Mobile menu toggle

iPhone - page 18

The 8 weirdest unreleased Apple products

By

8 Craziest Apple Prototypes
These unfinished concepts go back 40 years.
Image: Apple/Jim Abeles/Canoo/DongleBookPro/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple only shows off its finished products, which makes the company’s secret prototypes and early concepts all the more fascinating. Details of these first-draft designs usually don’t come out until years after Apple dreams them up and discards them. Even if you’re well-versed in Apple history, these alternate-history unreleased Apple products will intrigue and confuse.

The wild and crazy ideas go back more than 40 years. If anything, it proves that Apple continuously skates toward the next hit. The quest for innovation continues, no matter whether the company is in dire straits or cruising on success. Keep reading or watch our video to see the wildest Apple products that might have been.

How to contact emergency services via satellite with iPhone 14 and iPhone 15

By

Apple launches free Emergency SOS via satellite on all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models
Your iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 can save your neck by sending out an SOS for help over a satellite connection.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

If you own an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, it’s time to test one of its best abilities: Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite service. This allows users of these iOS handsets to exchange messages with emergency services while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

Getting a compatible iPhone in contact with a satellite isn’t complicated. But it’s something users should know how to do before they need this potentially lifesaving feature.

Here’s how to use the iPhone’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature.

Apple, why can’t older iPhones handle ‘Apple Intelligence’ AI features?

By

Apple Intelligence was announced by Craig Federighi, SVP of software engineering
When Apple Intelligence was unveiled at WWDC24, Craig Federighi didn't answer a burning question.
Photo: Apple

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will be able to run Apple Intelligence features, but no other current phone can handle the upcoming AI-powered features. Apple’s reasons for the limitation seem somewhat vague, at least so far. They don’t fully explain why a 2-year-old iPhone chip isn’t up to the job but a 4-year-old Mac chip is.

As it stands, some people harbor suspicions that it’s an attempt to force iPhone users to upgrade to the latest models this fall. And some iPhone 15 owners are angry that their relatively new devices won’t be able to take advantage of Apple Intelligence.

Cult of Mac asked Apple to explain the decision but we didn’t hear back. So, I’ll do what Apple hasn’t: Go through a range of hardware features and explore what role they might play in keeping Apple AI off so many iPhones.

Apple wants to cut number of iPhone assembly workers by half

By

Apple wants to cut number of iPhone assembly workers by half
The number of people assembling iPhone could drop 50%.
Photo: Foxconn/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly told the companies that assemble the iPhone to replace up to 50% of their employees with automation.

It’s an ongoing effort, and one that supposedly began after riots at a Foxconn plant several years ago over stringent Covid restrictions.

Files app in iOS and iPadOS 18 has two hidden power features

By

Files app in iOS and iPadOS 18 has two hidden power features
The Files app has some new tricks.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 let users reformat external drives as well as keep a copy of a file on iCloud permanently stored locally.

Both features were found by developers tinkering with the first betas of these operating systems, and should make the Files app on iPhone and iPad more useful.

Hands-on with iOS 18: Impressive but incomplete [Hey, it’s a beta!]

By

iOS 18 bento box
Hands-on with iOS 18’s top new features.
Image: Apple

After spending a few days trying out all the new features in iOS 18, I think it really is one of the biggest updates in a long time. However, hands-on testing shows there’s a lot that needs cleaned up before September, when it’s expected to ship.

The new customizable iPhone Home Screen opens a wide world of possibilities — but you’ll have to wait for third-party apps to update their icons to really make it sing. I’m impressed with the level of customization in Control Center, too, though it’s understandably pretty buggy in this first developer beta. The new Photos app is proving controversial, and I think there are some obvious areas it could be improved, but I like where it’s going overall.

I think there’s a lot to look forward to in iOS 18.

iOS 18 allows iPhone to display the time even with dead battery

By

iOS 18 logo
There are some Easter Eggs built into iOS 18.
Image: Apple

iOS 18 will enable your iPhone to show the time even when the battery has run dry. This improvement relies on the Power Reserve function of new iPhones to work.

Thanks to Power Reserve, your iPhone is findable offline, and the NFC chip also works for Express Card functionality.

How to use grocery lists in Reminders on iPhone

By

Faster Shopping
Find your way around the store faster by converting your Reminders list into a grocery list.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

In iOS 17, you can use Apple’s Reminders app as a grocery list app on your iPhone. It automatically sorts items you add into common sections, which proves incredibly helpful when you go shopping. Just open the Reminders app, and you can easily see if you’ve got everything you need as you’re making your way through the store.

I’ll show you how to use it, including how to share your Reminders app grocery list with someone else so you can both add items and check them off the same list.

