iOS & iPhone News « iOS & iPhone

News: iOS 12.1 Public Beta 4 Is Out Right Now for iPhone Software Testers

Good news for beta testers — Apple released iOS 12.1 beta 4 to public testers Monday, Oct. 15. The update comes just hours after the company seeded beta 4 to developers and only six days after all beta user received iOS 12.1 beta 3.

News: Apple Just Released iOS 12.1 Developer Beta 4 to Testers

Just six days after the release of dev beta 3, developers now have their hands on the fourth iOS 12.1 beta. While Apple has recently followed a lengthy and inconsistent release schedule with its beta software, the company seems to want to keep testers happy with 12.1 — beta 4 might have come less than the standard seven days after beta 3, but at least it's here quickly.

News: 6 New iOS 12.1 Features You Don't Want to Miss on Your iPhone

While there were a ton of features added in iOS 12, one that Apple had been bragging about since June was nowhere to be seen. Until now. With the iOS 12.1 update, your iPhone gets a huge feature, as well as a few smaller ones to boot.

News: Apple Just Released iOS 12.1 Public Beta 3 to Software Testers

Apple released the third public beta for iOS 12.1 to software testers on Tuesday, Oct. 9, and there's not a whole lot to be excited about. The update came just hours after Apple released iOS 12.1 dev beta 3 to registered app developers, signaling a return to the traditional Tuesday release schedule for iOS betas. At least, for now.

News: Apple Just Released iOS 12.1 Beta 3 to Developers

Apple pushed out its newest beta, iOS 12.1 beta 3, to registered developers on Tuesday, Oct. 9, right at 11 a.m. PDT. The new update does not appear to offer any new features or changes, rather it seems to be simply a routine upgrade. Developers should expect simple bug fixes and security patches, instead of the feature-ridden update seen last week.

PSA: There's a Stupid Reason You're Not Finding Good Shortcuts in Apple's Gallery

There's something seriously wrong with Apple's new Shortcuts app, and it's severely limiting the number of shortcuts users can install on their iPhones.

News: Apple Releases iOS 12.0.1 to Address Wi-Fi & Charging Issues on iPhones

If your iPhone XS or XS Max has been suffering from Wi-Fi connectivity and charging issues, Apple just released iOS 12.0.1 on Monday, Oct. 8, as an over-the-air update for all compatible iPhones. The main focus of the update is to give fixes for users going through "Chargegate" and experiencing Wi-Fi issues.

News: Apple Released iOS 12.1 Public Beta 2 to Software Testers with New Emoji & Chargegate Fix

Public beta testers will be pleased to know that the second iOS 12.1 beta has just become available for iPhones. The Tuesday, Oct. 2 update features an impressive 70+ new emoji for testers to enjoy, including bald emoji, emoji with red hair, gray hair, and curly hair, among many others, as well as a patch for iPhone XS and XS Max devices suffering from charging issues.

News: Apple Released iOS 12.1 Beta 2 to Developers, Introduces Over 70 New Emoji & Chargegate Fix

Apple released the second developer beta for iOS 12.1 to testers on Tuesday, Oct. 2. The new update features over 70 new emoji, including emoji with red hair, gray hair and curly hair, and an emoji for bald people, among many others. It also introduces a fix for iPhone XS and XS Max suffering from charging issues, that some have dubbed "Chargegate."

News: 11 Reasons to Not Skip Out on AppleCare+ When Buying a New iPhone

At the outset AppleCare+ seems like an expensive option to tack onto your already pricey iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, or other model iPhone. When you dig deeper, however, you'll see that its intimidating price tag pales in comparison to the fees you'll have to pay if you end up having to repair your premium device outside its one-year warranty.

News: 11 Awesome Features Siri Gained in iOS 12 for iPhone

Since its humble beginnings on the iPhone 4S, Siri has come a long way. While each iteration of iOS sees new features for the iPhone assistant, iOS 12 offers users some of the best advancements in Siri we've seen in a long time, not the least of which is support for Shortcuts, Apple's replacement to the Workflow app.

News: Apple Releases iOS 12.1 Beta 1 to Public Software Testers, Reintroduces Group FaceTime to iPhones

Following closely behind the developer beta, Apple released the first public beta for iOS 12.1 to testers Thursday, Sept. 20. The update comes only two days after developers received their first look at 12.1. Both the developer and public betas surprisingly mark the return of Group FaceTime, allowing beta testers to chat with up to 31 other friends.

News: 25+ Annoying Things iOS 12 Got Wrong or Failed to Address

While there are over 100 cool features iOS 12 has to offer, there are some things Apple has made more annoying on iPhones or just has not addressed yet.

