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Tag: iPhone

  • Stop foreign-owned apps from harvesting your personal data

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    You might not think twice about that flashlight app you downloaded or the cute game your grandkids recommended. Yet with a single tap, your private data could travel halfway across the world into the hands of people who profit from selling it. A growing threat is emerging as foreign-owned apps quietly collect massive amounts of personal data about you, and older Americans are among the most vulnerable.

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    The hidden cost of ‘free’ apps

    We all love free apps. Whether it’s a shopping deal finder, a weather tracker or a photo editor, they make life easier. But many of these “free” tools aren’t really free; they just don’t charge you money. Instead, they collect your personal information and sell it to make their profit.

    A recent study revealed that over half of the most popular foreign-owned apps available in U.S. app stores collect sensitive user data, including your location, contacts, photos and even keystrokes.

    Many “free” apps secretly collect personal data from users, sending private information to foreign servers without consent. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Some of the worst offenders are apps that seem completely harmless:

    • Flashlight and weather apps that track your GPS location 24/7.
    • Shopping apps that collect purchase history, payment preferences and home addresses.
    • Casual games that request access to your camera and contacts for no logical reason.

    These apps often share data with data brokers and ad networks overseas, where privacy laws are weaker and accountability is nearly impossible.

    HOW SCAMMERS TARGET YOU EVEN WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

    Why retirees are prime targets

    If you’re retired, you may already be on dozens of public databases like voter rolls, real estate listings and charity donor lists. Combine that with information harvested from apps, and scammers can build a frighteningly detailed profile of your life.

    Young woman types on smartphone

    Flashlight, weather and shopping apps often request unnecessary access to your camera, contacts and location to track you around the clock. (Portra/Getty Images)

    They can see:

    • Where you live and who lives with you.
    • What medications you search for.
    • What causes you support or charities you donate to.
    • What devices you own and which banks you use.

    From there, they can craft highly convincing scams like fake donation requests, Medicare scams or phishing texts that look eerily personal. Some even use your social media photos to mimic family members in “grandparent scams.” And it all starts with what you allowed that “harmless” app to access.

    Signs your data might already be exposed

    You don’t need to be a tech expert to spot the warning signs. Here’s what to look for:

    • Unfamiliar charges or new accounts in your name.
    • An increase in scam calls or texts, especially with personal details like your city or bank.
    • Emails from foreign domains claiming to offer rewards or urgent account updates.
    • Ads that seem to “read your mind,” which show up right after you talk about something offline.

    If you’ve noticed any of these, your information is likely circulating through data brokers who purchased it from app networks.

    A smartphone displays apps.

    Older Americans are prime targets, but simple steps like deleting risky apps and reviewing permissions can help protect your privacy. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to stop the data drain

    You can take back control of your data starting right now.

    1) Audit your apps

    Go through your phone and delete any apps you don’t use regularly, especially free ones from unfamiliar developers.

    2) Stop data brokers from trading your info

    Even after deleting risky apps, your personal information may already be circulating online. This is where a data removal service can make a massive difference. While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

    Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com

    Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: CyberGuy.com

    3) Check permissions

    Open your settings and review which apps have access to your location, contacts or camera. Revoke any unnecessary permissions immediately.

    TEA APP HACKED AS WOMEN’S PHOTOS, IDS & EVEN DMS LEAKED ONLINE

    4) Avoid “foreign-owned” apps that request extensive access without a clear reason.

    Always read the privacy policy (yes, it’s tedious but eye-opening). If an app asks for permissions that do not match its purpose, like a calculator wanting your location or a flashlight needing camera access, that is a major red flag. Many foreign-owned apps hide behind vague privacy terms that allow data to be transferred to overseas servers where U.S. privacy laws do not apply.

    5) Use official stores only

    Stick to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for downloads. Avoid third-party sites that host cloned or tampered versions of popular apps. Look for verified developers and check privacy ratings in reviews before installing anything new.

    6) Keep your device and apps updated

    Updates close security holes that hackers exploit through malicious apps. Turn on automatic updates so your phone and apps stay protected without you having to remember.

    7) Turn off ad tracking

    Limit how much of your activity is shared with advertisers. 

    On iPhone:

    Go to Settings → Privacy & Security→ Tracking and toggle off “Allow Apps to Request to Track.” 

    On Android: 

    (Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer) 

    Go to Settings → Google → Ads (or Settings → Privacy → Ads) and choose “Delete advertising ID” or “Reset advertising ID.” This action removes or replaces your unique ID so apps and advertisers can no longer use it for personalized ad tracking.

    This step stops apps from following you across other platforms and building data profiles about your habits.

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    Kurt’s key takeaway

    Foreign-owned apps are the new front line in data harvesting, and retirees are the easiest targets. But you don’t have to accept that your private life is public property. It’s time to take back control. Delete the apps you don’t need. Lock down your permissions. And let a data removal service erase your data trail before scammers can use it against you.

    Have you checked which of your apps might be secretly sending your personal data overseas? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

    Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
    Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.  

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • 5 phone safety tips every parent should know

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    Kids today are growing up in a world where screens, apps and social platforms are part of everyday life. From homework to gaming to group chats, their digital lives can move faster than parents can keep up. But behind every app and device are settings and systems that can impact their privacy, safety, and focus.

    Whether you’re trying to set healthy limits, track screen time or just understand what your child’s phone can do, knowing a few key tech terms can make parenting in the digital age a lot less stressful. Here’s a quick guide to help you stay informed, confident and in control.

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    Setting healthy screen time limits helps kids learn balance and keeps tech use from taking over family time. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    1) Screen time limits

    The boundary that helps restore balance

    Screen time limits let you manage how long your child spends on apps, games or devices each day. It’s not about punishment, it’s about setting healthy boundaries that help kids disconnect and recharge.

    Why it matters: Too much screen time has been linked to reduced focus, sleep disruption and overstimulation. Setting limits helps your child create a better balance between online fun and real-world rest.

    How to set screen time limits

    On iPhone:

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap Screen Time
    • Click App Limits
    • Select Add Limit, choose categories or specific apps and set daily time limit

    On Android:

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls. If you don’t see it right away, try searching “Digital Wellbeing” in the Settings search bar
    • Open the Dashboard or App Timers section. On some phones (like Samsung), it may appear as “App Timers”. On others (like Google Pixel), tap Dashboard to view your app usage list
    • Tap the hourglass icon next to the app you want to limit
    • Set a daily time limit, then tap OK or Done
    • The timer resets every night at midnight

    Pro tip: Make it a family routine. Review screen time reports together so kids feel involved in the process rather than restricted. 

    TEENS HACK SCHOOL CELL PHONE BANS WITH CREATIVE WORKAROUNDS

    2) Parental controls

    Your built-in safety net

    Parental controls are tools that let you manage what your child can see and do on their devices – from blocking explicit content to approving downloads and monitoring usage. Every major device, app and streaming service has its own version.

    Why it matters: Parental controls can help prevent exposure to inappropriate content, manage purchases and set up age-appropriate experiences.

    Woman using Iphone

    Built-in parental controls make it easier to guide what kids can see and do on their devices. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to turn parental controls on

    On iPhone:

    • Go to Settings
    • Click Screen Time 
    • Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
    • Turn it on so the toggle turns green.
    • Within Content & Privacy Restrictions you can go to sections like Allowed Apps, iTunes & App Store Purchases, etc, to set filters and restrict what apps the device can do.

    On Android:

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone‘s manufacturer

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
    • Select Parental Controls, then follow the steps to set up a supervised account through Google Family Link, which lets you manage screen time on a child’s device remotely

    Pro tip: Most streaming apps, like YouTube, Netflix and Disney+, also have parental settings, so make sure you adjust those separately.

    3) Geolocation

    The invisible map in your child’s pocket

    5 SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY ONLINE

    Geolocation allows apps and devices to track physical location in real time. It powers navigation and “Find My” features but can also share more than you intend if left unchecked.

    Why it matters: While location sharing helps families stay connected, it can pose privacy and safety concerns if apps broadcast your child’s whereabouts.

    How to manage location access

    On iPhone:

    • Go to Settings
    • Click Privacy & Security
    • Then, click Location Services
    • Tap each app and change “Always” to “While Using the App” or “Never”

    On Android:

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap Location (or “Location & security” or “Privacy → Location” depending on device)
    • Tap App location permissions (or “Permission manager → Location”)
    • Select an app from the list
    • Change the app permission from, “Allow all the time” to “Allow only while using the app” or “Don’t Allow”

    Pro tip: For younger kids, use “Share My Location” within Family Sharing (iPhone) or Google Family Link (Android) instead of third-party tracking apps to ensure safer monitoring.

    4) Private browsing

    The mode that hides – but doesn’t erase

    Private browsing, also called Incognito Mode, lets users browse the internet without saving history, cookies or logins. While it may sound harmless, it can make it harder for parents to see what kids are accessing online.

    Why it matters: Private browsing prevents history tracking on the device, but your internet provider, school or router may still record activity. It’s a reminder that no browsing mode is completely private.

    TEENS FACE NEW PG-13 LIMITS ON INSTAGRAM

    How to disable private browsing

    On iPhone (Safari):

    • Open Settings
    • Tap Screen Time
    • Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
    • If prompted, enter or set a Screen Time passcode
    • Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions (toggle to green)
    • Tap App Store, Media & Purchases (or similarly named) and optionally set limits
    • Click Web Content 
    • Choose one of the options such as, Limit Adult Websites (this will disable Private Browsing in Safari) or Only Approved Websites 

    On Android (Chrome):

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

    • Open the Family Link app on your Android phone (or download it if it isn’t installed)
    • Select your child’s profile
    • Tap Controls
    • Click Google Chrome & Web
    • Choose Try to block explicit sites (or select “Only allow approved sites” for stricter filtering)
    • This setting automatically disables Incognito Mode in Chrome for your child’s supervised account
    • (Optional) You can also review SafeSearch and YouTube restrictions under the same section for extra protection
    Worried young mother watching teen girl using smartphone.

    Conversations about online safety matter more than rules alone because openness builds digital trust. (iStock)

    SCHOOLS’ SAFETY TOOLS ARE SPYING ON KIDS — EVEN AT HOME

    Pro tip: Talk to your child about why transparency matters. Turning off private browsing is most effective when paired with open, ongoing conversations about online safety.

