Since its debut over a decade ago, the iPhone has revolutionized the smartphone world. But you might not know some of its secrets hiding in plain sight. Customize alerts, move multiple apps at once, and even automatically forward or delete messages.
Have an older iPhone or iPad? You need to update NOW
Zoom became popular during the onset of the pandemic and still has millions of daily users. Are you one of them? A security flaw was recently discovered that could put your computer at risk. Tap or click here for our report on the critical vulnerability and how to avoid it.
Developers release regular updates for your phone and tablet to add new functions or patch vulnerabilities that expose you to hacks and malware.
Apple has been steadily releasing patches for iOS 15 ahead of the launch of iOS 16, but this week’s security update applies to an older version of Apple’s operating system. You need to check this out if you have an older Apple device.
Attention, iOS 12 people
If you’re using an older Apple device that can’t update past iOS 12, you should update to iOS 12.5.6 right now.
Apple’s support page states that hackers can craft malicious websites to lure victims. This can lead to “arbitrary code execution.” Translation: Hackers can take complete control of your device.
If this sounds familiar, it’s the same flaw Apple patched with iOS 15.6.1. That one affected many devices, including the iPhone 6S and newer, iPad 5th generation and newer, all iPad Pro models, Apple Watch, iPod Touch and Mac computers. Tap or click here to see if your devices are affected and how to protect them.
While that flaw didn’t affect iOS 12, this one does. Here’s the list of affected devices:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPad Air
- iPad mini 2
- iPad mini 3
- iPod touch (6th generation)
Here’s what you need to do
To update your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install. When you’re finished, you should have iOS version 12.5.6.
This iOS 12 update comes nearly a year after the last one (12.5.5), which fixed exploits for the same list of devices. Who knows how much longer Apple will be supporting them?
True or false: Macs are immune to malware and viruses
© Pras Boonwong | Dreamstime.com
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.”
Don't be fooled! Criminals are using these tricks to get malware apps on your iPhone
© Weedezign | Dreamstime.com
Before some iOS apps are made available on the App Store, they often go through public beta testing. Therefore, you would need a unique app, called TestFlight, to access the early versions of an application. Tap or click here to see how Apple made it easy to report App Store scams.
iPhone 13: All the new features in Apple's latest smartphone
Apple.com
Apple makes an event of all of its major releases, whether it’s hardware or software. Even when public gatherings are discouraged, the Cupertino company drums up excitement with streaming presentations.
This year’s Worldwide Developers Conference is focused on iOS 15. iPadOS 15 and watchOS 8 are also rolling out. Tap or click here for our WWDC roundup.
Tricks to get a better cell signal on your iPhone
You probably know the best place in your house to make a call on your smartphone. But what about when you just can’t get a good signal or you’re away from home? It’s super frustrating, but there are a few tricks of the trade that can help. In this Komando DIY, three simple ways to get better cell service.
Belkin just released all kinds of magnetic iPhone gear - Are these accessories worth it?
Nearly a year ago, Apple released the iPhone 12 and resurrected a feature once exclusive to certain Mac computers: MagSafe. That opened the door to all kinds of magnetic chargers, mounts, wallets and just about any other kind of accessory you can think of.
Viruses on your iPhone or iPad? Here's how to remove them
Let’s face it, hackers and criminals are out to get you. These days, they even have ways of infecting your iPhone and iPad. Have your devices been hit by an attack? Here are some surefire signs that you’re a victim. Plus, I’ll give you tips to get rid of viruses and bugs from your iPhone and iPad.
iPhone tip: 3 new iOS 14 messaging features
Apple’s iOS 14 introduced widgets, a new app library and a bunch of new privacy and security features. Some of the biggest changes, though, are all around messaging. In this Komando DIY, three new iPhone texting and messaging tricks you need to try.
AirPods problems? Apple offering free replacements for faulty earbuds
© Ifeelstock | Dreamstime.com
When it comes to the headphones you use with your smartphone, you have a ton of options. There are wired or wireless options, and some offer more bass and better sound quality for music fanatics while others focus on crystal-clear call quality instead.
Poll: 1 in 3 Americans plan to buy the iPhone 12 - What you should know first
Apple.com
Are you pre-ordering the iPhone 12? Apple’s latest phone just went live for Americans to purchase, and Apple fans across the country are scrambling to get theirs before supplies run out.
Based on enthusiasm, we’d say this might happen pretty soon. According to a survey conducted by Wallethub, one in three Americans plan on buying the new iPhone this year — in spite of economic setbacks and COVID-19! Tap or click here to see everything we know about the iPhone 12.
Here's how much it costs to fix a broken iPhone 12 (Hint: It's a lot!)
© Clement Mantion Pierre Olivier | Dreamstime.com
The iPhone 12 is finally here — and it’s jam-packed with features that make last year’s iPhone 11 look downright old-fashioned. It’s faster than ever, takes better photos and comes with new ceramic shield glass on its screen to protect it from falls.
The biggest privacy feature coming to your iPhone is delayed - here's why
© Sergey Gurin | Dreamstime.com
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.
Mac users can sign or edit PDFs with this handy software
At times, it can seem like the internet is in a constant state of change. Still, there are a few things we’ve been able to rely on over the years. Pictures of your cat will get more “likes” than any selfie you take. The comments on any political story will be a train wreck. And when you get a document by email, it’s going to be a PDF.
Urgent! Update to iOS 12.2 now – It has 50-plus critical security patches
If you’re an Apple fan, it’s an exciting time. Earlier this week, the company held another reveal event. But this time, it didn’t focus on all of its new shiny gadgets.
Instead, we learned about a bunch of new services. AppleTV+, Apple News, Apple Arcade, and there’s even a new Apple credit card in the works.