Apple TV Archives

Update your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Apple TV today

Before it was even released, the big news for iOS 16 was that it would introduce the ability to unsend texts. Finally! Well, it’s not as cut-and-dry as it may sound. Tap or click here for what actually happens when you unsend, edit or delete a text in iOS 16.

Apple’s new iPhone and iOS have had some stumbles, and this week the company released the first major update with iOS 16.1. But that’s not all.

Apple also released updates for Apple TV, Apple Watch and iPad. If you have an Apple device, you have an update waiting for you. Here’s a breakdown of the updates and how to get them.

iOS 16.1

iOS 16 had a shaky start. When using third-party apps like Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram, people reported that the phone’s rear camera was shaking, which caused blurry videos.

There was also an annoying bug causing the copy-and-paste permission prompt to pop up far too often. Users were also experiencing low microphone volume when using CarPlay.

Those issues were fixed with incremental updates, and we’ve reached the first milestone: iOS 16.1. Here are some highlights:

iCloud Shared Photo Library: You can easily share photos and videos with up to five people in a separate library. Set up rules based on start date or the people in the photos. Set permissions for who can add, edit, caption and delete pictures.
Live Activities: The iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island (the notch) shows you activities, alerts and more at any time. Now it has third-party support so you can track flights, food orders and more.
Apple Fitness+: The exercise tracking app is now supported on your iPhone even if you don’t have an Apple Watch.
Wallet: You can securely share your car, hotel room and other keys in Wallet using messaging apps such as Messages and WhatsApp.

To update your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install.

iPadOS 16.1

The iPad gets the new features introduced with iOS 16, and then some. iPadOS 16.1 adds the edit, unsend and mark as unread options to messages.

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These handy sites can help you find the streaming shows you’re looking for

Thanks to streaming, we’ve reached a point where we have too much of a good thing. You can watch just about any TV show or movie you can think of, from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to nostalgic cartoons of your youth.

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Stream on

Turn that old TV into a streaming machine. Fear not — streaming boxes and sticks are easy to use. Just plug them into your TV’s HDMI port, which every TV after 2006 has.

Solid choice for Android folks ($30): Google’s Chromecast is a breeze to set up and intuitive to use.
Best value for 4K ($39): Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
If you like using Alexa ($40): Prime members, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max works well, and you can control it with your voice.
Just works with iPhones and Macs ($180): Is it pricey? Yeah, but Apple TV 4K is slick and syncs up with the rest of your Apple gear.
Best bargain ($30): The Roku Express 4K is probably the best value and more than enough for most folks.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

It’s not you screwing things up: If your Apple TV screensavers are on the fritz lately, YouTube’s to blame. Turns out, when you have the YouTube app open when your TV falls asleep, it’ll automatically override your screensaver with its own — so close the YouTube app.

I’d rather watch a movie at home: Apple is rethinking its movie strategy after a string of box-office flops. The new plan: Limited theatrical runs before streaming on Apple TV+. Take “Napoleon,” which cost $200 million to make but grossed $221 million. “The Instigators,” streaming this month, pulled in about 50,000 new subs.

43% use Roku

Among 8,000 households surveyed. It’s the most popular streamer of the bunch, followed by Amazon Fire devices, with 35%. Apple TV and Chromecast finish out the top four.

Why you might start seeing ads over what you're watching on Roku

At this point, seeing targeted ads on sites like Facebook is no surprise. The good news is you don’t have to live with them. Tap or click here for ways to stop ad tracking on Facebook.

But the last place you’d expect to see targeted ads is through your television. If you have a Roku TV, don’t be shocked when ads start popping up while you’re streaming your favorite show.

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DirecTV prices are going up - Here's your new monthly payment

The saying goes there are two things certain in life: death and taxes. But there is another certainty that we can’t get away from — streaming service price increases. Gift guide: tap or click here for the best streaming devices and smart TVs.

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10 Roku tips and tricks you wish you knew before now

Streaming services have gained popularity as some major movies and TV shows premiere on these services. People are cutting the cord in favor of Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+ and more.

If you have a newer smart TV, you can download and install most major streaming services right out of the box. Older TVs and those without smart technology can still bring you the latest content via streaming players. All you need is an HDMI port. Tap or click here to check out the differences between Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV and Chromecast.

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If you use a Roku, get ready for more ads

There is no doubt that streaming services have exploded over the last few years. More people have flocked to Netflix, Hulu or Disney+ than ever before to get their viewing fix. For the most part, basic access to these services is relatively affordable. Yes, your smart TV is spying on you – Here’s how to stop it.

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Streaming service comparison: Netflix vs. Hulu vs. Disney+ and more

If you’re ready to drop cable and fully embrace streaming services, look no further. We’re here to help you find the best streaming service for your needs. Whether you’re looking at Netflix, Hulu or HBO Max, you’ve got a lot of research to do.

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Got new tech? Lock it down now before it’s too late

It used to be that Windows PCs were a hacker’s primary target. Those days are long gone as Macs, iPhones and Android phones are being played for anything from a scammer’s profits to a partner’s espionage. Want to be shocked?

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9 streaming service pro tips to save money

The whole streaming scene is confusing. DirecTV Now changed its name to AT&T TV Now and can’t seem to settle on plans and pricing. Tap or click here to parse the options. Disney+, Apple TV and HBO Max joined the party — and each one wants your money.

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Use this trick to find anything you want to watch on Apple TV

When it comes to Apple’s own digital ecosystem it can be tough to find out how to access the content you want: Is it on the App Store? The iTunes Store? Through Apple TV+? We’re here to cut through the confusion and explain how Apple TVs work.

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Cutting the cord: 5 steps to ditch cable and start streaming

Cable subscriptions can be a drag. The rates are bad, the companies are hard to deal with, and rarely do you get every channel you want with your package (unless you bundle it together with a phone line you’ll never use, of course.)

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Get to the secret Netflix menus and start watching

Netflix has nearly 14,000 programs you can watch from the main browser. As if that wasn’t enough options, there’s even more that you might not know about.

The number one streaming service has a secret menu that can be accessed through a variety of “secret codes.“

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