    5) Digital footprint

    The trail your child leaves behind

    Every post, comment or photo shared online becomes part of your child’s digital footprint, a permanent record of their online presence. Even deleted posts can live on through screenshots, data archives or algorithms.

    Why it matters: Colleges, employers and even peers can access public digital traces. Teaching kids to think before posting helps them build a positive and professional online reputation.

    How to check what’s out there

    • Search your child’s name on Google and image results
    • Review old accounts or unused apps that may still contain personal info
    • Help them make their social media profiles private and share selectively

    Pro tip: You can also set up Google Alerts for your child’s name to get notified whenever new content appears online, a simple, free way to stay aware of their digital footprint as it evolves. 

    Also, you may want to consider using a data removal service to help clean up your child’s personal information that may appear on people-search sites or data-broker platforms. These tools scan the web for outdated profiles, cached pages and databases containing sensitive details like addresses, phone numbers and photos. They can automatically submit takedown requests and continue monitoring for new exposures over time.

    While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

    Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

    Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com

    Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

    Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Parenting in the digital age doesn’t mean knowing every app or trend. It means understanding the fundamentals that shape your child’s online experience. From screen time limits to digital footprints, these five terms give you the language to set boundaries, foster trust and keep your family safer online.

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

    Want more help building healthy digital habits at home? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

    Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
    Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter

    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.  

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Apple’s $100 Billion Secret: AI Gets the Hype, Services Still Bring in the Money

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    The company’s September quarter revenue hit $102.5 billion, an 8 percent increase year over year, driven by record iPhone and Services sales. iPhone revenue grew 4 percent to $209.6 billion for the year, while Services jumped 14 percent to $109.2 billion. The number that really matters—gross margin—reached 47 percent, which is close to a record high.

    The one thing that isn’t actually making Apple any money—at least, not right now—is its artificial intelligence push. But if you listened to Apple’s earnings call, you’d think the company’s future depends on its version of AI, or what it calls Apple Intelligence. In many ways it does, but there’s a difference between the hype and the real story here.

    Tim Cook couldn’t stop talking about how the iPhone 17 Pro and its “A19 Pro” chip were built for Apple Intelligence, or how the new Macs are “supercharging AI workflows,” with fancy technology like “neural accelerators.” Even the Apple Watch now uses machine learning to detect and send hypertension alerts. According to Cook, AI will make every Apple product “more personal, capable, and effortless.”

    That might be true, but Siri still can’t do most of the things the company promised a year and a half ago. Apple’s competitors are moving much faster and more aggressively–spending billions on AI infrastructure and models. The story for Apple isn’t the technology the company says it’s building. The story is the business it’s already built.

    That’s never been more clear than yesterday when, for the first time, Apple Services revenue passed $100 billion for the full year. The company wants to shift the narrative from Services to AI, but it’s still the Services business that quietly prints money.

    About three-quarters of Apple’s $416 billion in total revenue came from hardware—the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and everything else. The rest came from Services: things like iCloud storage, Apple Music, the App Store, AppleCare, and Apple TV.

    Well, let’s be honest—as much as Apple wants to talk about Apple TV winning Emmy awards, its Services business is mostly App Store commissions and the $20-ish billion that Google pays to be the default search engine in Safari. It turns out that selling Services is a very good business to be in, even if it’s not nearly as interesting or exciting as talking about AI.

    The reason should be obvious: Hardware sales come in spikes. People buy iPhones or new laptops every few years when they upgrade. But they pay for app subscriptions and AppleCare every month. It’s predictable. And they’re growing twice as fast as hardware—with margins that are twice as high.

    While Services are roughly a quarter of Apple’s revenue, they contribute a far larger share of its profit. That’s what makes this milestone—$100 billion in Services revenue—so important. It’s not just that Apple found a new way to make money off iPhone customers, it’s that it found a way to make money over and over again without needing to sell you something new.

    Listening to its earnings call, Apple wants to sound like an AI-first company, but it still behaves like a business dependent on 30 percent commissions. Contrast that with Google, which recently reported its first $100 billion quarter, and announced that it is pouring its search-ad profits into AI infrastructure. Google will spend more than $90 billion on GPUs, data centers, and model training.

    Apple, on the other hand, wants to talk about how its products are being built with AI in mind, but that looks a lot different from its competitors. It’s spending a lot of energy talking about AI, but far less money actually building it. Apple Intelligence may be the headline, but Services are still the business.

    Don’t get me wrong, that $100 billion it made from Services is very good for business. It’s the thing that has fueled Apple’s growth so far, and will continue to be its most important business for the foreseeable future. The only problem is whether its business will be able to catch up with the hype.

    The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

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  • 5 hidden battery drainers you can fix right now

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    You plug in your phone overnight, but by lunchtime, it’s already gasping for charge. Sound familiar? Hidden background features, sneaky settings and apps you forgot existed can quietly drain your battery faster than you think. The good news is a few quick tweaks can help your device stay powered all day, without sacrificing performance or convenience.

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    1) Turn off background app refresh

    Stop apps from sapping power when you’re not using them. Even when you’re not actively scrolling or tapping, many apps continue running in the background, fetching updates, refreshing data and sending notifications. It’s convenient, but it drains your battery faster than you realize.

    For iPhone 

    • Go to Settings.
    • Tap General.
    • Click Background App Refresh.
    • Tap Background App Refresh again.
    • Select Off, or choose Wi-Fi to limit data use and battery drain.
    • You can also toggle off refresh for individual apps if you still want certain ones to run.

    WHY WI-FI CALLING MAY BE KILLING YOUR PHONE’S BATTERY LIFE

    Stop background apps from quietly draining your battery. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    For Android 

    Settings may vary, depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 

    • Open Settings.
    • Tap Battery (or Battery & device care, Power management, or similar).
    • Select Background usage limits, App battery management, or Battery optimization, wording depends on your device.
    • Choose the apps you rarely use, then set them to Restricted or Optimized, or Put unused apps to sleep.
    • To let Android manage this automatically, turn on Adaptive Battery (found under Settings › Battery › Adaptive Battery).

    Pro tip: Keep essential apps, such as messaging, navigation, or weather, active so they can update in real time. Restricting background activity for apps you don’t open often can extend battery life by several hours a day.

    5 PHONE SETTINGS TO CHANGE RIGHT NOW FOR A SAFER SMARTPHONE

    3 phones are plugged in with dark screens

    Turn off background refresh to stop unused apps from quietly draining your battery. (Kurt Knutsson)

    2) Disable Always-in Display

    That sleek clock on your screen might look cool, but it’s constantly using power. Always-On Display keeps your screen partially lit, even when you’re not touching it, to show time, notifications or widgets. Over time, that adds up, especially overnight.

    For iPhone (14 Pro and later)

    • Go to Settings.
    • Tap Display & Brightness.
    • Click Always On Display.
    • Toggle Off next to Always On Display to stop your phone from lighting up when locked.

    For Android

    Settings may vary, depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 

    • Open Settings.
    • Tap Lock screen (sometimes labeled “Lock screen & security,” “Lock screen & AOD,” “Display & lock screen,” etc.).
    • Look for Always On Display (AOD) (or similar, such as “Always show time & info”, “Ambient display”, “Screen always on when locked”).
    • Toggle Off to disable the AOD entirely, or choose an alternative mode (for example: “Tap to show” / “Show on tap” so the AOD only appears when you tap the screen) if available.
    • (Optional) Some devices allow scheduling of AOD or limiting it to when notifications are present. If you want more control, explore the sub-options under the AOD setting.

    Turning off Always-On Display can extend standby battery life by up to 10 to 15%.

    YOUR PHONE IS TRACKING YOU EVEN WHEN YOU THINK IT’S NOT

    Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphone is seen in South Korea

    Turn off Always-On Display to save more power each day.  (SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    3) Limit location access

    GPS is one of the biggest hidden battery drains. Apps that track your location in the background, from ride-sharing to retail, can quietly sap your phone’s power even when you’re not using them. Adjusting permissions keeps your phone secure and efficient.

    For iPhone 

    • Go to Settings.
    • Tap Privacy & Security.
    • Click Location Services.
    • Tap each app individually and change Always to While Using the App or Never.
    • Now, scroll to the bottom and tap System Services.
    • Tap Significant Locations, then toggle it Off to stop your iPhone from storing detailed location and travel history. (You can also tap “Clear History” here to erase past entries.)

    For Android 

    Settings may vary, depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    • Open Settings.
    • Tap Location (or sometimes Privacy & Security → Location).
    • Tap App permissions (or App location permissions, Location permissions for apps).
    • Select an app, then choose the appropriate permission, such as “Allow only while using the app” (or “Allow only when in use”) or “Don’t allow” (or “Deny”).
    • On the same screen (for that app), you may see a toggle for “Use precise location”. If the app doesn’t need GPS accuracy, toggle Off to let it use only an approximate location.

    Apps like Maps and Weather need access, but most don’t. Tightening this setting not only boosts battery life, it also improves your privacy by limiting background tracking.

    Pro tip: Leaving essential features like Find My iPhone or Emergency Calls & SOS enabled under System Services ensures your phone can still help locate or protect you if it’s lost, even with other location options turned off.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Limit location tracking to protect privacy and extend battery life.

    Limit location tracking to protect privacy and extend battery life. (Fernando Gutierrez-Juarez/picture alliance via Getty Images)

    4) Turn off Raise to Wake and Tap to Wake

    Ever notice your screen lighting up when you simply pick up your phone? Those quick flashes add up. Every time your display activates — even for a second, it consumes battery power. Turning off these motion-activated features can reduce unnecessary screen wake-ups.

    For iPhone

    • Go to Settings.
    • Tap Display & Brightness.
    • Turn off Raise to Wake.

    For Android 

    Settings may vary, depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    • Open Settings.
    • Tap Display (or Lock screen & security, or Advanced features, depending on your device).
    • Look for Lift/ Raise to wake, Tap to wake, or Double tap to wake (sometimes found under Gestures or Motion settings).
    • Turn off “Lift/Raise to wake” and “Tap/Double tap to wake” (or choose to disable whichever is active).
    • If you want a simpler way to wake your phone only when you intend to, rely on the power-button wake (which is the default on nearly all phones).

    5) Review battery usage and spot the culprits

    If your phone is dying faster than usual, the Battery Usage tool can reveal the exact cause. You’ll see which apps are using the most power, both on screen and in the background, so you can take action.

