Apple's fall 2021 event, called "California Streaming," opened with a video montage that seemed designed to sell the audience on how beautiful California is. The montage then concluded with Tim Cook stepping onto a stage at Apple Park in Cupertino. Perhaps this is Tim Cook's way of trying to persuade remote Apple employees reluctant to give up working from home that it's time to return to the office? From there, Cook and the Apple team introduced a host of new products including the iPhone 13 lineup consisting of four new models, a ninth-generation iPad and sixth-generation iPad mini, and the Apple Watch Series 7 (but no Apple Watch SE update). Notably, no new AirPods were announced. While some of the new iPhone camera features are pretty exciting (Cinematic Mode, anyone?), there were no big surprises during the event. But even so, shiny new iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches are always exciting. Here's everything you should know about Apple's latest devices.
iPhone
How to Change Password on iPhone
By Conner Carey
Your iPhone contains precious memories and sensitive information that can be protected with a password. Apple has default six-digit passcodes on newer iPads and iPhones for better iPhone security, but not everyone wants to enter a longer iPhone passcode, while others want to add an even stronger passcode. I will teach you how to change your iPhone passcode in a few simple steps!
How to Change Work & Home Addresses in Maps on an iPhone
By Conner Carey
Set your home address in the Google or Apple Maps app so it's easy to get directions from your current location to home. Set a work address and add favorites in Apple or Google Maps, and getting directions takes just a few taps. You can also edit and update the location of your home, work, or other favorites on your iPhone.
iPhone 13 Rumors: What to Expect With the Next iPhone Release
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
Apple has announced its fall event, so on September 14 we're slated to meet the new iPhone. We're likely to see the iPhone 13 this fall, and there are some interesting theories as to what we might see, such as the return of Touch ID and a bigger battery. Here's everything we know about the iPhone 13, including a leaked rendering by MySmartPrice, what we might expect in terms of size, and some questions about the new camera placement.
Apple iPhone Upgrade Program: How It Works & What You Need to Know
By Ashleigh Page
Apple, upgrade my iPhone! Whether you're a tech lover keeping up with the latest models or a regular user whose phone has seen better days, the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program might be just the thing you've been looking for. We'll discuss the details of the Apple lease program, including cost breakdown and what you need to know before enrolling. Here's how to upgrade your iPhone.
Every fall, Apple's events shake up the tech world with exciting product releases! This year, we expect several events, announcing a series of new iPhone 13, Apple Watch 7, AirPods 3, two new iPads, a new MacBook Pro, and maybe some brand new devices. Let's dive right in!
Follow Our iPhone 13 Event Coverage on September 14
By Leanne Hays
Apple will hold a fall event, called California Streaming, on the 14th of September at 10:00 a.m PDT. We'll finally find out if the rumors are true about the new iPhone 13 line, as well as other devices such as the Apple Watch 7, new AirPods Pro and AirPods 3, new iPad mini and iPad ninth generation, and a possible new MacBook Pro. Our team will be watching the Apple event livestream, and we'll host a conversation in our private Facebook group as the event happens; you're invited to join in, ask questions, and share your opinions. We'll tape a special podcast episode after the announcement, where we’ll discuss everything just announced. Read on to learn more about how to be a part of our event coverage.
How to Connect to a Personal Wi-Fi Hotspot Using Bluetooth
By Leanne Hays
In a previous daily tip we discussed how to set up a Personal Hotspot using your iPhone, and how to connect your devices to it using Wi-Fi. But what to do if Wi-Fi is unavailable or unreliable? You're not out of options; it's time to connect to your Personal Hotspot using Bluetooth. While your Bluetooth connection will be slower than Wi-Fi, it does have its charms. Bluetooth uses far less power than a Wi-Fi connection, is more secure, and features automatic pairing—as opposed to Wi-Fi, which has a lag while your laptop, iPad or iPod connects, and may require you to rejoin the network every time your device goes to sleep. So without further ado, let's learn how to connect to a Personal Hotspot using Bluetooth!
How to Use Siri & What to Do When Siri Stops Working
By Tamlin Day
If you've ever struggled to get Hey Siri to listen to your requests or wondered how to optimize Siri to meet your needs, then you've come to the right place. This guide will teach you how to set up and activate Siri on your iPhone, AirPods, and HomePod, plus share tips and tricks to get the most out of features like Ask Siri and My Shortcuts. Read on to learn everything you've ever wanted to know about setting up, activating, and using Siri. If Siri won't respond on the right device, we can help with that, too!
Siri Tips & Tricks: 21 Useful Things You Can Ask Siri
By Jim Karpen
Whether you’re new to iPhone or have been using your device for a while—there are plenty of Siri tips and tricks you may have never tried. We know Siri has opinions on the meaning of life but what other things can you ask Siri to do? There are plenty of lists on the cool and funny things to ask Siri, but what about the useful things you can ask Siri? We’ve got you covered with 21 awesome and useful things Siri can do, many of which you’ve probably never heard of. If so, consider this a nice refresher. If not, prepare to be amazed as we scale the tip of the iceberg regarding things Siri can do. From using Siri as a calculator to finding your lost iPhone, Siri can do it all. Here are 21 Siri tips to make sure you're getting the most out of this wonderfully helpful assistant. Click on the each title to read the full tip detailing just what things to say to Siri and what the AI can do.
