iOS & iPhone Features
How To: Open Instagram Straight to the Story Camera to Bypass Your Feed & Start Capturing Right Away
When it comes to shooting a great Instagram story, spontaneity is often key. Who doesn't love seeing something unexpected pop up on their feed? That said, to catch those moments, you need to be quick, and the standard method for opening Instagram's Story camera isn't that. Instead, try this method the next time you need to document something in a flash.
How To: Find 3D Snapchat Filters for New Effects with Your iPhone's Face ID Camera
When it comes to filters, Snapchat is no slouch. The chat app's array of effects rivals even the fiercest competition from filter masters like Instagram. Now, the company has a new trick up its sleeve that adds depth to your selfies (and even more new filters), and that feature is called 3D Camera Mode, available for iPhone models with the TrueDepth camera used for Face ID.
How To: Hide the Picture-in-Picture Window on Your iPhone to Listen to Audio Only or Take a Video Break
Previously limited to apps like Facebook and YouTube as an in-app feature only, picture-in-picture mode is now an OS-level feature in iOS 14. That means any app can quickly flip the switch to let you watch videos in an overlay window while you multitask in other apps. However, sometimes you only need to hear the audio and not see the video, and that's totally possible too.
How To: Apple's Stock Keyboard Finally Has an Emoji Search Tool — Here's How to Use It
Since their introduction, emoji have become as essential to the iPhone as the touchscreen itself. While the original set of emoji was manageable, finding a particular emoji these days has become a chore. Apple tried to make it easier in past iOS versions, but it has avoided adding the most sensible option — until now.
How To: Turn off Auto-Correction on the Apple iPhone 3G
The iPhone is great for a lot of reasons, but one fault it may have is the keyboard and the ability to type. It's hard enough to actually type emails and notes on the small keyboard, but when auto-correction thinks it knows more about what you're writing than you do, it could become frustrating. So how do you stop Auto-Correct? Best Buy has answers. The Best Buy Mobile team explains how simple it is to turn off Auto-Correction on the Apple iPhone 3G.
News: The Best Cyber Monday Deals on iOS Apps & Games for Your iPhone
Who likes to buy apps? The answer is no one, of course. Unfortunately, as in life, the best apps and games don't come free. That's why it makes sense to wait until those apps go on sale before handing over your hard-earned cash. And what better day to find discounts in the iOS App Store than Cyber Monday?
News: Apple Just Released iOS 12.1.2 for iPhones with Fix for eSIM Activation Issues
Without a second beta like most other beta versions, Apple released iOS 12.1.2 to all iPhone users on Monday, Dec. 17. The update comes just one week after the iOS 12.1.2 beta went live, so why did it have such a quick turnaround? The answer likely revolves around eSIM issues on newer iPhone models, as well as legal issues with Qualcomm.
How To: Play 'Comix Zone' on Your iPhone Now & Relive the Glory Days of Arcade-Style Fighting Games
Prepare yourself for a trip back to the days when a Sega Genesis was your gateway to premium gaming. The mid-nineties classic, Comix Zone, has been soft-launched in the Philippines, and while it's not officially available for gamers in the states, you can install it right now with a little hackery.
News: Preorder & Release Dates for the iPhone 11, 11 Pro & 11 Pro Max
They're finally here. Apple revealed the brand new iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max on Sept. 10, and despite the questionable names, these are the best iPhone models money can buy. If you're looking to get your hands on one of these devices as soon as possible, there are few important dates you need to know.
How To: Make Siri Start a New Blank Apple Pages Document on Your iPhone
We're basically living in the future, so let's work like we are. For decades, we have, without question, opened a word processor like Pages, and clicked or tapped our way to starting a new document. What's wrong with that? It's unnecessary. We all have a digital assistant living in our iPhone, one that can start up a new Pages doc by verbal request.
News: 'Turkish Crime Family' Demands $75,000 in Bitcoin from Apple in Exchange for Hacked iPhone Accounts
Rumor has it that a gang of hackers—or possibly, one lonesome individual—holds the power to remotely wipe millions of iPhones and iCloud accounts, unless Apple coughs up some ransom money by April 7.
How To: Find Nearby Beer by Emoji on Your iPhone
Emojis, for better or for worse, have essentially taken over online forms of communication. And now, thanks to a recently discovered feature in iOS, they are going to change the way you search for nearby places.
News: Apple's iOS 14.4 Release Candidate Out for iPhone, Includes Camera, Bluetooth & Privacy Updates
Apple has finally seeded the release candidate for iOS 14.4 to iPhone developers and public beta users, build 18D52. The update adds scanning support for smaller QR codes in Camera, the ability to classify Bluetooth devices to improve audio notifications, and alerts on the iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, or 12 Pro Max for if the camera is detected not to be genuine. There's also a short list of bug fixes.