    For iPhone

    • Go to Settings.
    • Tap Battery.
    • Scroll to view the battery usage graph and list of apps and system processes that are using power.
    • Look for any highlighted items (indicating unusually high usage).
    • Tap an app or process to view more details about its usage and background activity.
    • If you notice an app draining power in the background on an ongoing basis, consider limiting its background activity or uninstalling it if it’s not needed.

    For Android 

    Settings may vary, depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    • Open Settings.
    • Tap Battery (or Battery & device care, Power & battery, depending on your device).
    • Tap Battery usage or Battery usage by app (or similar).
    • Look through the list of apps and sort or filter by App usage or Screen time, if available, to identify top battery consumers.
    • Tap a high-drain app, then choose something like Restrict background usage, Optimize, or Disallow background activity (depending on the options your phone offers).

    Common battery-draining culprits include social media apps, streaming apps, location-based apps and apps with heavy background update behavior. Reviewing this every few weeks can help catch new drains early. 

    Bonus: Check your battery health

    If your phone still drains quickly after these fixes, your battery might be aging. Both iPhones and Android devices offer built-in diagnostics to check battery health and capacity.

    For iPhone

    • Go to Settings.
    • Tap Battery.
    • Tap Battery Health & Charging (on some older versions, it may simply be “Battery Health”).
    • On the Battery Health screen, look at the Maximum Capacity percentage. This tells you how the battery’s current capacity compares to when it was new.
    • If the percentage is well below ~80%, it may be a good time to replace the battery to restore performance and capacity. (Apple notes that batteries are designed to retain around 80 % of their original capacity at 500 full charge cycles under ideal conditions.)

    For Android

    Settings may vary, depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    • Go to Settings.
    • Tap Battery (or “Battery & device care,” “Power & battery,” depending on your phone).
    • Look for an option called Battery health, Battery capacity, Battery status or Battery Information. Note: this may not appear on all phones.
    • If the built-in health indicator isn’t available, you can open the hidden test menu by dialing *#*#4636#*#* in the Phone app. If “Battery information” appears, you may see stats such as health, capacity, or cycle count.
    • If your battery health or capacity is shown as “Reduced” or significantly lower than expected, consider replacing the battery for better performance and longevity.

    Replacing an aging battery can dramatically improve performance and lifespan, often more than any software tweak.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    With a few quick tweaks, your phone can finally keep up with you all day. Adjusting settings, limiting background activity and checking battery health really do make a difference. You’ll spend less time stressing about a low battery and more time actually using your phone. Stay proactive, and your device will stay powered when you need it most.

    Got a tip you’d like to share, and/or what other everyday tech challenges would you like help solving? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • How to use passkeys to keep your computer safe

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    Keeping your computer secure is more important than ever. Cyberattacks target computers, accounts and sensitive data daily. Traditional passwords have long been the cornerstone of security, but they come with real challenges. Many of us reuse passwords across sites, and even strong passwords can be compromised in data breaches.

    Passkeys offer a safer and more convenient way to authenticate. However, they’re still relatively new, and many of us are still trying to figure out how they work. For example, Peter recently reached out asking, “How do I get a passkey from a PC desktop that doesn’t have a camera or fingerprint device?”

    That’s a great question, Peter, and you’re not alone in wondering about this. The good news is that passkeys are designed to work on virtually any device, whether or not it has biometric hardware like a fingerprint reader or camera. Let’s explore what passkeys are, why they’re worth using and how to set them up on both Windows and Mac, regardless of your hardware setup.

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    Passkeys make signing in faster and safer by replacing traditional passwords with encrypted keys. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    What are passkeys?

    Passkeys use cryptography to prove who you are. When you create a passkey, your device makes two keys, one public and one private. The public key goes to the website, and your private key stays on your device. During login, your device confirms your identity with the private key. The website never sees or stores it.

    This process blocks phishing and password theft. It also makes sign-in faster. You don’t need to remember or type long passwords anymore.

    While passkeys simplify authentication, they don’t eliminate the need for a secure password manager. Password managers can safely store and sync your passkeys, just as they do with passwords, allowing you to access your credentials across devices and browsers — even if those devices don’t natively sync passkeys, such as between Windows and Apple systems. Using a password manager alongside passkeys creates a bridge between platforms and provides an additional layer of security and convenience.

    Can you use passkeys without biometrics?

    Yes, you can. A PC or Mac without a camera or fingerprint reader can still use passkeys. On Windows, you unlock them with your Windows Hello PIN. On Apple devices, you can use Touch ID, Face ID or your passcode. The key is having an updated operating system and browser that support passkeys.

    If you manage multiple accounts or devices, a password manager that supports passkeys can act as your central vault. This lets you use passkeys even on systems that don’t directly support syncing through iCloud or Google Password Manager. It’s an easy way to ensure you always have access to your credentials, no matter what kind of device you use.

    Why you still need passwords

    Not every website supports passkeys yet. Some services still rely on passwords. Keep strong, unique passwords for those accounts. Passwords also serve as backup if you lose a device or can’t use your passkey. Over time, more sites will support password-free logins.

    This is where password managers continue to play an important role. They bridge the gap between old and new authentication methods, allowing you to store both traditional passwords and passkeys in one secure place. Until the web is fully passkey-ready, combining the two provides both convenience and resilience, giving you a seamless experience across multiple devices and services.

    A MacBook

    Passkeys also prevent phishing because your private key never leaves your device during sign-in. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Passkey support by platform 

    Windows

    • Works on Windows 10 and 11.
    • Windows 11 version 22H2 (KB5030310+) includes passkey management.
    • Unlock with Windows Hello PIN, face, or fingerprint.

    If your browser or operating system doesn’t yet sync passkeys automatically, a third-party password manager with passkey support can store them for cross-platform access.

    macOS and iOS

    • Works on macOS 13 Ventura or later and iOS/iPadOS 16 or later.
    • Passkeys sync through iCloud Keychain with end-to-end encryption.
    • Two-factor authentication must be turned on.
    • Use Touch ID, Face ID or your device passcode to confirm logins.

    While Apple’s iCloud Keychain handles passkeys securely within its ecosystem, using a password manager that supports passkeys provides extra flexibility, letting you securely access the same credentials on non-Apple devices or browsers outside Safari.

    Android

    • Available on Android 9 and later.
    • Android 14 adds third-party passkey manager support.
    • Passkeys sync through Google Password Manager by default.

    Alternatively, password managers now integrate passkey syncing, letting you use your passkeys seamlessly on both desktop and mobile devices.

    Browsers

    • Chrome, Edge, Safari and Firefox all support passkeys.
    • Keep your browser updated for the best compatibility.

    Browser-based password managers can also sync passkeys, adding flexibility if you switch between devices or operating systems.

    Major services that support passkeys

    As of publishing, these major services offer passkey sign-in:

    • Google
    • Microsoft
    • Apple
    • Amazon
    • PayPal
    • GitHub
    • Uber
    • eBay
    • WhatsApp
    • Facebook

    Support continues to expand every month. Most new accounts on these platforms can now use passkeys.

    How to set up passkeys on Windows

    • Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
    • Set up Windows Hello PIN or biometrics.
    • Visit a site that supports passkeys.
    • Choose Create a passkey and confirm with your PIN or biometric.
    • Manage passkeys later under Settings → Accounts → Passkeys on Windows 11.

    If your PC lacks biometrics, you can still approve sign-ins using your phone nearby or a synced password manager that supports passkeys.

    Windows passkey

    (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to set up passkeys on Mac

    Apple devices also provide a simple and secure way to use passkeys through iCloud Keychain. There’s no separate setup for passkeys if you have iCloud Keychain enabled. Once it’s on, an eligible app or service will ask you to create a passkey at the time of login, and you’ll be able to do so by following the instructions on the screen. Below is how you can enable iCloud Keychain.

    • Go to Apple menu → System Settings → your name → iCloud.
    • Click Passwords and turn on Passwords & Keychain and enable syncing.
    • Visit a site that supports passkeys.
    • Select Create a passkey and confirm with Touch ID or your passcode.
    • Passkeys will sync to your other Apple devices through iCloud Keychain.

    You can also approve logins on a non-Apple device using your iPhone nearby, or access them through a password manager that stores both your passkeys and passwords in one place.

    iCloud Keychain

    On Windows, you can use passkeys with a simple Hello PIN, even without a camera or fingerprint reader. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Common questions about passkeys

    Can I move passkeys between devices?

    Yes. iCloud and Google Password Manager sync passkeys securely. For more flexibility, password managers now support passkey portability across different ecosystems, perfect if you use both Mac and Windows, or Android and iPhone.

    What if I lose my device?

    You can recover passkeys from iCloud, Google or your password manager. Always keep a backup login method and 2FA enabled. Storing your passkeys in a secure password manager ensures recovery even if you lose access to one platform’s ecosystem.

    Are passkeys fully replacing passwords?

    Not yet. Many major platforms support them, but full adoption will take time. Until then, password managers remain an essential bridge technology, providing secure storage, synchronization and transition support as passkeys continue to expand.

    MICROSOFT SOUNDS ALARM AS HACKERS TURN TEAMS PLATFORM INTO ‘REAL-WORLD DANGERS’ FOR USERS

    5 additional steps you can take to keep your computer safe

    Even with passkeys and strong passwords, there are other steps you can take to enhance the security of your computer.

    1) Use a password manager

    Password managers help generate and store strong, unique passwords for every account. This reduces the risk of password reuse and ensures that your backup passwords are secure. Now that many password managers support passkeys, they also act as your universal credential vault, letting you log in with either method depending on what a website supports.

    Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see CyberGuy.com) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials. 

    Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at CyberGuy.com.

    2) Install strong antivirus software

    Strong antivirus software protects against malware, ransomware and other threats. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

    Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

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    3) Keep your system updated

    Regular updates fix security vulnerabilities in your operating system and software. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to stay protected.

    4) Enable two-factor authentication

    Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second verification step, usually through a code sent to your phone or email, or through an authentication app. This makes it harder for attackers to access your accounts even if your password or passkey is compromised.

    5) Backup your data

    Regularly backing up your Mac or PC to a secure cloud service or external drive ensures that you can recover important data in case of hardware failure, malware attack, or accidental deletion.

    Kurt’s key takeaway

    Passkeys are a major upgrade over traditional passwords, but we’re not living in an all-passkey world just yet. Many sites still rely on passwords, and you’ll need backups if something happens to your device. Supplementing passkeys with a password manager is the best move right now; it lets you store, sync and protect both passkeys and passwords under one roof. The good news is that setting up passkeys takes just a few minutes, and once they’re enabled, logging in becomes faster and more secure.