How to Enable & Turn Off Private Browsing in Safari
By Todd Bernhard
Looking to learn how to open a private tab in Safari? Private browsing mode allows you browse the internet without your device logging your page history or storing cookies. We'll cover how to enable and disable private browsing in Safari.
Follow Our October iPhone 12 Event Coverage
By Sarah Kingsbury
Apple will hold a second fall event on October 13, where we'll finally find out if the rumors are true about new, much delayed iPhone 12 line, as well as other devices such as Air Tags, a new HomePod, and more. Our editorial team will be watching the Apple event live stream, and we'll host a conversation in our private Facebook group as the event happens; you're invited to join in, ask questions, and share your opinions. We'll tape a special podcast episode after the announcement, where we’ll discuss everything just announced. Read on to learn more about how to be a part of our event coverage.
How to Use Safari Extensions on iPhone & iPad
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
Safari extensions in iOS and iPadOS have come our way! Until now, Safari extensions weren't available on iPhone or iPad, limiting the ability to use these handy third-party tools in our daily browsing. But with iOS 15, we will now be able to enjoy Safari browser extensions on these devices. Here is how to add extensions on the iPhone and iPad, where to find Safari extensions, and a brief overview of what these extensions are, and what they're good for.
When looking for new apps, it's good to be aware of potential traps like imposter apps on the App Store. Apple is well known for security, but certain fake apps manage to get through! We’ll go over how to check if an app is safe and identify a fake phone app so you can be more confident in your app choices before you download.
Best Dual iPhone & Apple Watch Charging Docks
By Sarah Kingsbury
Most Apple fans have more than one iOS device. And multiple devices mean multiple charging cables cluttering your space. This is especially a problem for those who like to charge their iPhone and Apple Watch on their nightstand while they sleep. It's also a problem when traveling since the Apple Watch and the iPhone both need their own cable. The solution is a dual iPhone and Apple Watch charging dock. In this roundup we've gathered three of the best charging stations for iPhones and Apple Watches to meet users' different charging needs, from a handy Belkin mobile charger to one of the best iPhone alarm clock docks we could find to a wood iPhone charger that would look beautiful on any nightstand.
Compare the iPhone 12 Models: How to Decide Which New iPhone to Buy
By Erin MacPherson
We're looking at the largest difference in size we've ever seen from an iPhone lineup, but does the range in features reflect those differences? Camera gains dominated the October 13 iPhone 12 announcement, which means if you've got a visual audience to captivate, you may feel like springing for a higher-end iPhone 12 Pro or Pro Max; but if you're not especially concerned about those features, you may do just fine with an iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 12. Some questions are harder to answer, like whether it's truly worth it to opt for the iPhone 12 Pro, or if you'll save more than money by sticking with the iPhone 12.
iPhone 12 Lineup: Release Dates, Prices & Details for the 2020 iPhones
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
After a turbulent year, Apple has finally announced its 2020 iPhone lineup. This is the first time ever that the new iPhones made their debut after the new iPads and Apple Watch, and only the second time an iPhone announcement came in October. Nevertheless, Apple worked hard to make the 2020 iPhones worth the wait, bringing forth four new models: the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Between the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 12 Pro Max, we are looking at the smallest and largest iPhones you can get, and some of the benefits and drawbacks that come with that. This is also the moment 5G is arriving to the iPhone universe, and that plus the new A14 Bionic chip promises new levels of speed for our iPhones. The Pro models are bringing serious upgrades to cameras and photo processing, but will all of these features make an upgrade worth it? Let's take a closer look so you can decide for yourself if you want to upgrade and, if so, which iPhone is right for you.
First iPhone? Learn How to Set Up New iPhone
By Olena Kagui
Getting your first iPhone is super exciting, but it can be a little intimidating. I'll walk you through the steps to getting your new phone up and running—the first steps including learning how to activate a new iPhone and set up a carrier or provider. I will also explain the other essential steps necessary to get you started!
FaceTime for Android? How to Video Call Your Non-iPhone Friends
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
Can you FaceTime on Android? Yes, you can! Thanks to iOS 15 you can FaceTime Android phone users, allowing you to connect over video chat with friends and families with other devices without third-party apps that can slow down your device and take up a lot of room. It's simple to do, and offers a whole new realm of communication options. Let's learn how to FaceTime on Android.
How to Avoid Toll Roads on Apple & Google Maps on iPhone
By Conner Carey
Nobody likes toll roads. Luckily, you can navigate around those pesky wallet traps with your iPhone. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps offer alternate directions that allow you to take the (cheaper) scenic route and avoid toll roads. Especially when driving through cities you don't know, knowing how to avoid tolls on Google Maps or Apple Maps is a smart way to prevent unnecessary extra expenses. Here’s how to avoid toll roads using Apple and Google Maps.