7 new iPhone security and privacy features you MUST use
Smartphone developers are constantly working to introduce patches and updates for your device. You shouldn’t hesitate to update as soon as one rolls out, as it could contain important security features to protect you from hacks, malware, viruses and more.
In addition to protecting your phone and information, software updates can also introduce cool new features, though you may not always be immediately aware of them. Did you know that you can stop iPhone apps from asking you to rate and review? Tap or click here to check out this useful setting.
Keep reading for details on the latest security updates from Apple and how to get them.
The update to the update
iOS 15 came out last September with privacy features, camera upgrades, and more FaceTime tools and sharing options for streaming. iOS 15.4 rolled out this month, introducing the ability to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask, new emojis, a gender-neutral voice for Siri and more. Tap or click here for our report.
iOS 15.4 also adds more security and privacy features.
AirTag anti-stalking notifications
In February, Apple announced that it was planning updates to make AirTags more secure. This followed documented incidents of the trackers being used to stalk people and even commit crimes.
The changes have arrived with iOS 15.4 and include the following:
- When an AirTag is detected to be moving around with you, you’ll know it from the notification, “AirTag Found Moving With You.” This replaces the more generic “Unknown Accessory Detected” alert, which can apply to other Apple or third-party Find My network devices.
- When setting up AirTags on your phone, you’ll get a warning that the device is locked to your Apple ID and that using it to track someone without their consent is a crime.
Notes can be added to saved passwords
If you use iCloud Keychain to secure your accounts, you can now add notes to your username, email and password entries:
Tech tip: Digitize your handwritten notes or copy text from a photo
OK, I admit it. I’m a sucker for the latest gadget. I bought a smart notebook with all the upgrades to write my daily to-do lists digitally. Yeah, $600 later, I’ve used it 11 times.
It’s easy to waste money on tech. Tap or click for ways you might be throwing away money and solutions to help you save.
New iOS update fixes problematic iPhone bugs - Update now
While iOS updates often bring innovative new features and options to customize your iPhone, they also tend to come with bugs. The recent release of iOS 15 is no exception.
This major iOS release certainly brought its share of iPhone bugs. Tap or click here to see how one bug is knocking out cell service from some users.
Privacy pro tip: New way to see exactly which apps are spying on you
It’s September, and that usually means we’ll see both hardware and software releases from Apple. The tech giant recently put out updated versions of its operating systems, new iPhone 13 models, and some new entries in the iPad family. Look for Apple Watch Series 7 later this fall.
Update your iPhone! iOS 15 here - These are the best new features
It’s that time of year again. No, it’s not the leaves changing color. It’s Apple’s annual iPhone launch. The device that made Apple one of the biggest companies in the world usually arrives sometime in September, though there have been exceptions in past years.