iPhone Life - Best Apps, Top Tips, Great Gear

If you haven't used Apple's Do Not Disturb feature yet, it's a great way to silence notifications from calls, texts, and apps while your iPhone is locked. With iOS 12, DND is now more versatile and useful than ever before with some long-awaited upgrades, including a location-based setting. If you've been wanting to turn on Do Not Disturb for specific places, then your wish has been granted! Let's get started learning how to turn on Do Not Disturb for a specific location, so your device doesn't start buzzing and beeping just when you need it to be quiet. 

In the 92nd episode of the iPhone Life Podcast, Sarah and Donna weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each of Apple's new smartphones: the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. They'll also discuss how the Series 4 is making the Apple Watch an invaluable medical device.

The September 2018 Apple announcement was held today and like clockwork, it was time for Apple to update the Apple Watch. In previous iterations, Apple added cellular and GPS capability, plus waterproofing to make a compelling case to make the leap. This year the company focused less on dramatic new features and instead on enhancements (64-bit CPU, bigger screens, smaller bezel, thinner chassis, louder speaker, and better sensors). But that doesn't mean the Series 4 isn't a dramatically different watch. Thanks to a built-in ECG (electrocardiogram) sensor, the Apple Watch Series 4 is a healthcare provider’s dream—and one that fits on your wrist.

Apple's September announcement has come and gone, and that means it's time to get ready for iOS 12. Whether you are upgrading your iPhone to an XS Max or sticking with your trusty 6s, you'll want to update your iOS as soon as possible. Read on to find out what we learned in today's announcement about when to update your iOS so that you can stay ahead of the iPhone curve.

At iPhone Life, Apple events are a highlight of the year, and we spend a lot of time researching and anticipating what may or may not be revealed at each one. We've been looking forward to this September special event for months and pouring over the rumors to learn what new hardware may be revealed this year. All of our wish lists certainly weren't fulfilled; the AirPods 2, new iPad Pro, StudioPods, and AirPower charging mat weren't unveiled or even mentioned. We were, however, excited to watch as the anticipated three new iPhones made their debut, along with the Apple Watch Series 4. Let's go over Apple's new product lineup from at the September 12 Apple Conference. 

If you use an iPad for work, you should check out the Metropolis iPad Case with Handstrap ($44.95) from Urban Armor Gear. The case has a built-in 360-degree rotating hand strap, secured by durable velcro, which makes it great for one-handed operation. I could see using it on a shop floor or a trade show. There's even a strap to hold an Apple Pencil.

I'm on a summer road trip right now with my kids and sister; an adventure I've been planning for the last two months. My favorite booking tool for accommodations has been, by far, the Airbnb app. This free travel app has saved me not only money, but also loads of time and effort in researching and budgeting for our lodgings from Iowa to the East Coast and back again. Whether you're planning a business trip or a family vacation, going to somewhere rural or to a big city, there's an Airbnb room, apartment, or house just right for you. Let's go over what the Airbnb app is, how it works, and why you should try it out if you haven't already.