    Have you tried using passkeys yet? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Apple will let users roll back the Liquid Glass look with new ‘tinted’ option | TechCrunch

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    Apple has rolled out a new feature that makes it easier to customize Liquid Glass to your liking. Now, users will be able to set the appearance of Liquid Glass to either Clear or Tinted, with the help of a new setting included in the latest beta update of its mobile and desktop operating systems.

    The addition indicates Apple is listening closely to user feedback in these early days of the iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 public launches. Apples likes to push through more significant changes, but it will often offer a fallback option for those who have a hard time adjusting.

    That was the case when Apple moved Safari’s address to the bottom of the screen in 2021. After some user backlash over the then controversial decision, the iPhone maker added an option to revert the bar to the top of the screen. (Apple, we’ll concede, was right to make the move; the bar’s location is better when it’s in easier reach of your thumbs.)

    Now, Apple is taking a similar approach with Liquid Glass.

    The new user interface that shipped with iOS 26 and other Apple operating systems was the company’s biggest design overhaul since its move from a skeuomorphic to flat design back in 2013. As with most changes of this scale and significance, not everybody has been on board.

    Some have said the Liquid Glass design makes various parts of the interface harder to read, including notifications or navigation controls in apps like Apple Music and others. Others have said they love Liquid Glass’s attention to detail and its new look, which felt like a more modern update to an interface that had grown stale over the years.

    With another potential divisive response on its hands, Apple is now ceding some control over Liquid Glass’s appearance back to the users.

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    The new feature, first spotted by 9to5Mac, arrived in iOS 26.1 beta 4 and the accompanying updates for tablets and desktop computers.

    Reached for comment, Apple told TechCrunch that, during the beta period this summer, it heard from some users who wanted the option to set a more opaque look for Liquid Glass. This new setting that lets users personalize Liquid Glass is available in iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS 26.1.

    To access the feature, beta users can visit the “Display & Brightness” menu under Settings to find the added Liquid Glass menu option. On Mac, it’s under “Appearance” in System Settings. The control lets you choose between two options, Clear and Tinted. The latter increases the opacity of interface elements, making them easier to see.

    Though some users had been advocating for a slider that lets them control the opacity more precisely, Apple has opted for a toggle where it specifies the two levels of tint that users can choose from.

    Apple told TechCrunch that any developers who have already implemented Liquid Glass in their apps will automatically have the user’s preference applied. Developers are able to test this now in the 26.1 developer beta.

    After selecting their preferred option, users will see changes across user interface elements, like the Now Playing controls, Notifications on the Lock Screen, and in Apple’s apps and those from third-party developers.

    While the beta feature arrives for developers today, the public beta should arrive over the next few days ahead of the wider public release.

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  • Apple adds game-changing iPhone document feature that users waited years to see

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    Apple has officially launched iOS 26, and with it comes a fresh look and one standout new feature: the Preview app. If you’ve updated your iPhone and noticed a new icon that looks like it belongs on a Mac, you’re not imagining things. Preview has finally arrived on iOS, and it’s more useful than you might think. Many iPhone users have long wanted an easier way to edit, annotate and scan documents without relying on third-party tools. Now, Apple’s built-in Preview app fills that gap, combining features from the Files app, Markup tools and the camera’s document scanner into one streamlined experience.

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    What Apple’s Preview app can do

    Just like the version on Mac, the Preview app on iPhone lets you handle basic photo edits and PDF changes with ease. You can:

    • Open and view PDFs or images directly from your Files app.
    • Annotate, draw and highlight content using the familiar markup tools.
    • Add text boxes or signatures to forms.
    • Crop, resize, or rotate photos.
    • Scan documents straight from your camera.

    The new Preview app on iPhone makes scanning and signing documents feel effortless. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    When you open the app, you’ll see simple options like New Document or Scan Document. Tap the small Files section at the bottom to browse your phone’s stored content. The interface feels like Apple’s previous screenshot editor, so it’s instantly familiar. You can tap the three-dot menu for advanced tools like background removal, which saves you from downloading extra editing apps. If you open a PDF, Preview automatically detects fillable text boxes and lets you add your signature, perfect for signing forms or agreements on the go.

    10 IOS 26 TRICKS THAT HELP YOU GET MORE OUT OF YOUR IPHONE

    Inside the iPhone Preview app, highlighting options to create a

    With built-in markup tools, you can highlight, draw or add your signature in seconds. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to scan a document using the Preview app

    Preview’s built-in scanning tool is one of its best upgrades. It’s fast, accurate and ideal for receipts, contracts, or notes you want to store securely. If you’re already using Notes or Files to scan documents, you’ll find Preview much faster. It centralizes everything, no switching between multiple apps. Here’s how to do it:

    • Open the Preview app.
    • Tap Scan Documents from the home screen or the plus (+) icon if you’re already viewing another file.
    • Point your iPhone camera at the page you want to scan and hold it steady.
    • Preview will automatically detect the edges and capture the image.
    • After Preview captures the document, it shows a thumbnail.
    • If the edges aren’t right or the lighting is poor, tap Retake.
    • If you’re satisfied, tap the Blue Check mark in the upper right of the screen. This creates a digital document.

    How to save or export your document

    After scanning your pages, you can easily save, rename, or share your document directly from the Preview app using these steps.

    Save to Files

    • Tap the Share button (a square with an arrow) and choose Save to Files. Select where you’d like to store it, such as iCloud Drive > Documents or On My iPhone > Scans, then tap Save.The scan is saved as a PDF file you can access anytime.

    Rename the document

    • Tap the title at the top of the screen, type a new name such as Receipt-Oct2025.pdf, and tap Done.

    Share the document

    • From the same Share menu, you can send the PDF by AirDrop, Messages or Mail.

    Where to find saved scans later

    • Go to the Files app
    • Tap Browse
    • Then navigate to On My iPhone
    • Click Preview
    • Tap Scanned (or whichever folder you selected). You can open, mark up, or share the PDF directly from there.

    HOW TO SAVE ANY FILE AS A PDF

    iPhone home screen showing the Files app highlighted, followed by steps inside the Files app to scan and access documents stored locally under

    Quickly find your saved scans in the Files app under Preview, where you can open, edit or share them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Similar tools for Android and Windows

    If you’re on Android or Windows, you can do many of the same things using tools built into those platforms.

    How to scan and edit documents on Android

    If you’re using an Android phone running Android 6.0 or later, the Google Drive app includes a built-in document scanner powered by Google Play services. Starting in September 2025, Google began rolling out an upgraded scanning experience with sharper previews, smarter cropping and rotation, improved shadow removal and color filters that make your scans look more professional. The update also adds smoother page adjustments and a thumbnail carousel to easily reorder or delete pages before saving.

    • Open the Google Drive app on your Android device and make sure it’s updated through the Google Play Store for the latest features.
    • Tap the “+” or camera icon, then select Scan from the pop-up menu. Some phones may show a dedicated camera button for this.
    • Hold your phone steady so the entire page is visible. Drive automatically detects the edges and captures the document.
    • Use the built-in crop, rotate and color filter tools to fine-tune your scan. You can also remove shadows or retake a page if needed.
    • Tap Add page to create a multi-page PDF. If your device supports the new AI-powered scanner, Drive may detect and capture pages automatically.
    • Review your pages using the thumbnail carousel at the bottom to rearrange or delete any before saving.
    • Tap Save, enter a file name, choose your Drive folder and select whether to save as a PDF or JPG.
    • Open the saved file in Drive to annotate or highlight text using markup tools like drawing or underlining.
    • Share or export the finished document by sending a Drive link, attaching it to an email, or downloading it to another app.

    EVEN WITH TRUMP’S TARIFF BLESSING, APPLE HIKES IPHONE PRICES

    Android device screen showing Google Drive interface with the scan icon highlighted at the bottom, indicating where to tap to scan documents directly into Drive.

    Use Google Drive’s upgraded scanner on Android to capture, crop and clean up documents in seconds. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to annotate and sign PDFs on Windows

    Microsoft Edge includes a built-in PDF reader that supports inking, highlighting and adding comments or text notes. However, Edge is not a full PDF editor for rewriting text or rearranging pages. You can still draw or sign directly onto a PDF using the Draw/Pen tool, then save your edits. Some recent versions of Edge have limited annotation support, so features may vary. Because of those limitations, many Windows users rely on third-party PDF editors for complete editing control, such as adding text, rearranging pages, or performing OCR. The built-in Snipping Tool remains a quick way to capture and mark up screenshots or documents before saving or sharing. These steps work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 using the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser.

    The exact toolbar layout may differ depending on your version.

    • Open the Snipping Tool to capture a screenshot or document.
    • Choose the capture type: region, freeform, full screen, or window.
    • Save your capture as a PNG or JPG, or copy it to your clipboard for quick pasting.
    • To edit a PDF instead, open the file directly in Microsoft Edge.
    • Right-click the PDF file and select Open with → Microsoft Edge, or drag the file into the Edge window.
    • Use the Pen / Draw tool to write, draw, or sign directly on the PDF.
    • Highlight text by selecting it and choosing Highlight from the pop-up menu.
    • Add notes or comments with Add comment/text note.
    • Use the Draw tool again to sign your name, then save your edits.
    • Click the Save or Save As icon (the diskette symbol) to store your changes.
    • If your annotations don’t appear after saving, choose Print → Save as PDF to permanently embed them.

    Best alternative PDF tools for Windows users

    If Microsoft Edge doesn’t meet your editing needs, consider these free or paid alternatives that work across different devices:

    • PDF24 Creator: A free, highly rated PDF editor designed for Windows. It lets you merge, compress, sign, and convert PDFs without watermarks.
    • Xournal++: A popular open-source tool for Windows, macOS and Linux that lets you annotate PDFs with a pen or stylus.
    • Foxit PDF Editor: A professional, cross-platform editor with full text editing, signing and OCR tools. It’s available for Windows, macOS, iPhone and Android through the Foxit PDF Editor Mobile app.

    These tools give you far more flexibility than Edge if you regularly edit, organize, or sign digital documents across devices.

    Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Apple’s new Preview app in iOS 26 makes editing and scanning documents easier than ever. It brings together familiar tools from Files, Markup and the camera into one place, saving you time and steps. The experience feels seamless, especially if you often switch between your Mac and iPhone. For Android and Windows users, similar built-in tools already offer strong alternatives. Google Drive’s upgraded scan feature and Microsoft Edge’s PDF tools both make it simple to capture, annotate and share files. These options prove that whether you’re on iPhone, Android, or Windows, document management has never been more convenient. In the end, Preview’s arrival on iPhone marks another step toward a unified Apple ecosystem where productivity tools just work. If you’ve ever wished you could scan, sign, or edit a file in seconds, this update delivers.

    Do you think Apple’s new Preview app will replace your go-to document editor, or will you keep using third-party tools? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. 

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Google Maps vs Waze vs Apple Maps: Which is best?

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    Navigation apps have become an essential part of modern life. Whether you are commuting to work, running errands or exploring a new city, relying on accurate directions and real-time traffic updates can make all the difference. Over the past decade, Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps have emerged as the dominant players in this space, each offering a distinct approach to navigation.

    While millions of people rely on these apps daily, choosing the right one can depend on a variety of factors, from interface design to privacy policies. In this article, we compare these three apps across usability, accuracy, features and data handling to help you determine which one best fits your needs.

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    What each app does best

    Google Maps is widely regarded as the all-rounder. It combines extensive mapping data with points of interest, public transit information, Street View, Live View AR and detailed business listings. Its versatility makes it a top choice for both daily commuters and travelers.

    Google Maps is a great way to explore the world with detailed routes, Street View, and real-time traffic insights. (OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)

    Waze, on the other hand, is designed primarily for drivers. It thrives on community input, offering live updates about traffic jams, road hazards, accidents and even police presence. Since Google owns Waze, many Waze-style real-time alerts have now begun appearing directly inside Google Maps. While Waze still focuses on driving, this integration blurs the lines between the two apps.

    Apple Maps has made major strides in recent years. Once considered the underdog, it’s now a solid choice for iOS users. Its clean interface, privacy-focused design and seamless integration with Siri, CarPlay and Apple Watch make it a convenient pick for those fully in the Apple ecosystem.

    INSTAGRAM FRIEND MAP FEATURE SPARKS PRIVACY QUESTIONS

    Usability and interface

    When it comes to interface, each app approaches design differently.

    Google Maps provides a dense but intuitive layout, giving users access to multiple layers of information, including traffic, satellite imagery and public transit routes. Switching between driving, walking, biking and transit is straightforward, and the search functionality is robust, often displaying detailed business profiles, ratings, and hours of operation.

    Waze prioritizes active driving support. Its interface is visually bold, with clear alerts for traffic jams, accidents and road hazards submitted by other users. While some may find the screen slightly cluttered, the focus is entirely on driving efficiency, which makes sense given its target audience.

    Waze maps app on a phone

    Waze helps to put you on a faster route with live, community-driven alerts that help you dodge traffic jams and road hazards.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Apple Maps offers a minimalist, streamlined interface that emphasizes simplicity. Searching for locations, initiating navigation, and following turn-by-turn instructions is straightforward. The app works seamlessly with iOS features like Siri and CarPlay, providing a smooth and cohesive experience for Apple users.

    Navigation accuracy and performance

    Accurate routing and timely traffic updates are critical.

    Google Maps remains the most reliable for precise routing and travel time estimates. It combines AI-enhanced predictive routing with historical and live traffic data to suggest the best route. Its consistency holds strong across urban and rural areas alike.

    Waze is unmatched for real-time rerouting. Relying heavily on crowd-sourced reports, it often detects slowdowns or hazards before Google Maps does. However, it still struggles when offline or in areas with poor data coverage.

    Apple Maps has significantly improved its routing accuracy, especially in cities. Its traffic data is now crowd-sourced from millions of iPhones, processed on-device to protect privacy. In some rural or international regions, though, it can still lag behind Google Maps and Waze.

    Apple Maps offers smooth, privacy-focused navigation designed for seamless use with your iPhone and CarPlay. 

    Apple Maps offers seamless use with your iPhone and CarPlay for smooth and privacy-focused navigation.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Features and ecosystem integration

    Beyond basic navigation, each app offers additional tools and integrations.

    Google Maps offers offline maps, Live View AR navigation, multi-stop routing, EV charger locations and indoor maps for airports and malls. Integration with Gmail, Calendar and Google Assistant creates a seamless travel experience.

    Waze remains focused on social and driving-specific features. You can report hazards or police sightings and even control Spotify, Audible or podcasts directly from the app without switching screens.

    Apple Maps leans into privacy and ecosystem benefits. Its “Look Around” feature rivals Street View, while EV routing, cycling paths and Siri integration make it ideal for Apple fans. Apple also uses anonymized “Look Around” imagery to train its AI models, but with strict privacy safeguards like blurring faces and plates.

    YOUR PHONE IS TRACKING YOU EVEN WHEN YOU THINK IT’S NOT

    Privacy and data handling

    How these apps handle your personal data matters more than ever.

    Google Maps collects detailed location and usage data to power personalization and advertising. That means better recommendations, but less privacy for users who prefer anonymity.

    Waze, also owned by Google, gathers anonymized driving data to enhance community reporting. Its functionality depends on sharing your location in real time, which is necessary for crowd-sourced accuracy.

    Apple Maps takes a different approach. It processes most data on-device, uses random identifiers instead of personal accounts and does not associate searches with your Apple ID. That makes it the most privacy-conscious option, though even Apple collects anonymized data for traffic and route improvements.

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    Kurt’s key takeaway

    There is no single “best” navigation app, and the right choice depends on your priorities. Google Maps is ideal if you want a feature-packed, versatile app that works well for a variety of transportation modes and travel scenarios. Its global coverage and rich data make it reliable for everyday use and exploration. Waze is best if your main concern is real-time driving efficiency. Its community-driven traffic alerts and dynamic rerouting help you avoid congestion and save time during daily commutes. Apple Maps suits users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem who value simplicity, clean design and privacy protections. It may not have as many features as Google Maps or the same real-time edge as Waze, but its seamless integration with iOS makes it convenient.

    Which navigation app do you rely on most for daily commuting, and why?  Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • iPhone 17 Pro Max review: orange you glad the battery is bigger | TechCrunch

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    When Apple announced its thin and light iPhone Air, some people said, “Who asked for a thinner phone?” Moments later, the company went in the other direction and announced a slightly thicker and bulkier iPhone 17 Pro lineup.

    With this, Apple did what those people had wanted: it made a phone with a thicker form factor to accommodate a larger battery, leading to better performance. Out of the new iPhones, the Pro phones received more iterative updates (unless you count the new orange color). But people who buy these phones will still reap the benefits.

    The build

    The first thing that you’ll notice with the iPhone 17 Pro is the new unibody build with aluminium, alongside a new camera bump design on the back with space for MagSafe-based accessories below it. I’ve gotten used to cross-body camera bumps like the one on the Pixel 10, so I don’t mind the new design choice from Apple

    Apple said that using this design has made the phone more sturdy. But it has also made the 17 Pro Max heavier at 233 grams as compared to the 227 grams of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. I felt the heft of the phone a bit more as I was juggling between the ultra-light iPhone Air and the 17 Pro Max.

    Image Credits: Ivan mehta

    The company added Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and the first-gen Ceramic Shield on the back, below the camera plateau. I had shattered the back of my old iPhone 15 Pro Max, which just had a textured glass layer, so I appreciate the extra protection along with the aluminium frame on the back.

    I can’t skip the build section without talking about colors. I’ve got a silver colored unit, which I feel is the most boring color out of all three. I personally like the blue a lot more, and don’t mind the orange, which clearly stands out. I usually use my new phone without a case, but I plan to try the new TechWoven blue case that’s made with a custom 100% recycled polyester yarn to change the look of the phone.

    And while I’ve seen many posts and videos about how the new device’s back is susceptible to scratches, I haven’t noticed many on my unit as of yet.

    Better battery, better performance

    Apple has managed to cram more battery into the iPhone 17 Pro Max thanks to its unibody design. I consistently got more than five hours of screen time, despite varying usage. In terms of sheer numbers, the 17 Pro Max packs a 4,823 mAh battery as compared to 4,685 mAh in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. If you snag an eSIM-only version in countries where it is available, you will get an even bigger 5,088 mAh battery, which might last a bit longer than the device with the physical SIM.

    The new design also brings vapor chamber cooling to the iPhones, which means that your phone will get less hot while doing resource-intensive tasks such as gaming. I played War Thunder at 60 FPS for an extended period of time, and as compared to the iPhone Air, the Pro Max ran much cooler.

    Image Credits: Ivan Mehta

    Small upgrades you’ll appreciate

    Another strong upgrade in the battery department is the increased charging capacity.

    The phone is compatible with USB-PD 3.2 standards. While it is not reaching the whacky 100W+ charging capacities of some of the Chinese manufacturers, the new iPhone can theoretically charge at 40W as compared to 30W. This means you can charge your phone much faster when using a 40W or higher adapter.

    The bigger phone also gained support for higher speed, Qi2-based wireless charging at 25W. If you have an accessory station at your work desk with a wireless stand, this new top iPhone can take advantage of it.

    The display size of the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the same as last year’s Pro Max. But the display gets an upgrade as it can achieve a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. It also has a new anti-reflective coating, making it easier to use in brighter conditions. Beyond the iPhone, brighter displays have been a trend this year with smartphones like the Pixel 10 Series and Honor V5 Magic, and they’re a welcome addition.

    Some of the review videos show that other devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25, have a better reflective material on the screen, however.

    Let’s talk cameras

    The Pro iPhone models received two notable camera updates this year.

    First, all three rear cameras now have a 48-megapixel sensor. The ultrawide had an upgrade last year, and this year, it’s the telephoto lens getting a boost. (As someone who has three pets in the household, I always appreciate having better zooming capabilities, so I can take candid photos of them without moving, which might result in a lost pose.)

    Image Credits: Ivan mehta

    Until last year, the Pro Max had zoom options of 2x and 5x. This year, the company has changed its focal lengths a bit. So now you get 2x, 4x, and 8x (which is a 2x crop). You might lose some details in an 8x shot, but the photos are generally good even at that level of zoom.

    Phones like the Pixel 10 Series, Xiaomi 15T Pro, and the Honor Magic V5 do offer digital zoom augmented with generative AI to artificially improve the picture. But Apple just offers a digital zoom of 40x without any generative processing. The results aren’t anything to write home about, as the images are noisy and don’t have details.

