if links still open in Safari. Developers have to apply for a place on this screen, so not every app will be available.David Price / Foundry 11. Text replacement: Give your thumbs a break Works on iOS 12 and later Tired of typing all the time? Use text replacement. This automatically fills out words and phrases when you enter a shortcut. For instance, you could create a text replacement shortcut that enters your email address whenever you type @@ or another that automatically capitalizes BBQ (or types out barbecue, if you’re feeling fancy) when you type bbq. This feature can be enabled in Settings. Go to General > Keyboard > Text Replacement and tap + to add a new entry. The Shortcut box is for the condensed word or phrase you want to use, while the Phrase box is for the full version that will be inserted by your phone. But we can be even cleverer than that. If there’s a word or phrase that you don’t want to be corrected, create a new text replacement entry and type it into the same field, but keep the Shortcut box empty. This could be handy if you have an unusual name, or frequently use a piece of jargon that autocorrect insists on changing to something else. Why you should use this feature: Because typing omw takes less time than On my way! 12. Adaptive Power: Extend your battery life Works on iOS 26. Requires iPhone 15 Pro or later We’ll finish with a feature that was added in iOS 26, which came out in September 2025. And if you want to make your iPhone’s battery last that little bit longer, this is the one for you. Open Settings and go to Battery > Power Mode. Hit the toggle labelled Adaptive Power so it turns green. iOS will now do its best to conserve power on high-usage days by dimming the screen very slightly, reducing background processes, and tweaking performance. If you’re thinking this is just another name for Low Power Mode, think again. For a start, Low Power Mode still exists, and Adaptive Power will turn it on when your phone hits 20%. But the main factor is that Adaptive Power is designed to be a lot subtler. It uses AI to predict your needs and to make adjustments that you won’t notice. You should find you get a little more battery life without having to make noticeable compromises. Why you should use this feature: Because your iPhone is only as useful as its battery life.

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One tool, multiple top AI models—yours forever for a single $75 payment
Macworld TL;DR: Stop juggling a dozen AI subscriptions—1min.AI gives you lifetime access to top models for $74.97 (MSRP $540) and handles content, images, video, audio, PDFs, research, and more from one place. For those of us who’ve ever wondered whether there’s a better way to use AI than bouncing between five platforms and 20 tabs, the answer is yes—and it costs a lot less than you’d think. The 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription is on sale for a one-time payment of just $74.97 (MSRP $540), giving you permanent access to a multi-model AI hub built for real professional workflows. 1min.AI bundles most of the top AI models together—OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, Mistral, and Cohere—plus writing tools, image generation, PDF analysis, video and audio editing, and full document interaction. Designers can generate images or upscale assets. Writers can outline, rewrite, research, and build entire blog posts. Social media managers get comments, captions, brand voice tools, and instant repurposing. Analysts can summarize PDFs or pull insights from long documents. Even YouTube creators get transcription, translation, and video-chat features. If you want a smarter, faster, consolidated way to use AI in your professional life, this deal makes the choice pretty simple. Get lifetime access to 1min.AI’s Advanced Business Plan while it’s a one-and-done $74.97 payment for a limited time. 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Apple's App Course Runs $20,000 a Student. Is It Really Worth It?