News: Apple Releases First iOS 12.1 Beta to Software Developers, Brings Back Group FaceTime

Apple released the first beta for iOS 12.1 on Tuesday, Sept. 18. The update comes just one day after the official release of iOS 12. For developers, it's the first beta release since the "gold master" version on Sept. 12.

News: All the Ways Your Favorite Apps Are Adding Siri Shortcuts

After months of beta testing, Siri Shortcuts has finally arrived on all iPhones that support iOS 12. Anyone familiar with Workflow will understand how useful it is to set custom Siri commands for your favorite apps. Of course, your favorite apps need to be compatible with Shortcuts in order to take advantage of the new feature.

News: 4 Reasons You Should Use eSIM on Your New iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR

The march towards mainstream adoption of eSIM technology got a massive boost with the arrival of the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. We're now one step closer to ditching physical SIM cards altogether. If you're on the fence about this new technology, you may be surprised by the benefits it brings to the table.

News: Everything You Need to Know About Using Dual SIMs on the iPhone XS, XS Max & XR

One of the biggest advancements in the new iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR is the dual SIM functionality that will let you use two cellular networks at once. Like Sinatra, however, Apple is known to do things its own way, so their dual SIM setup is a bit different than you might think.

News: Sending Photos in Messages Just Got Way More Annoying in iOS 12

While there are many awesome features in iOS 12, there's one that has got the best of me and my patience. Sending photos and videos in a text or iMessage. Yes, there are a few ways the process remains the same, but if you select pics and vids right from within the Message app, be prepared to be annoyed ... highly annoyed.

News: 100+ Coolest New iOS 12 Features You Didn't Know About

The next big iOS version for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch was revealed by Apple at WWDC 2018 and dropped for everyone on Sept. 17, 2018, less than a week after Apple revealed the new iPhone lineup. We've rounded up all the big picture items and secret features and changes we could find so you know exactly what to expect when updating to iOS 12 on your iPhone.

iPhone XR vs LG G7 ThinQ: Same Price, Same Screen Size, but Vastly Different Overall

With the new iPhones coming out, many see the current mobile market as just another epic battle between Samsung and Apple. But let's not forget there are many other phones that run Android. And when you start to sift through the specs, one stands out as a competitive alternative to the iPhone XR, the LG G7 ThinQ.

News: Don't Worry About Losing the Home Button on the New iPhones

If there's been one signature design element for Apple's iPhones, it was the circular Home button. It served as the "everything" button for each iPhone model until last year's iPhone X, but now, it's completely absent from the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. Should you be worried? Short answer: No.

News: All the 3D Touch Actions You'll Lose by Switching to the iPhone XR with 'Haptic Touch'

The iPhone XR aims to offer a discounted experience compared to the expensive iPhone XS and XS Max. However, that lower price tag comes with some caveats, such as "Haptic Touch" in lieu of 3D Touch. If you think these two "touch" features are the same, think again. The iPhone XR you preorder will ship without many of the excellent features 3D Touch brings to the table. Can you go without them?

News: 13 Reasons Not to Update Your iPhone to iOS 12 Right Away

Apple officially released iOS 12 to everyone on Sept. 17, and while the new iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will come with the software by default, you have a choice on whether or not to update your current iPhone model from iOS 11. There are a lot of tempting features to want to update right away, but there are also some compelling reasons to wait it out and install at a later time.

OLED vs. LCD: What You Need to Know About Displays Before Choosing an iPhone XS or XR

The new iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max have everyone buzzing. But, at first glance, the XR and XS look pretty similar in almost every way. So, what's the difference? It comes down to the XR's "Liquid Retina" LCD screen vs. the XS's "Super Retina" OLED display. How do they compare, and why does it matter when considering which new iPhone to preorder?

News: iPhone XR vs Samsung Galaxy S9+ — Comparing the Second-Largest Screens in the Bunch

The iPhone XR is the best bang for your buck option among the 2018 iPhones. Splitting the XR and XR Max right in the middle with screen size, it makes small compromises to to keep the price low. However, with the release of the Galaxy Note 9, Samsung has their own formidable middle option as well, the Galaxy S9+.

News: iPhone XS Max vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 9: The Best of the Best

The ongoing war between Apple and Samsung fans will rage on once again. With the release of the iPhone XS Max, Apple has presented a stronger adversary for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, released earlier. Both stack up well against each other, providing two of the best experiences on their respective operating systems.

News: The iPhone 7 Just Became the Spiritual Successor to the iPhone SE

After announcing the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, one thing was noticeably absent from Apple's Sept. 12 event — the iPhone SE 2, the long-awaited upgrade to 2016's niche yet popular 4-inch model. Not only does Apple have no apparent plans for an update, it has also officially dropped the SE from its online store. Looking for a small iPhone that packs a punch? You might have to try the iPhone 7.