    While the telephoto is a Pro-only update, all iPhones got a selfie camera upgrade with a new 18-megapixel square sensor. Apart from upgraded resolution, the front camera gets a Center Stage feature, which automatically zooms in and out and changes the orientation based on the number of people in the frame — without you having to do it manually. (This is very helpful in the festive season in India, when you meet friends and people want to cram into the frame!)

    Apple gave Intelligence a miss

    Despite nice upgrades to the hardware, Apple Intelligence was hardly mentioned as part of the new iPhones’ release. This was a contrast compared to last year, as well as rival phone launches like Google’s new Pixel lineup.

    The device will receive iOS 26 features, like using the full screen as context to ask ChatGPT or Google questions about what is on the screen. But there aren’t any new Apple-native AI features.

    The new Pro iPhones are also powered by A19 Pro chips, which have better neural performance, Apple says. This could come in handy for developers who are using Apple’s local AI models. But we may have to wait for next year’s Worldwide Developer Conference to see if Apple gives Siri a much-awaited AI upgrade.

    Who is this iPhone for?

    For the last few years, Apple has positioned its Pro lines of phones to aid the creative process more, apart from being top-notch devices in its lineup. With the iPhone 17 Pro Max, that is even more so the case.

    With a new design, battery, and thermal performance, creators can shoot longer videos. Plus, the company introduced new features like ProRes RAW and Log 2. It also has genlock, which allows creators to use multiple iPhones to take time-locked shots.

    If you’re not a creator, iPhone 17 Pro Max is more of an iterative update. Just like a lot of new phone releases every year, it doesn’t scream that you have to update. If your phone is more than two years old, however, you will see substantial gains in all departments, including battery life, performance, screen, and camera. B

    ut if you have bought a phone after the iPhone 15 Pro was released, there is not as much reason to update.

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  • Apple Announces $2 Million Bug Bounty Reward for the Most Dangerous Exploits

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    Since launching its bug bounty program nearly a decade ago, Apple has always touted notable maximum payouts—$200,000 in 2016 and $1 million in 2019. Now the company is upping the stakes again. At the Hexacon offensive security conference in Paris on Friday, Apple vice president of security engineering and architecture Ivan Krstić announced a new maximum payout of $2 million for a chain of software exploits that could be abused for spyware.

    The move reflects how valuable exploitable vulnerabilities can be within Apple’s highly protected mobile environment—and the lengths the company will go to to keep such discoveries from falling into the wrong hands. In addition to individual payouts, the company’s bug bounty also includes a bonus structure, adding additional awards for exploits that can bypass its extra secure Lockdown Mode as well as those discovered while Apple software is still in its beta testing phase. Taken together, the maximum award for what would otherwise be a potentially catastrophic exploit chain will now be $5 million. The changes take effect next month.

    “We are lining up to pay many millions of dollars here, and there’s a reason,” Krstić tells WIRED. “We want to make sure that for the hardest categories, the hardest problems, the things that most closely mirror the kinds of attacks that we see with mercenary spyware—that the researchers who have those skills and abilities and put in that effort and time can get a tremendous reward.”

    Apple says that there are more than 2.35 billion of its devices active around the world. The company’s bug bounty was originally an invite-only program for prominent researchers, but since opening to the public in 2020, Apple says that it has awarded more than $35 million to more than 800 security researchers. Top-dollar payouts are very rare, but Krstić says that the company has made multiple $500,000 payouts in recent years.

    In addition to higher potential rewards, Apple is also expanding the bug bounty’s categories to include certain types of one-click “WebKit” browser infrastructure exploits as well as wireless proximity exploits carried out with any type of radio. And there is even a new offering known as “Target Flags” that puts the concept of capture the flag hacking competitions into real-world testing of Apple’s software to help researchers demonstrate the capabilities of their exploits quickly and definitively.

    Apple’s bug bounty is just one of many long-term investments aimed at reducing the prevalence of dangerous vulnerabilities or blocking their exploitation. For example, after more than five years of work, the company announced a security protection last month in the new iPhone 17 lineup that aims to nullify the most frequently exploited class of iOS bugs. Known as Memory Integrity Enforcement, the feature is a big swing aimed at protecting a small minority of the most vulnerable and highly targeted groups around the world—including activists, journalists, and politicians—while also adding defense for all users of new devices. To that end, the company announced on Friday that it will donate a thousand iPhone 17s to rights groups that work with people at risk of facing targeted digital attacks.

    “You can say, well, that seems like a very large effort to protect only that very small number of users that are being targeted by mercenary spyware, but there is just this incontrovertible track record described by journalists, tech companies, and civil society organizations that these technologies are constantly being abused,” Krstić says. “And we feel a great moral obligation to defend those users. Despite the fact that the vast majority of our users will never be targeted by anything like this, this work that we did will end up increasing protection for everyone.”

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  • Why Wi-Fi calling may be killing your phone’s battery life

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    When you live in an area with limited or no cell service, Wi-Fi calling can be a lifesaver. It keeps you connected for calls and texts when your phone would otherwise be useless. However, some iPhone users have noticed that this feature appears to drain their battery more quickly than usual. Laura B wrote to us asking:

    “Living in a rural area with no cell service, naturally, my iPhone is used with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi calling only. It seems to me it uses more battery this way than when connected to cellular data. Is this possible?”

    Laura’s question is a common one, and the short answer is yes, Wi-Fi calling can sometimes use more battery than a strong cellular connection. The reasons haven’t changed much in iOS 26, but Apple has added a few tools that make it easier to understand and manage battery use. And if you’re on Android, don’t worry; we’ll cover the steps for your phone too, further down.

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    10 IOS 26 TRICKS THAT HELP YOU GET MORE OUT OF YOUR IPHONE

    Wi-Fi calling keeps you connected but can drain your iPhone battery faster. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Why Wi-Fi calling can use more power

    Even though Wi-Fi calling is designed to keep you connected, there are a few behind-the-scenes reasons it may drain your iPhone battery faster than expected.

    1) Your phone still looks for a cellular signal

    Even when you don’t have service, your iPhone may periodically scan for towers. That search drains energy unless you take steps to stop it.

    2) Wi-Fi antenna + call processes stay active

    Wi-Fi calling requires your Wi-Fi radio to remain on constantly while also running extra background processes to stabilize calls. That workload can use more energy than simply maintaining a strong LTE signal.

    3) Weak or unstable Wi-Fi makes things worse

    If your Wi-Fi signal drops or fluctuates, your iPhone works harder to maintain the connection. That extra effort can warm the phone and eat into your battery.

    WHY IPHONE USERS ARE THE NEW PRIME SCAM TARGETS

    A person wearing a blue shirt uses a smartphone at a round table with a notebook, pen, and cup of coffee.

    Simple tweaks help you enjoy Wi-Fi calling without killing your charge. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to make Wi-Fi calling more battery-friendly on iOS 26

    These settings are tried-and-true and work just as well in iOS 26:

    1) Stop your iPhone from searching for towers

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap Airplane Mode
    • Turn it ON
    • Then go back to Wi-Fi in Settings and turn Wi-Fi ON manually

    This keeps your iPhone from wasting power looking for nonexistent cell service.

    2) Keep Wi-Fi Calling enabled

    • Open Settings.
    • Scroll down and tap Apps.
    • Click Phone.
    • Tap Wi-Fi Calling.
    • Make sure “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone” is switched ON.

    3) Reduce background activity

    • Background App Refresh: Settings → General → Background App Refresh → set to Wi-Fi only or turn it off for apps you don’t need.
    • Mail Fetch: Settings → Apps →Mail → Accounts → Fetch New Data → change to Manually or set a longer interval like Every 30 minutes or Every 15 Minutes. 

    4) Cut screen and system drain

    • Brightness: Settings → Display & Brightness → lower brightness or use Auto-Brightness by clicking Automatic. 
    • Location Services: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → turn off for apps that don’t need it.

    5) Keep Wi-Fi connection strong

    • Place your phone closer to the router
    • Consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system if your signal drops across the house

    YOUR PHONE IS TRACKING YOU EVEN WHEN YOU THINK IT’S NOT

    Close-up of a smartphone with a green case resting on a wooden surface, showing its USB-C charging port.

    IOS 26 adds new battery analytics to track and manage power use. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    What iOS 26 adds to the mix

    Apple didn’t change how Wi-Fi calling itself works in iOS 26, but it did improve how you can monitor and manage battery use:

    • Adaptive Power (on supported iPhones): This feature adjusts things like screen brightness, refresh rates and background tasks automatically when your battery starts draining faster than usual.
    • New battery analytics: iOS 26 shows a single weekly average view with clearer breakdowns of which apps and processes are using power. To check this: Open Settings → scroll down and tap Battery→ the Weekly view of average battery use appears by default → tap a bar to see a specific day’s app and process usage → scroll down and tap Show All Battery Usage to view Screen Active vs. Screen Idle time and charging history alongside the updated weekly stats

    These tools don’t remove Wi-Fi calling’s overhead, but they give you better visibility and, in some cases, automatic tweaks to help stretch your charge.

    How Wi-Fi calling affects battery on Android

    Android users face many of the same challenges as iPhone owners when it comes to Wi-Fi calling and battery drain. The basic reasons overlap; extra processes, Wi-Fi radios staying active and unstable signals. But Android also has some unique quirks and settings worth adjusting.

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer 

    Your phone still scans for cell towers

    Even when Wi-Fi calling is on, your Android device may keep searching for mobile networks in the background. This constant scan eats up power unless you turn it off.

    Fix: Enable Airplane Mode, then manually switch Wi-Fi back on. To do this open Settings, tap Network & Internet, and turn on Airplane Mode. Once it’s active, go back into Wi-Fi, switch it on manually and reconnect to your network so Wi-Fi calling still works without the phone constantly searching for cell towers.

    Carrier settings differ

    Not every carrier handles Wi-Fi calling the same way on Android. Some route calls differently, which can use more energy depending on the network.

    Fix: Check your carrier’s Wi-Fi calling preferences in Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Advanced → Wi-Fi Calling.

    Background apps can pile on

    Unlike iOS, many Android devices allow dozens of apps to keep running in the background. When Wi-Fi calling is active, that extra load can drain faster.

    Fix: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Usage and identify apps draining the most power, then restrict background activity.