Apple's Developer Academy in Detroit has spent roughly $30 million over four years training hundreds of people to build iPhone apps, but not everyone lands coding jobs right away, according to a WIRED story published this week. The program launched in 2021 as part of Apple's $200 million response to the Black Lives Matter protests and costs an estimated $20,000 per student -- nearly twice what state and local governments budget for community colleges. About 600 students have completed the 10-month course at Michigan State University. Academy officials say 71% of graduates from the past two years found full-time jobs across various industries. The program provides iPhones, MacBooks and stipends ranging from $800 to $1,500 per month, though one former student said many participants relied on food stamps. Apple contributed $11.6 million to the academy. Michigan taxpayers and the university's regular students covered about $8.6 million -- nearly 30% of total funding. Two graduates said their lack of proficiency in Android hurt their job prospects. Apple's own US tech workforce went from 6% Black before the academy opened to about 3% this year. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Apple Settles Brazilian Antitrust Case, Must Allow Third-Party App Stores and External Payment Links
Apple has agreed to a settlement with Brazil's antitrust regulator that will require the company to allow third-party app stores on iPhones and permit developers to direct users to external payment options, marking another country where Apple's tightly controlled App Store model is being pried open by government action. Brazil's Administrative Council of Economic Defense approved the settlement this week, resolving an investigation that began in 2022 into whether Apple's restrictions on app distribution and payments limited competition. Under the new rules, developers can offer third-party payment methods within their apps alongside Apple's own system. The fee structure varies: purchases through Apple's system remain subject to a 10% or 25% commission plus a 5% transaction fee. Apps that include a clickable link to external payment will face a 15% fee, while static text directing users elsewhere incurs no charge. Third-party app stores will pay a 5% Core Technology Commission. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Deal alert: AirPods Pro 3 are back on sale for $199 ($50 off)
Amazon's $199 AirPods Pro 3 deal is back, saving shoppers $50 on Apple's newest earbuds.Grab AirPods Pro 3 at the best $199 price.Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back on sale for $199.49 at Amazon, beating Black Friday pricing by $20.Buy AirPods Pro 3 for $199.49 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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The best advanced iPad board game ports for the strategy gamer in your life
Board games go far beyond Monopoly. More advanced digital board games can turn any get-together — or quiet night in — into an easy, portable way to play with friends and family across iPhone, iPad, and Macs.Best board games for iOS, iPadOS | Image credit: Floodgate GamesThe holidays are a great time to get friends and family together for food and fun. That's why we're compiling a list of the best iPhone and iPad board games.All of these titles work on iOS and iPadOS, and for anyone who owns an M-series Mac, you'll be able to play them on macOS as well. Many of these titles also support remote play, allowing you to play with loved ones who may not be nearby. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Got a new Mac? Here are five apps I can’t live without
Whether you just got your first Mac or upgraded to a brand-new machine, it’s always helpful to get started on the right set of tools. Here are the very first apps I usually install as soon as I get a new Mac. more…

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Change these 3 hidden Apple TV settings and thank us later
Apple’s set top box offers an excellent premium experience, but you’ll definitely want to change these three Apple TV settings first. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Protect up to 10 devices with a lifetime license to FastestVPN
Keep your personal data private with a FastestVPN lifetime license, on sale now. Supports iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, smart TVs and more. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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The AirPods Pro 3 is $20 Off
Amazon has the AirPods Pro 3 marked $20 off. The earbuds features stronger Active Noise Cancellation compared to its predecessor, capable of blocking out 2x more noise, so you can immerse yourself further when listening to music, watching shows, or playing games. The AirPods Pro 3 lets you track the calories you have burned and […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Exynos 2600 Chip 2nm Process Revealed by Samsung
The Exynos 2600 has been premiered officially by Samsung. This is the first SoC, a mobile 2-nanometer system-on-a-chip made by the GAA or Gate-All-Around process of the company. The 10-core design based on ARM aims to bring improved efficiency and performance for their devices, like the Galaxy S26 Series that’s coming soon. The most recent […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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New Celebrity Ad Campaign Featuring Travis Scott Released by Beats
