Keep it secret: Apple iOS 18 lets you lock any app behind a Face ID test — perfect for keeping friends and family out of your private apps if they grab your phone. Tap and hold on the app icon on your home screen, then choose Require Face ID (or Require Touch ID on older models).
Try iOS 17 before its official release
Itching to try out iOS 17 before it officially debuts this fall? You’re in luck! Apple just released the first public beta version.
Is it worth the update? Once an operating system (OS) goes to public beta, it’s pretty stable, but there might still be some bumps along the way. I found the most hyped features so you can decide if it’s worth it.
Bells and whistles
- Messages: You’ll get a more streamlined search experience, improved audio messaging features and a new arrow that lets you jump to the oldest unread message in a thread. Group chats, rejoice!
- StandBy: While your phone is charging and turned on its side, it will display full-screen widgets. Use your phone as an alarm clock, display the weather forecast or scroll through your photos.
- Apple Maps: When you don’t have a cell signal, you can now download offline maps and still get to your destination.
- FaceTime: You can now leave voicemails in FaceTime. They’ll show up directly in your call history list.
- AirDrop: Goodbye, business cards. Initiate an AirDrop by selecting content or your contact info, then put the top of your phone on top of someone else’s phone for an instant transfer.
- Passwords: Easily (and securely) share passwords or passkeys with other people.
- Check In: Automatically notify friends and family when you arrive safely at a destination. (For the person that always forgets to text.)
Some of the new features are cute but a little gimmicky. Stickers allow you to create live images and emojis. Apple also claims autocorrect is now more accurate. I’ll believe it when I see it.
Testing 1, 2, 3
Want to give it a shot? Here are the steps to install:
- Sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program on Apple’s website.
- Back up your device on iCloud or your computer.
- Go to Settings, then click General, followed by Software Update.
- Look for a menu called Beta Updates and enable it.
- Select iOS 17 Public Beta and install.
🔑 Key reminder: Don’t forget to back up your device before you install the beta version. If things get extra buggy on your beta testing journey, you can switch to your last backup and get things working again.
RELATED: Your iPhone’s Face ID isn’t foolproof. Lock down your info by changing this hidden setting.
Change this hidden setting, or anyone can get into your iPhone
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When you set up your iPhone, invisible dots create a detailed map of your face so you can open your phone by looking at it. How many dots are used to map a face? Is it … A.) 7,500, B.) 18,000, C.) 30,000 or D.) 50,000?
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What are the chances someone else’s face can open your iPhone? Is it … A.) 1 in 10,000, B.) 1 in 100,000, C.) 1 in 1,000,000 or D.) 1 in 1,000,000,000?
🤳 Unlock apps with your face: You can use Face ID to unlock apps on your iPhone. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Enter Passcode > Other Apps, and toggle on the apps you want. Not every app is compatible, but this is handy for those that are.
📱 Face ID trouble? If your Apple Face ID isn’t working properly, Step 1 is to check if anything is covering your camera — smudges, the case or a screen protector. If it’s still not working, try a reset: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID > Set up Face ID.
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Among the most common methods to unlock modern smartphones is facial recognition. It’s convenient, but it has drawbacks, not the least of which is training us to be OK with facial scans.
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Here's how to recover your account if you're locked out of your Apple ID account
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Pro trick to secure your apps and protect your phone
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If you don’t, you should get one. Tap here to see which lock is the most secure for your smartphone. But what about your apps? It may seem unnecessary to secure them when your phone is already locked, but it provides an extra layer of protection from snoops and thieves.
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iOS 13.5 is here to make your iPhone COVID-19 contact tracing ready
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For one, now your iPhone will be able to open much more quickly if you’re wearing a mask. But more importantly, it also includes the underlying code developed in tandem with Google that will make contact tracing and exposure notification possible for smartphone users. Tap or click here to see how this program works.
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Apple offers a number of ways for you to lock your iPhone and iPad from strangers and nosy loved ones. You can set a passcode, use Touch ID to unlock things with your fingerprint and on later phone models, you can use Face ID, too.