How To: Apply for Apple Card Right from Your iPhone
Apple slowly rolled out its new credit card, Apple Card, throughout August, but announced on Aug. 20 that it's now available to all qualified users in the US. Here's the problem: it's not totally obvious how to apply. Without any notification, directions, or clear settings, how do you even fill out an Apple Card application? Luckily for you, we're here to show exactly how to find it.
How To: This Interactive Demo Turns Your iPhone into a Samsung Galaxy Smartphone You Can Test Out
The Apple ecosystem might be strong, but so is the pull from devices outside Cupertino's walls. If you've ever felt curious about what life could be like with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, be that an S21 or a Note20, you don't need to make the switch to know. In fact, you can give it a go right on your iPhone.
News: Apple Just Released iOS 12.2 Beta 6 for iPhone to Developers, Adds New 'Warranty Status' in Settings
Apple just released the sixth beta release for iOS 12.2 today, Monday, March 18. Just as expected, the update to the developer version dropped just past 1 p.m. EDT (10 a.m. PDT), and comes with new changes and features from iOS 12.2 beta 5 and beyond, including a new warranty status in the "About" page in Settings.
How To: Book Dinner Tables Directly from Apple Maps on Your iPhone
Apple has taken great strides to ensure that iPhone users are having an Apple Maps experience on par or even better than Google Maps can provide. One of the factors powering this is extensions, which adds functionality to certain apps by giving them permission to interact. Among all the possibilities, one extension will let you reserve dinner tables right from inside Apple Maps.
How To: Use iOS 12's 'Digital Health' Features to Keep Your iPhone Usage in Check & Limit Interruptions
Apple knows their products can be addicting, and with iOS 12, they are doing something about it. With the help of Screen Time and few other new tools, it should now be a lot easier to get off your phone and enjoy life in the real world.
How To: Report Speed Traps, Accidents & Hazards in Apple Maps During Navigation to Help Out Other Drivers on the Road
Driving is anything but problem-free. Speed traps, accidents, and other hazards can appear at any time, requiring motorists to be attentive, quick, and prepared for anything. If you see something dangerous on your route that you want to warn others about, there's an easy way to do so in Apple Maps.
How To: The Fastest Way to Find an App on Your Cluttered iPhone
Confession time: I hardly ever leave the first page of my iPhone's home screen. No, my iPhone isn't super organized and, no, I don't limit the number of apps I download as well (trust me, this phone is a mess). The truth is that you don't need to rely on your iPhone's home screen pages to find and open an app. In most cases, there's simply a much faster way.
How To: Battery Almost Dead? Here's the Best Way to Squeeze More Juice Out of Your iPhone Without a Charger
Your iPhone's almost out of battery power, there's no wired or wireless charger in sight, and you left your portable power bank at home. You don't want your battery to die, but you still need to use your iPhone. This is when Low Power Mode comes in handy, but you could be wasting valuable time and power if you're activating it the wrong way.
How To: Reduce Background Noise & Echoes for Higher Quality Voice Memos in iOS 14
Your iPhone's Voice Memos app is an easy tool for quickly recording lectures at school, jam sessions at the studio, or just verbal notes to yourself. While it's a straightforward app, there are several hidden features you might not know about that can improve the quality of your recordings.
News: Apple Just Released iOS 12.3 Public Beta 2 for iPhone, Features Small Updates to Wallet & Date/Time
Apple just released the second public beta for iOS 12.3 today, Tuesday, April 9, one day after the release of the iOS 12.3 developer beta 2. This update introduces new Japanese "Date & Time" updates as well as changes to Wallet transactions. Overall, iOS 12.3 includes Apple TV Channels, premium monthly subscriptions with content available directly in the TV app across the Apple ecosystem.
How To: Secure WhatsApp Behind Face ID or Touch ID on Your iPhone to Keep Your Chats Extra Private
End-to-end encryption makes WhatsApp chats private and secure. However, if someone has access to your iPhone, they can easily open the app and browse through all of your personal conversations. Luckily, there's an easy way to block any would-be intruders at the gates — just lock the app behind Face ID or Touch ID.
News: Apple Just Released iOS 13.2 Developer Beta 3 for iPhone
There's nothing quite as exciting in the beta testing world as a new update. Battling overloaded servers to download the latest update as fast as possible, just to scour through the new OS looking for the biggest features to the smallest changes. It was only Thursday that Apple seeded iOS 13.2 developer beta 2, so count us surprised that we get to experience today's release of developer beta 3 so soon.
News: After 5 Years, Touch ID Is About to Get Read Its Last Rites
RIP Touch ID. Apple's fingerprint sensor on iPhone and iPad models with Home buttons is about to become phased out on Wednesday, Sept. 12. While Touch ID will remain an integral part of models from the iPhone 5S to the iPhone 8 Plus, as well as the iPad Air 2 through the sixth generation iPad, Face ID will completely take over as the default security method for unlocking future iOS devices.