    Adaptive battery and power-saving modes

    Most Android phones (Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, etc.) include Adaptive Battery or similar power-saving tools. These features limit battery-hungry apps when Wi-Fi calling is active.

    Fix: Enable Adaptive Battery in Settings → Battery → Adaptive Preferences, or use Power Saving mode if you notice faster drain during calls.

    Strengthen your Wi-Fi signal

    As with iPhones, weak Wi-Fi is a big culprit. Dropped or unstable Wi-Fi forces your Android phone to work overtime to keep a call steady.

    Fix: Stay near your router or consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Wi-Fi calling is a lifesaver when you’re off the grid, but it does come with trade-offs. It can use more power than a strong cellular connection, especially if your Wi-Fi signal isn’t steady. The good news is that iOS 26 gives you better battery insights and smarter tools to help manage power. With a few simple tweaks, like turning on Airplane Mode when there’s no service, limiting background apps and keeping your Wi-Fi strong, you can cut unnecessary drain.

    What’s been your biggest challenge with your phone’s battery life, and how do you manage it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

    Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
    Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Apple Took Down These ICE-Tracking Apps. The Developers Aren’t Giving Up

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    Legal experts WIRED spoke with say that the ICE monitoring and documentation apps that Apple has removed from its App Store are clear examples of protected speech under the US Constitution’s First Amendment. “These apps are publishing constitutionally protected speech. They’re publishing truthful information about matters of public interest that people obtained just by witnessing public events,” says David Greene, a civil liberties director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

    This hasn’t stopped the Trump administration from attacking the developers behind these ICE-related apps. When ICEBlock first rose to a top spot in Apple’s App Store in April, the Trump administration responded by threatening to prosecute the developer. “We are looking at him,” Bondi said on Fox News of ICEBlock’s Aaron. “And he better watch out.”

    Neither the White House nor ICE immediately responded to requests for comment.

    Digital rights researchers say that the situation illustrates the dangers when key platforms and communication channels are centrally controlled—whether directly by governments or by other powerful entities like big tech companies. Regardless of what is officially available through the Google Play store, Android users can sideload apps of their choosing. But Apple’s ecosystem has always been a walled garden, an approach that the company has long touted for its security advantages, including the ability to screen more heavily for malicious apps.

    For years, a group of researchers and enthusiasts have tried to create “jailbreaks” for iPhones to essentially hack their own devices as a way around Apple’s closed ecosystem. Recently, though, jailbreaking has become less common. This is partly the result of advances in iPhone security, but partly related to the trend in recent years of attackers exploiting complex chains of vulnerabilities that could potentially be used for jailbreaking for malware instead, particularly mercenary spyware.

    “The closed ecosystem motivation sort of dwindled as Apple added capabilities that previously required a jailbreak—like wallpapers, tethering, better notifications, and private mode in Safari,” says longtime iOS security and jailbreak researcher Will Strafach. “But this situation with ICE apps highlights the issue with Apple being the arbiter and single point of failure.”

    Stanford’s Pfefferkorn warns that while US tech companies are not state-controlled, they have in her view become “happy handmaidens” when it comes to “repressing free speech and dissent.”

    “It’s especially disappointing,” Pfefferkorn says, “coming from the company that brought us the Think Different ad campaign, which invoked MLK, Gandhi, and Muhammad Ali—none of whom would likely be big fans of ICE today.”

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  • I’ve Tested ’Em All and These Are the MagSafe Deals Worth Snagging

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    If you want your iPhone to feel special, you need to get it an entourage. These MagSafe and Qi2 accessories are more than just hanger-ons (though the magnets make them clingy); they can also add features and functions to your iPhone. We test a ton of MagSafe accessories, and this is the discounted crew we’d splash the cash on for Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days.

    Best MagSafe Charger and Power Bank Deals

    Photograph: Simon Hill

    Belkin

    3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand

    Belkin’s 3-in-1 charging tree is the top pick in our Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers guide. It can charge your MagSafe iPhone (or any other Qi2 phone) at 15 watts, fast-charge an Apple Watch Series 7 or newer, and juice up your AirPods all at once. It’s also stable and it looks kinda classy.

    Best MagSafe Wallet, Grip, and Stand Deals

    • Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

    • Courtesy of Amazon

    Smartish

    Side Hustle Wallet

    You can fit three cards into this wallet, and it sticks securely to the back of your iPhone, so you can leave your regular wallet or handbag at home. This lovely-looking MagSafe wallet appears in our best MagSafe accessories guide.

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  • Apple’s ‘Find My’ Leads Cops to Cache of Thousands of Smuggled iPhones

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    Apple’s Find My feature is immensely useful. If you’ve ever been out for a wild night of drinking and wake up the next morning without your phone, Find My is there. If you are in a hurry and dash out of your Uber only to later feel a suspicious absence in your pocket, Find My is there. And, if you’re a British law enforcement team conducting a probe into a massive iPhone smuggling ring in the heart of London, Find My is also, apparently, there.

    The BBC reports that U.K. cops recently broke up a phone-smuggling ring involving tens of thousands of devices. How did they accomplish that? The original break in the case involved a person whose phone was stolen, but who managed to trace the device to a London warehouse. We are left to assume that the tracking was possible thanks to Apple’s handy iOS geo-tracking service.

    “It was actually on Christmas Eve and a victim electronically tracked their stolen iPhone to a warehouse near Heathrow Airport,” Detective Inspector Mark Gavin told the BBC. “The security there was eager to help out, and they found the phone was in a box, among another 894 phones.”

    That initial incident eventually led cops to a bigger bust: another 2,000 stolen phones, and a number of arrests. 9to5Mac notes that cops interdicted several shipments to the same warehouse, which then gave investigators DNA samples tied to potential suspects in the case. Subsequent investigation then led to raids on dozens of residences, and as of Monday, 18 people had been arrested in connection with the ring, which is suspected of smuggling the phones to China. Gizmodo reached out to police for more information.

    According to cops, tens of thousands of phones are stolen in London every year, and the recently arrested gang may have been responsible for a large number of them. “This group specifically targeted Apple products because of their profitability overseas,” Gavin told the Associated Press. “We discovered street thieves were being paid up to 300 pounds ($403) per handset and uncovered evidence of devices being sold for up to $5,000 in China.”

    Crooks in Britain may have even begun to pivot from selling drugs to selling stolen phones. “We’re hearing that some criminals are stopping dealing drugs and moving on to the phone business because it’s more lucrative,” Policing Minister Sarah Jones told the BBC. “If you steal a phone and it’s worth hundreds of pounds, you can understand why criminals who are one step ahead and want to exploit new crimes are turning to that world.”

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  • The iPhone Air is so light, I forgot it was in my pocket | TechCrunch

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    After using the iPhone Air for the past ten days, I can confirm what everyone’s been wondering: yes, it really is that light and thin. But what’s more interesting is whether Apple’s thinnest phone ever, at just 5.64 millimeters, is worth the trade-offs it demands. I have used the iPhone 15 Pro Max as a primary phone for over 18 months now, and my secondary phones are often flagship Android phones, so I know what substantial feels like. Meanwhile, the iPhone Air is so light that when I first picked up the iPhone 17 Pro Max after using the Air, the Pro Max suddenly felt heavy, too. That contrast tells you something about what Apple has accomplished here, and what you might be giving up.

    Friends who’ve held the iPhone Air say how exquisite it looks and feels in hand, even though the phone weighs just 12 grams less than the iPhone 17. I share the sentiment. I find myself picking the phone up from my table just to experience that feeling again. Surely, the novelty of a phone’s build will wear off, but for now, I’m enjoying it.

    Image Credits: Ivan Mehta

    The phone is not small. It is easier to hold because it is thin (sorry, iPhone Mini fans). But if you have trouble operating phones with large screens with one hand, this one won’t be too different because of its 6.5-inch screen.

    Just like the headline suggests, when the iPhone Air is in my pocket, I often forget it’s there. If you have trouble fitting larger phones in your pocket, the iPhone Air will likely fit in. If you don’t have any trouble, your pockets will just feel lighter.

    Image Credits: Ivan Mehta

    While the phone is thin, it is pretty sturdy. I had the phone fall from the level of a bedside table, and it was fine. Once I sat on it by mistake, and it didn’t lose any shape. There are plenty of videos out there to suggest it will do just fine in most day-to-day conditions.

    I typically use most phones without a case, and I didn’t want to add any bulk or thickness to the iPhone Air with a case, though you’ll need one if you are planning to use Apple’s new shoulder strap. And if you want extra protection, you can use Apple’s bumper case without adding a lot of heft.

    Image Credits: Ivan mehta

    Given the iPhone Air’s slim build, there has been a lot of talk about its battery life. I notice that the phone often starts to get hot after intense gaming or video streaming, especially around the camera plate area, prompting me to check the battery percentage more often than I should.

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    The phone has the processor chops to let you play games with intensive graphics, but if you plan to use the phone extensively during the day, having Apple’s $99 MagSafe battery pack — which fits the back of the phone — is a good idea, as it will get you through the day easily. One added advantage of carrying the pack is that you can top up the battery of MagSafe-compatible AirPods if needed.

    The Battery Pack adds weight and Thickness to the phone Image Credits: Ivan Mehta

    Overall, the battery life of the iPhone Air is fine if you are planning on doing tasks like making a few calls, watching some videos, scrolling your feeds, and answering your emails while being connected to a Wi-Fi network. I carried the phone on a two-hour flight and watched a downloaded movie on Netflix, and I didn’t see a significant drop in the battery level. But keep in mind that this is a new phone, and the battery will deplete over time, which might be a concern if you plan to hold on to this phone beyond a year or two.

    Another drawback of the iPhone Air is in the camera department, with its single-lens rear camera setup. The phone features a 48-megapixel sensor with an f/1.6 aperture, just like the base iPhone 17. The 26 millimeter focal length camera has sensor shift stabilization to capture good images in most lighting conditions. While details on the photos are fine, I’ve noticed that the iPhone’s camera post-processing often makes the background a lot brighter than what you see with your eyes.

    Image Credits: Ivan Mehta

    There is no dedicated telephoto camera, and you will have to make do with a 2x crop from the main sensor. However, apart from in low lighting conditions, the zoom works well. I have three pets, and over the years, I have really appreciated good zoom so I can capture their goofy and cute poses without moving from my place. I missed having that option with the iPhone Air.