News: Everything You Need to Know About the iPhone XR

The iPhone XR has touched down alongside the XS and XS Max, and it utilizes tried and tested materials found on the iPhone 8, while being molded in the same vein as the iPhone X. The budget-friendlier flagship comes with its own set of design elements to set it apart from its more expensive brethren, but is powered by the same SoC, making it is a solid choice if you're thinking of upgrading.

News: iPhone XS vs. Samsung Galaxy S9: The Battle of the Small Giants

Until next March, the iPhone XS and Samsung Galaxy S9 will be the only phones considered by many. Whether you're an Apple fan wanting to see how your new phone stacks up against the competition or a buyer on the fence, here's how the latest flagships from the two biggest brands compare.

News: Everything You Need to Know About the iPhone XS

Apple's successor to the iPhone X is a beautifully made smartphone with much of the same characteristics, including a 5.8-inch OLED screen, two storage choices, and Face ID. But many features set the iPhone XS apart from its predecessor, as well as the other 2018 lineup of iPhones, making it a worthy choice to upgrade to if you're in the market for a new mobile device.

News: The iPhone XS & XS Max Are IP68 Water-Resistant — Here's What That Really Means

They're finally here. Apple announced three new iPhone models at their "Gather Round" event in Cupertino, and they're all absolutely gorgeous phones. With bezel-less screens and polished titanium edges, the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are truly marvels of engineering — but perhaps the most impressive design feat Apple pulled off is the fact that two of these models are rated IP68 under the IEC standard 60529.

News: Everything You Need to Know About the iPhone XS Max

Three new iPhones means you have to make a choice: Do you go with the smaller iPhone XS, the larger iPhone XS Max, or the cheaper iPhone XR? There's lots to like about each model, but if you want to make an informed decision, it's time to learn what each has to offer. Here's what the iPhone XS Max brings to the table.

News: Preorder & Release Dates for the iPhone XR, XS & XS Max

The world finally received its first official look at the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, Apple's 2018 suite of smartphones, on Wednesday, Sept. 12. If you're someone looking to get their hands on one, two, or three of these new iPhones as soon as possible, you'll need to know all of the important dates so you don't end up missing out to others ahead of the line.

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.

News: Why You Still Shouldn't Use iCloud Keychain to Store Your Passwords in iOS 12

With iOS 12, iCloud Keychain has become a more useful password manager for your iPhone with strong password suggestions, password reuse auditing, and Siri support. However, before you jump ship from your current password manager, you should consider all the reasons why iCloud Keychain doesn't make sense as your primary password manager.

News: The 8 Best FaceTime Features in iOS 12 for iPhone

From its introduction and all the way through iOS 11, FaceTime has been restricted to one-on-one calls. Apple will be changing that in a future iOS 12 update with Group FaceTime, which adds support for up to 32 people total in group audio and video calls. But that's not all we'll be getting in iOS 12 — there are more features that FaceTime has or will be getting soon that you should know about.

News: Case Makers Are Ready for the New iPhone XR, XS & XS Max with Buy & Preorder Pages Live Right Now

While the three new iPhones won't even be announced until Sept. 12 during Apple's fall event, case makers are already primed for the launch of the devices. Some case designs are already live on manufacturer websites, and you can even buy or preorder cases for the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Plus to have right now or on launch day.

News: Still Need the Battery Replaced on Your Older iPhone? Get It Done Soon — Or It'll Cost You

While last year's revelation that Apple slows down iPhones with aging batteries left a bad taste in users' mouths, the company's $29 battery replacement program was a step in the right direction. However, all good things must come to an end; Apple will soon shut down the program, leaving users to pay the full $79 to replace their faulty batteries.

News: Everything You Need to Know About iOS 12's New Camera Effects for Messages

With iOS 12, your iPhone's Messages app has more features than ever to enhance iMessage and FaceTime. Included in these changes are the new camera effects, which allow users to add fun and unique customizations to their photos and videos with the in-app camera in Messages. Stickers, Memoji, and more await the photos you take and send in Messages. ...

News: Apple Releases iOS 12 Public Beta 10 for iPhone, Fixes Bug Constantly Telling You to Update

If you've been getting that "Please update from the iOS 12 beta" alert continuously in iOS 12 public beta 9, Apple just issued a fix for it Friday, Aug. 31, with iOS 12 public beta 10 — just in time for Labor Day weekend. This marks the second update this week as dev beta 11 and public beta 9 were released on Monday. It's also just one day after Apple announced its Sept. 12 event.