Today in Apple history: Walt Mossberg shows off his prerelease iPhone

By

walt-mossberg-steve-jobs
Walt Mossberg was one of Steve Jobs' favorite journalists.
Photo: Joi Ito/Flickr CC

June 12: Today in Apple history: Walt Mossberg shows off his prerelease iPhone June 12, 2007: With iPhone frenzy hitting a fever pitch in the buildup to the device’s launch, journalist Walt Mossberg sends the Apple world into a tizzy by whipping out a prerelease unit during a speech. The Wall Street Journal columnist is one of a handful of tech writers given early access to Apple’s revolutionary smartphone so he can put it through its paces for a review.

Speaking at The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Presidents Forum, Mossberg says he isn’t sure whether he’ll give the iPhone a thumbs up. Worried doubters immediately fear Apple is about to drop a dud.

iPhone gets RCS for better texting with Androids

By

iPhone and iMessage get RCS in iOS 18
iPhone and Android texting is better with RCS.
Image: Apple

Apple Let Loose Event:

Apple previewed support for RCS messaging in the iOS 18 Messages app at WWDC24. Adding Rich Communication Services will bring enhanced texting between iPhone and Android users, with features not possible before.

It’s a change Apple dragged its feet on for many years. Along with RCS support, Apple is also introducing new features like polls for iMessage, enhancing group chat interactions. Learn more about these changes.

Download new iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS 15 wallpapers

By

new wallpapers for Apple devices
This macOS 15 wallpaper features retro icons.
Photo: Basic Apple Guy

Apple Let Loose Event: We found more precious nuggets in new software releases from WWDC24: new wallpapers for Apple devices. They include Mac versions that reference old-school icons, iPad landscape and portrait wallpapers in various colors, and similar pretty images for iPhone.

“This new dynamic wallpaper floats over old Macintosh iconography, Control Panel, and applications like the Calculator and MacWrite, Apple’s early word processor,” Basic Apple Guy said of the new-old Mac wallpaper he found.

Tap to Cash makes exchanging money between iPhones a snap

By

Tap to Cash exchanging money between iPhones
Tap to Cash allows users to send and receive Apple Cash by holding two iPhone devices together.
Photo: Apple

Apple Let Loose Event:Sending money to another iPhone user is about to get as simple as holding the two handsets near each other. The upcoming feature is called Tap to Cash.

It’s a private and secure payment system. The two users don’t even need to exchange phone numbers.

Image Playground and Genmoji bring AI images to iMessage and more

By

Genmoji are custom emoji you can create in iOS 18.
Create a custom emoji tailored to the conversation.
Image: Apple

Apple Let Loose Event: In iOS 18, you’ll be able to use the power of Apple Intelligence to generate fun, relevant images in your Messages conversations. You can create brand new emoji and personalized artwork.

Apple calls the features Genmoji and Image Playground. “The Image Playground is going to make everyday conversations a whole lot more fun,” said Cyrus Irani, Apple’s Director of Human Interface.

With the Photos app, you can more easily search through the content of your photos and videos, and build custom memory videos without pilfering through your library by hand.

Unsend and edit iPhone messages after you send them

By

Unsend and Edit
Fix your mistakes before it's too laet.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Knowing how to unsend an iMessage can help you out of a pickle if you accidentally shoot off a text to the wrong person. You also can edit a message after it’s sent to fix a grave typo you didn’t catch. Like if you accidentally text your mom “Finally got laid today!” when you meant to type “paid.”

Keep reading to see how to unsend or edit an iMessage on your iPhone, or watch our quick video tutorial.

iPhone’s standard warranty no longer covers hairline display cracks

By

Apple-Store-logo
Apple wants you to pay for hairline crack repairs now.
Photo: Laurenz Heymann/Unsplash

Apple just made a major change to its standard warranty terms for the iPhone and Apple Watch. Going forward, the company will no longer cover a single hairline crack under its warranty.

Instead, users must pay for the repair or claim accidental damage under their AppleCare plan.

How to find your lost Apple TV remote with your iPhone

By

Screenshot of an iPhone feature that lets you find a lost Apple TV remote. The phrase
A modern solution to an age-old problem.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Whether it’s wedged between the cushions or kicked far under the couch, a handy-dandy feature in iOS 17 and tvOS 17 lets you find your lost Apple TV remote using your iPhone.

Sure, you can take the L and simply use your iPhone or Apple Watch to control your Apple TV. But I like having the physical remote on hand, too.

The mind races when one imagines how many hours of human life might have been saved if everyone had this feature 30 years ago. Let me show you how to find your AWOL Apple TV remote with your iPhone.

iPhone 16 Pro’s display could sport seriously small bezels

By

In a break, Apple may use
Apple really wants to slim down the bezels on the iPhone 16 Pro.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 16 Pro could sport the world’s slimmest bezels on a smartphone. Its borders will apparently measure just 1.2mm, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max having even slimmer bezels at 1.15mm.

