Should you plug in your devices to charge them or just go wireless? Listen to this one-minute podcast for my answer.
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 …
This powerful 5G phone rivals the big names - and you can get it free
Smartphones are an investment. Flagship models can easily run more than $1,000.
What if you want the features of a powerful smartphone without the hefty price tag? You have to do a lot of research on the specs that matter.
Smart locks may start using the charge from your phone instead of internal batteries
Smart home security continues to advance and surprise us. But innovation can bring new worries. The fear of getting locked out of your home because the smart lock battery dies has been a big deal for the longest time. That’s about to be a thing of the past.
Apple reveals $429 iPhone, 60% faster iPad and powerful new Mac
Big Tech loves big announcements. Whether it’s a virtual or in-person event, companies want the world to know what they’ve been up to. Apple is known for its large-scale events, which have included the unveiling of the iPod, iPhone, iPad and more.
Review: This dock turns your iPad into a desktop computer - sort of
As new tablets continue adding features commonly found on traditional computers, you might wonder if you even need that laptop anymore. That depends.
When it comes to portability and overall convenience, you can get by with a tablet — especially since many also let you connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. For power users who prefer a desktop computer over a laptop anyway, then there’s probably not a tablet that’s going to cut it.
It's come to this - a charger that keeps your phone from listening
If you’re not sure if your devices are always listening, we’ll help you out. They are. Your smartphone, smart assistants/speakers, smart home devices and smart TVs listen for wake words or other vocal cues. Big Tech companies also listen to you through your devices.
The first (more) affordable foldable smartphone is here - Is it worth $1K?
Though technology is ever-improving, developers will find what works in the market, blurring the lines between comparable products. This one is slightly faster, this one comes in different colors, this one has a slightly better camera, and it comes down to personal choice.
iOS 14.2 update: 100+ new emoji, bug fixes and security updates
Apple’s iOS 14 had a bit of a rough start since it debuted back in September, thanks to several annoying bugs. New settings, like the ability to choose a different default browser instead of Safari, wouldn’t stick if you made them. Meanwhile, battery problems caused users to drop from 100% to 40% after only an hour.
Apple's new wireless charger has two huge downsides
The iPhone 12 is already looking like a big hit for Apple. According to a recent survey, one in three Americans plan on buying a new iPhone — and that’s despite the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. Most companies wish they could be so lucky.
Weird Apple bug renders your key fob useless
Apple’s devices are no strangers to glitches. Remember Antennagate? Well, a new glitch plaguing iPad Pro owners is sweeping the nation. The weirdest part: the glitch doesn’t affect the iPad itself. Instead, users are finding themselves locked out of their cars — and their iPad is to blame!