Is your iPhone’s operating system outdated? Listen now for the two must-have privacy upgrades you’ll get when you update your phone.
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!
Tech tip: What really happens when you unsend a text on your iPhone
If you have an iPhone 8 or later, you’ve probably already updated to iOS 16. The latest operating system has many new security features you should be using.
A super-secure mode was designed for politicians, activists, and journalists. I think there’s a great case to suggest this iPhone option for the elderly and vulnerable people in your life. Tap or click here for a closer look at Lockdown Mode.
True or false: Macs are immune to malware and viruses
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There is a common misconception that Apple’s Mac computers can’t get viruses or malware. The belief is that only Windows-based systems suffer from malicious code and nasty bugs.
There is no consensus on where the claim originated. But it might have been Apple itself. Until 2012, Apple’s marketing for its Mac computers included the line that “a Mac isn’t susceptible to the thousands of viruses plaguing Windows-based computers.”
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We all know that Google can listen to your conversations, but what about Facebook? The social media giant claims that it doesn’t eavesdrop, but how often have you seen ads for products relating to a recent conversation?
Apple scanning photos for child porn
Yesterday, word began circulating that Apple is about to release a new version of its operating system for all iPhones around the world. The new iOS will quickly identify Child Sexual Abuse Material, or child pornography.
Here's what I think of iOS 15 so far
Did you know 58% of all American smartphones are iPhones? That includes mine. I’ve been testing iPhone’s newest operating system. Here’s what I like (and one thing I’m not too fond of).
What to know about the iPhone 14.5 update
If you use an iPhone, it’s important that you update the phone’s operating system to iOS 14.5 as soon as possible. Here’s why.
You need to update your iPhone today
The weekend is here. It’s the perfect time to take a few moments and update your iPhone’s operating system. It’s a great way to protect your privacy. Here’s why.
iOS 14 has a battery problem
If you updated your iPhone to Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 14, in the past few days you may have already noticed that your iPhone’s daily battery life has somehow grown shorter. Here’s why.
The biggest privacy feature coming to your iPhone is delayed - here's why
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Now that fall is right around the corner, Apple fans have a lot to look forward to. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, a new iPhone is still on the way — as well as a plethora of new features and software updates in iOS 14, Apple’s upcoming release.
Google just announced $350 loaded phone to take on the iPhone
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If you’re in the market for a new phone, you don’t have to break the bank to get a model with a high-powered camera, fast processor and extra goodies like fingerprint sensors.
In fact, budget smartphone models are starting to make a comeback in a major way. Between a shrinking economy and cheaper parts, device manufacturers like Samsung and Apple have recently delivered quality phones for well under the $1,000 mark. Tap or click here to see our favorite budget smartphone picks.
The serious privacy risk of coronavirus tracing apps
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Contact tracing is said to be one of the most useful steps a population can take to slow the spread of COVID-19. The process is straightforward: Individuals who are infected report their confirmed case to health officials along with contact information of the people they may have exposed themselves to. This helps isolate outbreaks before they can grow.
10 best apps to install on your new Android
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So, you got a new Android phone? Be prepared: You’re entering a whole new digital world. Android is the world’s most popular mobile operating system. It offers an impressive range of cool features and unique apps that make life more fun and productive.
How-to: Lock down private files on your phone or computer
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It doesn’t matter what you save to your phone, computer or tablet — everything you keep on your devices should be considered private unless you give someone else permission to look through your files, images and apps.
Running Windows 10? You need to update now
A serious Windows 10 flaw has the National Security Agency sounding the alarm. The intelligence agency is urging users to update the operating system as soon as possible, due to a risky vulnerability that could affect 900 million devices.
6 ways you're wasting money on tech (and some handy freebies)
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Amazing new technology comes out all the time. It’s always better, smaller, faster or smarter. But is it worth the money?
If you believe all the ads and hype, life would be difficult without the newest “fill in the blank.” Tech companies make a killing on accessories, too. Buy a new phone and you need a case. Your tablet wouldn’t be the same without a keyboard and cover. Might as well get another battery charger while you’re at it. And it seems like Amazon wants to upsell you a warranty on anything you put in your cart.
5 essential steps to protect yourself from hackers and online criminals
Only you can safeguard your own device. You have plenty of tools at your disposal, but unless you use them, you will lose this battle. To help you protect yourself from viruses, phishing, malware, and ransomware, here are five tactics that will bolster your defenses and keep the invaders at bay.
5 affordable laptops starting as low as $140
School is back in session, and you know what that means: leaves falling, weather cooling, and great deals on school and office supplies! And when it comes to school and office supplies, none is more desirable than a new laptop — but finding one for a price that fits your budget can be a struggle all its own.
This operating system is targeted by cybercriminals the most
Cybercriminals and scammers have changed strategies in a big way. Now they’re targeting users of one particular operating system more than any other, including Windows. In this episode of Consumer Tech Update, Kim looks at the latest study that shows which operating system is the biggest target for cybercriminals and scammers.