The slimmer bezels should help offset the size increase due to Apple using larger displays on its 2024 iPhones.

iOS 18 might make your iPhone weird and wonderful [The CultCast]

By

A weird, panicked emoji to illustrate rumored AI emojis coming in iOS 18. Also, The CultCast logo, episode 649.
Can you handle the weird? AI-generated emojis and wildly customizable Home Screens might make iPhones strangely unique.
Image: Shubham Dhage/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: In the near future, your iPhone might look as wild and unique as you want it to. Home Screen customization options, rumored to arrive in iOS 18, could bring a new level of personality to iPhones. And then there’s the AI-generated emoji we’ve been hearing about.

Hold onto your hats, iPhone owners. Things are about to get weird!

Also on The CultCast:

  • No joke: Siri might get the brain transplant it needs to remain relevant in the ChatGPT era.
  • Fascinating new videos show how rigorously Apple tests iPhones. We’re talking firehoses, an iPhone-flinging robot and a seriously advanced shake table.
  • Erfon wants to get his hands on Nomad’s new tracking card, which works with Apple’s Find My network, fits in a wallet, and recharges via MagSafe.
  • Griffin explains how easy it is to give your Mac a makeover with custom icons, folders and more.
  • And we wrap it up with a new edition of What We’re Into!

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Our sponsors: You and CultCloth

  • Listeners like you: Your support helps us fund CultCast Off-Topic, a new weekly podcast of bonus content available for everyone. Plus, it helps us secure the future of our flagship podcast. You also get access to The CultClub Discord, where you can chat with us all week long, suggest show topics, and even end up on the show. Support The CultCast at support.thecultcast.com or at CultOf9to5MacRumors.com
  • CultCloth: These astounding cleaning cloths will keep your Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPhone 15 Pro, guitars and glasses sparkling clean! For a limited time, you can use code CULTCAST at checkout to score two free CarryCloths with any order of more than $20 at CultCloth.co

3 secret iPhone gestures you need to know

By

iPhone’s Secret Gestures
Top 3 tips to speed up a few things on your iPhone.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

There are a few hidden gestures on your iPhone that you absolutely need to know. You’re typing out a long text on your iPhone and you need to go back to fix a typo. Tapping on the screen to move the cursor feels like a shot in the dark — but there’s a secret gesture to move around and select text.

Here are three top iPhone tips. Also in this article: how to select and delete a bunch of emails, text messages, anything in a list at once; and the secret gestures that undo and redo. Like, for example, if you accidentally delete a bunch of emails.

Siri could let you control individual apps in iOS 18

By

Siri with AI artificial intelligence
AI could finally give us the Siri we deserve.
Photo: Cult of Mac/Nadezhda Moryak

As a part of its AI upgrade, Siri in iOS 18 will reportedly enable control of individual apps through your voice. Apple has supposedly  upgraded its voice assistant’s underlying architecture using LLMs to achieve this.

Additionally, Apple will process many basic AI tasks on-device in iOS 18 for faster response and a better user experience.

Soaked! Take a peek at how Apple tests iPhone water resistance.

By

iPhone water testing
Watch as a water cannon blasts an iPhone.
Photo: Marques Brownlee

Popular tech influencer Marques Brownlee shared a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday from his visit to Apple labs that do durability testing like iPhone water testing. You’ve probably never seen iPhones this wet. And you’ve probably never subjected yours to such punishment.

Along the way, he fit in an interesting video chat with Apple hardware honcho John Ternus about product reliability versus repairability, below.

Apple Hearing Study sounds alarm on high rates of tinnitus

By

Apple Hearing Study's tinnitus update
The Apple Hearing Study's tinnitus update sounded off about the condition's prevalence and characteristics.
Photo: Apple

In one of the largest surveys on tinnitus so far, University of Michigan researchers participating in the Apple Hearing Study released data and insights Tuesday that could help lead to future treatment.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound, often ringing, that others do not hear.

“The Apple Hearing Study gives us an opportunity that was not possible before to improve our understanding of tinnitus across demographics, aiding current scientific knowledge that can ultimately improve management of tinnitus,” said Rick Neitzel, a University of Michigan School of Public Health professor of environmental health sciences.

iPhone sales in China rebound thanks to discounts

By

The iPhone 15 Pro Max camera array, pictured in front of a green plant.
iPhone sales in China reportedly spiked by 52%.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

iPhone shipments apparently bounced back sharply in China in recent months. Apple reportedly saw a 52% increase in shipments following heavy discounts by third-party retailers.

Since the beginning of 2024, Apple has seen a double-digit decline in iPhone demand in China. A resurgent Huawei also made things difficult for Apple, as the Chinese company registered a sales growth of 69.9% in the first quarter.

iOS 18 could bring new Home Screen personalization options

By

iOS 18 concept video
iOS 18 could allow you to change the app icon colors on your iPhone's Home Screen.
Concept: Kevin Kall

iOS 18 reportedly will let iPhone users change app icon colors on the Home Screen. Plus, they would be able to put the icons anywhere they want.

Since iOS’ inception, app icons on iPhone’s Home Screen have snapped to a grid, much to the dismay of some users. However, Apple could finally tweak this behavior with iOS 18.