Do you have an iPhone 14? It could save your life — even when you don’t have an internet connection. Here’s how, in 60 seconds.
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You or a loved one switched to an iPhone 15? The right and wrong chargers
OK, honesty time: I bought the new iPhone 15 Pro Max. I opened up my fancy $1,600 smartphone to realize … it was the same as the iPhone 14 Pro Max I was already using.
The big (only?) change I can spot is the charging port on the bottom. After all these years, Apple is ditching its Lightning cable for the one every other tech company uses for charging and data transfer: USB-C. Some new AirPod models are getting the same treatment.
The switch to a USB-C port spells a headache for the holidays if you have Apple fans on your list. If you want to gift someone a new charger, how do you know their iPhone will work with it? What kind of AirPods are the “right” ones now? What does “USB-C” even mean? I’ll help make your list and check it twice.
Don’t be a drain: Buy the right chargers!
While USB-C may be the sexy, new standard for the iPhone, everyone else has been using it for years, so your charging options abound.
With that said, I recommend sticking with Apple’s chargers or another very reliable brand when buying. This is also good to keep in mind if you plan to upgrade to an iPhone 15 soon. Yep, you’ll need a full charger refresh.
All iPhone 15 models (including the 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, etc.)
- A new iPhone 15 has a USB-C cable but does not come with a charger. If you’re buying additional iPhone 15 cables, they’ve got to be USB-C.
- It requires a USB-C charger with at least 20W for the best results. USB-C is smaller and rounder than USB-A, which is blockish.
- Qi-standard wireless chargers will work with the iPhone 15 just fine, no matter their connections.
- If you see a lightning-bolt icon, that represents Thunderbolt compatibility, a different kind of data standard that works with USB-C (and is not super important in this case).
All iPhone 14 models and earlier models
- All older iPhones require Lightning cables, which typically end in a USB connector for a compatible charger, which can be USB-A or USB-C.
- Lightning cable connectors are smaller and thinner than USB-C, and don’t have any icons.
- Lightning cable connectors are easy to spot because they have clear pin markings on the outside of the connector.
- Only Apple makes legitimate Lightning cables and chargers, no other brands.
- Again, Qi-standard wireless chargers work fine with all these phones as long as they support wireless charging.
The good news is that USB-C has already come to iPad Pros, MacBooks and other devices, so it should be pretty familiar territory for your gift recipient if you just want to ask them for a handy Christmas list.
Don’t be that person …
Apple's new gear: An $800 watch and $1,200 phone
Set a reminder for Monday, Sept. 18. That’s when iOS 17 is dropping — and it’s the one thing Apple just announced at its big Wonderlust fall release event that won’t cost you anything.
I’ve been on the beta version for months and wrote up my favorite new features for the Daily Mail. Today, let’s take a closer look at the latest hardware dropping this fall.
Have an iPhone 14 Plus? There’s a problem with the rear cameras on phones manufactured between Apr. 10, 2023, and Apr. 28, 2024. Use this serial number checker to see if yours needs the free fix.
Emergency settings to check on your iPhone now before you need them
Your phone is always with you and can be a lifeline in an emergency. By activating your iPhone’s Emergency SOS feature, you can call local emergency services and update your chosen contacts when needed.
With Apple’s latest iPhone models, you can connect with emergency services even when you don’t have a signal. Here’s how to set up and use the emergency features on your iPhone.
Smartphone specs 202: Refresh rate
We’ll call camera specs, storage and operating system (OS) (yes, I’m team iPhone) Phone Shopping 101. Sensor size is just as important as camera megapixels. If you take a ton of pics and videos, go for higher storage. Pick the OS that makes you happy.
5 apps that make your pics better without Photoshop skills
We all used to have digital cameras to take photos of our adventures. Though, most shots weren’t of excellent quality unless you invested in an expensive camera and some lessons in using it.
When smartphones came around, the ability to take great pictures was available to everyone. Modern devices like iPhone 14 Pro and Google Pixel can take spectacular snaps. Even the most amateur photographer can take an excellent photo. Tap or click here for a pro trick to find any photo on your phone in seconds.
iPhone trick: How to copy and paste text and images from your photos
Safety is a selling point of Apple’s latest offering. The iPhone 14 has improved car crash detection and even emergency SOS via satellite. Tap or click here for instructions on sending an emergency text when you have no signal. It could save your life.
iOS 16.3.1 fixes major vulnerabilities but may cause a problem for this popular app
Google recently updated the world’s most popular browser, patching up 15 security flaws and adding some new features. Here’s what you get with the latest version of Chrome.
That’s not all we have in update news. Apple released an update that fixes some features and patches two significant vulnerabilities. Here’s what you need to know.
What REALLY happens when you unsend, edit or delete a text in iOS 16
Should you upgrade to the iPhone 14? It includes crash detection, satellite communication in an emergency, and pro models get an always-on screen. Tap or click here to check out more on the new iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods Pro. Our verdict: If your phone is still working fine, hold off for now.
Have an iPhone 14? How to send an emergency text when you don't have a signal
Plenty of beautiful places beg to be explored, but many can be challenging to reach. Getting to that secluded spot, magical summit, or secret fishing location often means going off the beaten track.
But that poses several risks, such as losing your mobile phone signal. That’s why you need to be prepared for emergencies. Tap or click for 18 must-have items that help you survive any emergency.
New iPhone and Android security features to turn on
After months of rumors, Apple’s unveiled its new iPhone 14, Apple Watch 8 and AirPods Pro this month. All four iPhone 14 models get better crash detection and satellite communication in an emergency. Tap or click here for details on everything Apple revealed.
Update your phone! Why there are two updates for iPhones
It’s already been a big month for Apple. The company just unveiled the new iPhone 14, AirPods Pro and Apple Watch 8.
The Apple Watch Ultra is the largest model ever and is designed for extreme performance, while the iPhone 14 gets a satellite connection for emergencies. The new AirPods Pro will feature better noise canceling and longer battery life. Tap or click here for our coverage of all the shiny new Apple devices.
Whether you should get the iPhone 14 or not
Are you thinking about upgrading to the iPhone 14? Here’s all you need to know, in 60 seconds.
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