iPhone Life - Best Apps, Top Tips, Great Gear

Apple previewed iOS 18 at the June 10 WWDC Keynote, and the latest updates are all themed around customization, convenience, and the integration of Apple's personal intelligence system. With iOS 18, it's now more convenient than ever to communicate, view needed information, and make fun new edits to photos. Let's go over all the new iPhone features we have to look forward to in the fall, including satellite-based texting, the all-new Image Playground featuring AI-generated images, improved customization options, and much more. 

Apple introduced a slew of updates to watchOS during the 2024 WWDC Keynote on June 10. This year's keynote focused primarily on how Apple will incorporate AI into its software. However, the Apple Watch seems to be fairly immune to these new AI features. Instead, Apple appears to be staying true to the device’s fitness tracker origins and honing in on the convenience of a smartwatch.

I have reviewed a number of SleepPhones wireless headphones from Acoustic Sheep over the years, and while they always do the job, namely serve as Bluetooth headphones integrated into a soft headband, suitable for sleeping, I did write that I wish they had could charge as easily as my Apple Watch and iPhone do. I'm glad to announce that they now come with wireless charging!

I have been a customer of Logitech Harmony remotes since the beginning, before Logitech acquired the Harmony Remote Control company, so I am always excited when the company introduces a new model. The latest is the Harmony Express ($249.99) and they kindly sent me a review unit to try. Compared to the traditional models, the Express is much more compact and sleek. And since it's so small, it's nice to know you can use the app to find the remote control. It charges using a microUSB cable (included) and not a cradle as other models do. I would have preferred USB-C or, better yet, Qi-based wireless charging so I could just place the remote on a charging pad. 

If you forgot your Notes password, then you’ll need to reset your password in order to lock and unlock your notes. To reset your Notes password, you’ll need to navigate to the Notes section of the Settings app and log in with your Apple ID. This is also how to reset your password if you already know it. Read on to learn how to reset a password for the Notes app.

If you've set up Screen Time on an iPhone or iPad for your child and have blocked or limited social media and other apps, those apps' services may still be accessible via their URL websites, providing kids with a way to get around your parental controls. Here's how to block a website on Safari, Chrome, or any browser on an iPhone or iPad. Whether it's Facebook, YouTube, or any other website that's too mature for your kids, you'll be able to fully block an app's website and not worry about kids finding a way to use them. This tip can also be used by adults who are trying to limit their own social media use, or don't want adult content unexpectedly popping up on their devices.

Sometimes I'll have words randomly capitalized while texting, such as "may" into "May" like the month. If you're bothered by unwanted or random capitalizations while typing on your iPhone or iPad, you can try turning off auto-capitalization in your device's keyboard settings, which can be found under General in the Settings app. While this is not the same as turning off auto-correct, having auto-capitalization off can stop words from being capitalized when you don't want them to be. Try this tip to cut down on your texting frustration!

Whether you're a music maker, a music lover, or both, you're probably on the lookout for the best apps to record songs or find new favorites. We've rounded up ten free and paid apps; some, like Pandora, YouTube, and Amazon Music are well known, others are more obscure. Whether you'd like to learn a new instrument or improve your skills, listen to favorites or discover new artists, we have the app for you.

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