An ad campaign featuring Travis Scott, a successful rapper, was launched by Apple Beats. The ad is titled “DARE TO DREAM” which was inspired by a tweet made by the rapper back in 2011 in the beginning of his career. In the post, Scott said that one day, he will be somebody, The short film […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Australia Getting Hypertension Notification Feature
Hypertension notifications for the Apple Watch are now enabled for users in Australia. The TGA, or the Therapeutic Goods Administration, is the regulator for medical devices in Australia. The notification feature for hypertension on Apple Watches has been approved and formally listed on the Australian Register. The hypertension detection feature was announced by Apple back […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Today in Apple history: Woz spends Christmas building Apple II disk drive
On December 25, 1977, Steve Wozniak spent the holiday building a prototype of the Disk II, the Apple II's revolutionary floppy disk drive. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Get a 10% bonus on top of competitive payouts for your used iPhone
If you received an iPhone as a gift for the holidays, trading in your used iPhone can free up cash for charging accessories, cases, and more.Get a 10% bonus on your iPhone trade-in - Image credit: GazelleInstead of stressing over where to sell your iPhone, you can get a fast cash offer with almost no effort at Gazelle, a trusted service that's been buying used devices since 2007. And right now, AppleInsider readers get a 10% bonus on their final payout. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Amber's best tech in 2025: Apple TV, mesh Wi-Fi, and an eBike
Amber's favorite tech of 2025 isn't flashy or futuristic — it's the gear that quietly works so well that you could almost forget it exists.Ride1Up Roadster V2Season's greetings, folks. I suppose it's my turn to share my favorite bits of tech that I've been using for the past year.I think my top tech products of 2025 are a pretty good reflection of who I am as a person. At my core, I will always prize utility over flashiness or bonus features. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Macworld Podcast: The year in Apple hardware
Macworld In this episode, we take a look back at the major Apple hardware releases. What made an impression? What was a disappointment? Tune in and find out more! This is episode 964 with Michael Simon, Jason Cross,  and Roman Loyola.   Watch episode 964 on YouTube Listen to episode 964 on Apple Podcasts

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A new AI app turns you holiday photos into Instagrammable shots
Macworld TL;DR: Luminar Mobile uses AI to enhance skies, retouch portraits, fix lighting, and edit RAW files on iOS. A lifetime license is only $19.99 (MSRP $47.99). Snapping photos is easy. Making them look amazing usually isn’t. Luminar Mobile changes that by bringing advanced AI photo editing to your iPhone or iPad without the steep learning curve or desktop software costs. You can lock in lifetime use of this app for just $19.99 and keep all its editing tools forever. Luminar Mobile is built specifically for iOS devices, including support for Apple Pencil and even Vision Pro workflows. The app uses AI to handle edits that would normally require pro skills. Want a more dramatic sky? SkyAI swaps it out automatically. Need better lighting? EnhanceAI and RelightAI fine-tune exposure, contrast, and color in seconds. Portrait shooters get SkinAI and BodyAI for subtle, natural-looking touch-ups, while creative editors can use Curves, Crop, Details, and filters to refine the entire image. It also supports RAW files, giving you the kind of control normally reserved for desktop editing software. The interface is designed for touch, so adjusting sliders, masking areas, or applying effects feels straightforward. Whether you’re editing travel photos, portraits, product shots, or just trying to fix a tricky lighting situation, Luminar Mobile keeps everything fast and beginner-friendly. Get the Luminar Mobile Lifetime License for $19.99 (MSRP $47.99) while the deal is live. Luminar Mobile for iOS & Android: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Apple To Allow Alternative App Stores For iOS Users In Brazil
Apple will allow alternative iOS app stores and external payment systems in Brazil after settling an antitrust case with the country's competition authority, following a lawsuit brought by MercadoLibre back in 2022. Thurrott reports: Yesterday, Brazil's Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Economica (CADE) explained in its press release that it has approved a Term of Commitment to Cease (TCC) submitted by Apple. To settle the lawsuit, the iPhone maker has agreed to allow third-party iOS app stores in Brazil and to let developers use external payment systems. The company will also use neutral wording in the warning messages about third-party app stores and external payment systems that iOS users in Brazil will see. As part of the settlement, Apple has 105 days to implement these changes to avoid a fine of up to $27.1 million. A separate report from Brazilian blog Tecnoblog revealed that Apple will still take a 5% "Core Technology Commission" fee on transactions going through alternative app stores. Additionally, the company will take a 15% cut on in-app purchases for App Store apps when developers redirect users to their own payment systems. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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