How To: iOS 15's Safari Changes the Way You Access Tabs
When you first open Safari after updating your iPhone to iOS 15, you might be a bit surprised by the design change. Apple attempted to make browsing the web on its smartphones more natural and cohesive, but it may leave you wondering just how to actually navigate your tabs.
News: Apple's iOS 13.6 Developer Beta 2 for iPhone Includes Option to Automatically Download New Updates
Apple released the second developer beta for iOS 13.6 today, Tuesday, June 9. This update comes one week after the release of its first developer and public betas, previously called iOS 13.5.5, as well as the general release of iOS 13.5.1. Apple's first 13.5.5 beta introduced evidence for Apple News+ audio support.
News: Apple Releases iOS 14.6 Beta 3 for iPhone, Adds Fix for Performance Bug
Apple released the third iOS 14.6 beta today, Monday, May 10. The update fixes a bug that could cause your iPhone to experience performance issues after startup.
News: Apple Releases iOS 14.5 Beta 6 to Developers, Includes Battery Health Calibration for iPhone 11 Line
Apple just seeded developers the sixth iOS 14.5 beta today, Wednesday, Mar. 31. The update includes a calibration for battery health measurements for the iPhone 11 line, as well as two new Siri voices.
How To: The 16 Biggest Health Features You Should Know About on iOS 16
You've probably already been using iOS 16 on your iPhone for months, but there's a good chance you haven't found or explored everything the new software has to offer. Health-related features are usually the first to be ignored or go unnoticed, but they're essential to know about even if you don't plan on using them right away.
News: Apple Releases iOS 13.3.1 Developer Beta 3 for iPhone
Beta testing on iOS is as Wild West as Apple gets. From feature-filled to featureless releases, there's a high level of unpredictability for what to expect. And not everything is found right away. For instance, last week's developer beta 2 added a new feature that was left undiscovered until three days later. So what has Apple hidden in today's iOS 13.3.1 dev beta 3 update?
How To: This Hack Lets You Use Custom Names for Newly Captured Screenshots on Your iPhone
Apple's screenshot feature is a near-perfect tool for saving images of your iPhone's screen to keep for yourself or share with others. But iOS is missing one thing that would make it almost flawless: a way to rename your screenshots from their original IMG_1234.PNG file name.
How To: 5 Hidden Features in Safari's 17.4 Update for iPhone and iPad You Didn't Know About
The latest 17.4 update for Safari includes a prompt for EU users to choose a different default web browser available in their region. It also gives us new ways to customize the Favorites Bar on an iPad. And Apple Cash virtual numbers are now supported as an AutoFill suggestion. But there are also some hidden changes in Safari 17.4 for iOS and iPadOS that you might not ever notice unless you keep reading.
News: Apple Makes iPhone 13 a Serious Filmmaking Device with Cinematic Mode, ProRes Support for Pro Models
After the dust settled from Apple's annual iPhone event, there's not a lot to get hyped up about the iPhone 13 lineup, particularly if you upgraded your smartphone last year.
How To: Apple Just Gave Your iPhone 15 or 15 Pro Better Battery Health Stats
If you're ever curious about your iPhone's battery health, there are easy-to-access stats that let you know the last charge amount, which apps are eating away at most of your power, and even your battery's remaining capacity. Now, a new update makes it easier to know how well your battery is doing.
News: Apple Patent Says You Can Direct Siri Even on a Noisy Subway
Sometimes it's impossible to concentrate — let alone direct your personal assistant Siri — when someone is blasting music on their phone or talking to thin air. I mean I'm loud, but not that loud.
How To: You Can Rate U.S. Businesses in iOS 15's Apple Maps to Remember What You Liked
One of the many great reasons to use Apple Maps is to find fun food options, chill cafes, enlightening museums, cute gift shops, and other interesting businesses that you might otherwise overlook, as well as must-see places of interest. But after a while, you might forget about some of these hidden gems. With iOS 15, it will no longer be an issue.
News: Apple's iOS 13.5.5 Developer Beta 1 Includes Evidence of Audio Support in Apple News+
Apple released the first developer beta for iOS 13.5.5 on Monday, June 1. The update comes on the same day Apple released iOS 13.5.1 to the public, which patched the unc0ver jailbreak, and 12 days after iOS 13.5, which introduced COVID-19 exposure notifications, in addition to other new features.
How To: Discover Nearby Concerts and Music Venues with Apple Maps and Apple Music on Your iPhone
Whether you're staying in your hometown for the weekend or traveling to a nearby or faraway city, live music is always a great option for entertainment — but finding decent music or a good music venue isn't always easy. With new features added to two of its core apps, your iPhone just made it easier to do both.