If you’re out in public avoid typing in your passcode. You never know who might be looking over your shoulder.
Everything new coming to iOS 18
Apple.com
I’ve been testing the beta version of Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 18, to give you a preview of what’s to come. The final version drops on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, but I know you like to be tech-ahead and not tech-behind, so here’s a preview of the good stuff.
Apple Intelligence is the showstopper
It’s Apple’s take on artificial intelligence, and if the previews are anything close to reality, it’s going to be cool. The fancy AI features will be gradually rolled out when iOS 18 is released.
These include customized notifications, writing assistants, priority messages, audio summaries, custom emojis, and AI photo creation and editing. Finally, Siri will be truly useful and not a major annoyance.
🎣 The big catch here: Only the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max and 16 models have access to Apple Intelligence.
An Apple fan walks into a bar …
… They order the same drink as yesterday but pay 20% more. I’m hoping that joke isn’t true this fall. In order to get iOS 18, you’ll need to have one of these phones:
- iPhone SE (2nd-gen or later), XR, XS, XS Max, and all models of the 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16
If you have an iPhone X, 8 series or anything older, you’re out of luck. Those phones run iOS 16, which still receives security updates. It’s safe to use; you just won’t get cool new features.
What else is coming?
Bye, snoops: Add Face ID and Touch ID to individual apps, like banking and dating. Sweet.
Control Center revamp: You’ll see more options (like Apple Music and translation) and layout controls. Even better, create multiple Control Center screens. Nerdy but super useful. I’ll do a whole how-to later!
🍏 I told ya this would happen: Apple’s snazzy new iMac comes in seven colors (I love the pink!), and it’s powered by the M4 chip. The base model’s RAM is doubled to 16GB, plus it’s got a 12MP webcam and USB-C charging ports. For $200 extra, add nano-texture glass to the screen to reduce reflections. Preorders start at $1,299 and ship by Nov. 8. Psst, last year’s models are on sale.
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How to change an Airtag battery
A lot of people think once their Airtag dies, they have to throw it away. I am here to bust that myth with 3 simple steps to change your Airtag battery. *No tools required
Let’s get to the core of it: Starting Oct. 27, Apple will kick off its “week of announcements” for the latest Mac lineup. Expect refreshed MacBook Pro models, a 24-inch iMac and a new Mac mini, all powered by M4-series chips. They’ll likely ship with macOS Sequoia, so we might get a peek at some new, snazzy AI tools. I wish they’d bring back the 27-inch iMac.
Listen up: Soon, Apple will drop a free software update that adds a hearing test and hearing aid features to the AirPods Pro 2. Keep in mind only those with mild hearing loss can benefit from AirPods as hearing aids. You’ll also need iOS 18.1 on your iPhone or iPad for these new features to work.
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🍏 Green apples good for you? That’s a granny’s myth: Apple Intelligence should hit our devices on Oct. 23, when the new iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip drops, or Oct. 28, when the new M4 Macs hit the shelves. Apple Intelligence will be in “beta” with iOS 18.1, so expect a few bugs along the way.
Don’t buy these Apple products now: I’m expecting to see new models of the MacBook Pro and Mac mini, along with an iMac with the powerful M4 chip, around Oct. 28 or Oct. 29. Plus, rumor has it an iPad mini 7 is on the way with a faster processor and upgraded camera.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🥽 So long, farewell: Microsoft is pulling the plug on its HoloLens headsets, once promised to power the future of virtual worlds. Womp, womp. The HoloLens 2 will receive security and software updates until the end of 2027. If you own the original HoloLens, software support ends Dec. 10. Don’t buy one if you see it on sale.
Don’t buy Apple gear right now: Rumor has it their next reveal is Oct. 22, with Macs and iPads on the menu. Expect a Mac mini, MacBook Pro, Mac Studio and Mac Pro with M4, M4 Pro, M4 Max and M4 Ultra chips. Plus, we might see a new iPad and an iPad mini powerful enough for Apple Intelligence.
Spankin’-new Macs and cheaper iPads coming soon: Rumor has it Apple will release the M4 MacBook Pro, M4 iMac and M4 Mac mini, plus the iPad mini 7 and iPad 11, soon. Bonus: Apple’s sleep apnea detection feature just got FDA clearance and will hit the Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9 (25% off) and Ultra 2 later this month.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🍏 iPhone 16 details revealed: Apple announced the iPhone 16 lineup yesterday — bigger screens, improved camera specs and the “best battery life ever.” All models come with Apple Intelligence thanks to the A18 chip, plus studio-quality mics. Pro models get a 48MP ultrawide lens for pics (up from 12MP on the iPhone 15 Pro) and support 4K 120fps recording (pro quality). Preorders start this Friday, Sept. 13, and they’ll ship beginning on Sept. 20. Oh, and expect to spend $799 to $1,199.
🤩 I’m a Barbie girl: For $129, you can have your very own hot pink flip phone that looks just like Barbie’s. Manufacturer HMD (the folks who own Nokia) call it a vacation, as in no social media apps — just calls, texts and a 5MP camera. Accessories include stick-on charms, vintage Barbie stickers and a beaded strap. Preorders open Sept. 23. People want it so badly that they’re lining up in a Barbie queue.
🎮 New Xbox consoles drop Oct. 15: The 1TB Xbox Series X now comes without a disc drive and starts at $450 ($50 less). The Xbox Series S gets a storage upgrade to 1TB (up from 512GB), but the price jumps to $350. The special edition Xbox Series X with 2TB of storage? $600. If you already have an Xbox, save your money and get a storage expansion card. Yup, Santa’s bag is going to be loaded.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
September is the apple of my pie: Apple’s set to show off the new iPhone 16 line, Watch Series 10 and AirPods on Sept. 10. The iPhone Pros and Watch have bigger screens, and the new AirPods look like a cross between 3rd-gen AirPods and the AirPods Pro. If you need a new iPhone (JoJo, talking to you!), just wait a little longer.
The Echo is a resounding success: Amazon is yanking the main feature of the Echo Show 8 Photos Edition: Showing your photos endlessly. Starting Sept. 23, it will display ads after three hours. Btw, this model costs $10 extra, plus there’s a $2 monthly subscription. I’d be mad, too.
🎮 Don’t buy a Switch: A new version of the handheld Nintendo console is rumored for early next year (paywall link). The 2017 model is the third-bestselling console of all time, behind the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS. Mario is mad at Peach; he caught her going through his Bowser history.
🗓️ Wait two weeks: Don’t buy any Google tech right now; they’re revealing a bunch of new tech at their Made by Google event on Aug. 13. That includes the Pixel 9 lineup, Pixel Buds Pro 2 and new Pixel Watch 3. Then comes the race to offload old inventory at cheaper prices …
Don’t buy a new Pixel phone now: Google just teased its latest fancy phone, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. They’re going all in on AI, dubbing it “built for the Gemini era.” Here’s a vid that gives a quick glimpse at the redesigned camera and changes to the screen. Expect the Pro Fold to drop on Aug. 13.
Airbnb won't stop hidden cams
At this point, I don’t even want to risk it. There are just too many scary stories — and I once stayed in a place loaded with cameras! Luckily, I was savvy enough to spot them.