    The omission of a wide-angle lens might pinch you if you travel often or go to places where you might want to capture vast landscape photos.

    Apple changed the selfie camera sensor across the new lineup with a new square 18-megapixel sensor. This enables you to take selfies in different formats without having to hold the phone in landscape mode. Thanks to Center Stage, when more people cram into a frame, the camera automatically chooses a wider aspect ratio. But you can manually control the zoom in/out and orientation as well. If you shoot videos for different creative channels, the new iPhones also have an option to shoot a clip using feed from both front and back cameras simultaneously.

    One side note: the Air has the camera control button just like previous iPhones, but I haven’t bothered using it much.

    There is a third, albeit smaller, drawback of having a single speaker. The iPhone Air is designed in such a way that Apple wasn’t able to accommodate speakers at the bottom. When you are gaming, listening to music, or taking calls on the speaker, you will hear sound only from the speaker atop the screen. I personally use AirPods most of the time, but I did miss having dual speakers while watching an odd video without the earbuds.

    Apple nailed the tough part — engineering a stunning phone. Now comes the harder part, which is convincing people to buy one The Air is filling the fourth slot in the company’s four iPhone yearly lineup, which was occupied by the Mini and the Plus previously. For Apple, the Air’s job is to do better than that. But the question is, who is the phone for?

    Just like my colleagues Amanda Silberling and Julie Bort wrote on the launch day, it is easy to get swayed by the iPhone Air because of how it looks. You might be further convinced once you hold the phone. When I got the iPhone Air, I told one of my friends that it is a “vibe phone” — one with more swag and feel rather than practicality.

    It is not a phone you can charge in the morning and wholly trust to last the whole day without any extra battery support. But if aesthetics or portability matter to you more than all-day battery life or a multi-lens camera system, the iPhone Air delivers. If not, the rest of the iPhone lineup is for you.

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    Ivan Mehta

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  • Hate Robocalls? Your iPhone Has a New Tool to Block Them

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    Despite laws meant to regulate robocalls by the Federal Communications Commission (as well as several state-specific laws), the problem isn’t going away. In August of this year alone, people in the U.S. received over 4.1 billion robocalls. A growing number of those are being funneled to customers’ cell phones as landlines shrink in popularity. Now, Apple is rolling out a new tool to block them.

    Apple’s latest iOS 26 release includes a feature that screens calls to prevent both the annoyance of dealing with the call and the increased chance of fraud. The new feature lets iPhone owners decide how they want incoming calls from unknown numbers to be handled.

    You can let the calls ring through, as they do now. You can mute them, sending them directly to voicemail. Or you can have the phone ask the caller to give more information about who they are and why they’re calling.

    Should you choose this new, third option, the phone won’t ring on your end. Siri will answer the call, instead, and gather the information. A status message will appear on the phone’s lock screen, letting you read the replies and jump into the live call at any time, if you’d like.

    To activate the call screening tool on your iPhone, you’ll need to follow a few steps:

    1. Install iOS 26.
    2. Open the Settings app.
    3. Select “Apps,” then choose “phone.”
    4. Scroll down and select “Screen Unknown Callers.”
    5. Choose which of the three options you’d prefer.

    The addition of the tool for iOS devices comes several years after Android began offering a call-screening option. The first of those features rolled out in 2018 for Android devices and it has been updated several times since, letting phone owners see a real-time transcription of the caller’s request. (It has also been integrated into Android Auto.)

    Android owners can enable the feature by entering their phone app, tapping “More,” then “Settings,” then “Call Screen.”

    There are, of course, a number of third-party apps that claim to block robocalls on cell phones, but the track record of most of those is so-so. Some let calls slip through, thanks to advances by scammers, which spoof legitimate phone numbers, letting them bypass the blockers. Others, meanwhile, unintentionally block numbers that are important themselves (including healthcare facilities and auto insurance companies).

    Both Apple and Google have long allowed owners of their phone to send calls from unknown numbers to voicemail, but that option has also led to people missing important calls.

    The new tool from Apple (and the existing one from Android) offers a middle-ground, where owners won’t have to risk dealing with a robocall, but are still able to take the call belatedly if they find it’s from someone they want to speak with.

    Both Apple and Android also offer a separate tool in their texting/messaging apps that let users filter texts from unknown senders, which can eliminate job offer scams and attempts at identity theft.

    Robocalls are on the rise this year. YouMail, which tracks the activity, says the first eight months of the year have seen 36.7 billion robocalls, a 7.1 percent increase over the same period in 2024. On average, Americans receive 133.9 million robocalls per day (or 1,550 robocalls per second).

    Experts point to artificial intelligence as part of the reason for the surge, despite laws passed last year by the FCC that outlaw robocalls from using voices generated by AI. 

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    Chris Morris

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  • 14 Years After His Death, Steve Jobs’ Most Enduring Idea Isn’t the iPhone

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    It goes without saying that Steve Jobs will always be known as the father of the iPhone. Eighteen years later, his introduction of what would become the most successful consumer product of all time is still—I would argue—the greatest tech keynote ever delivered. It is, after all, the only time I’ve seen a tech CEO prank call a Starbucks and order 4,000 lattes.

    The iPhone transformed everything from how we communicate to how we work to how we capture the moments we care about. But, 14 years after Jobs passed away at age 56, you can make the case that the iPhone isn’t his most enduring idea. That distinction, I think, belongs to another of his revolutionary ideas: the Apple Store.

    There are many reasons I say that, but the only one that matters is that the iPhone, as revolutionary as it was, would have never been possible without the Apple Store.

    That might sound strange. One is a piece of technology, the other is a retail space. But the Apple Store is the reason people understood—and trusted—Apple enough to buy the iPhone in the first place. It’s the most powerful expression of Jobs’ obsession with controlling every part of the customer experience. And it’s the one part of Apple’s ecosystem that has only grown more important with time.

    When the first two Apple Stores opened in May 2001, most people thought Jobs was crazy. Gateway had just shut down its stores after losing millions. Dell’s direct-to-consumer model was thriving online. Why, critics asked, would anyone need a physical store to sell computers?

    Jobs had a simple answer: because no one else could tell Apple’s story the way Apple could.

    Before the Apple Store, buying a Mac meant walking into a store like CompUSA, where the computers were shoved in a corner next to fax machines and discount printers. No one was explaining why a Mac was different. No one was showing how it worked. Apple had great products, but no way to tell the story.

    Selling Macs in its own retail stores changed that. The design was intentional: wide tables instead of shelves, clean glass and light wood instead of clutter and chaos. It felt more like a showroom than a computer shop—everything was meant to be touched. You could play with a Mac, edit a photo, make a video, and see what Apple meant when it said, “It just works.”

    That experience did something no ad campaign ever could. It built trust. It made people feel like Apple wasn’t just selling them a computer—it was inviting them into a way of thinking about technology.

    By the time the iPod came along later that year, the Apple Store was already doing exactly what Jobs envisioned. It was making complicated technology feel simple and accessible, and giving people a reason to believe that Apple could make something better.

    And when the iPhone arrived in 2007, the world was ready.

    The iPhone was radical, but what made it believable was everything that came before it. If you were going to ask people to pay $500 for a smartphone, you needed a space that made it make sense. The Apple Store did that. It was the place where you could pick up Apple’s vision of the future and hold it in your hand.

    More importantly, it let Apple control how that future was introduced. Carriers might have sold the majority of iPhones, but the Apple Store was where people fell in love with them. It was where they learned to use them, where they came for help, and where they came back for their next one.

    Even today, Apple Stores are still the company’s most effective marketing tool. They are, quite literally, the physical embodiment of the brand—every one of them a giant glowing billboard. You don’t walk past an Apple Store and wonder what the company stands for. You feel it.

    That feeling has real financial weight. Before the pandemic, Apple Stores generated more revenue per square foot than any other retailer—about $5,500 per square foot, according to eMarketer data—more than Tiffany & Co., more than Lululemon, more than any luxury brand on the planet. The number has fluctuated over the years, but the point remains: no one has ever been more successful at physical retail on this scale.

    In 2023, Apple’s direct-to-consumer business—its stores and website—accounted for roughly 37 percent of the company’s total sales, according to Apple’s SEC filings. That’s tens of billions of dollars sold directly, without a middleman. For iPhones, the carriers still dominate overall sales, but Apple Stores aren’t about volume; they’re about experience and control.

    Jobs understood that better than anyone. He once said that Apple exists at the intersection of technology and the liberal arts. The Apple Store was the intersection of technology and theater. It gave the company a stage to perform its story—every day, in cities all over the world. It continues to be the perfect place to expose more people to Apple’s products, and—more importantly—its brand.

    It’s also the part of his vision that’s aged the best. The iPhone is now in its 17th generation. Macs and iPads have gone through dozens of redesigns. The Apple Store has evolved, but it’s still very much the place Apple prefers to tell its story.

    When you walk into an Apple Store today, you’re walking into the company’s ideal for how technology should feel, and that comes directly from Jobs. He believed the experience should be human, warm, and a little bit magical. Every clean line, every Genius Bar conversation, every moment you pick up a product and instantly get it—that’s Jobs’ philosophy in physical form.

    That’s what makes it his most enduring legacy. Sure, the iPhone changed the world. But it was the Apple Store that made it possible. It taught people to expect beauty and simplicity from technology. It taught them to trust Apple. And it gave the company a direct connection to its customers that no competitor has ever matched.

    The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

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    Jason Aten

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  • The Best MagSafe Phone Grips

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    MagSafe grips are hardly the only type of phone grips available. In fact, there are four main other types of grips you can buy.

    Cases with attached grips. These are cases with a grip attached to the back. You get a strong and durable grip that will never fall off, but the trade-off is a thicker phone, and these cases typically are incompatible with wireless charging and may not work with other MagSafe accessories.

    Clamp-style grips. Also called universal phone grips, these clamp to a phone so you can easily take them on and off, and they’re not limited to a particular kind of phone. The downside is they’re not the fastest to take on and off, and they can sometimes slide up and down the phone.

    Adhesive grips. You can stick a phone grip to the back of your phone or case, and while this will typically give you a well-attached grip that likely won’t fall off your phone, the downsides are similar to cases with attached grips. It may block features like wireless charging and restrict you from using other accessories.

    MagSafe grips. These grips are all about convenience. You can easily take them on and off, but they only work with devices or cases with built-in magnets. While you can dangle a phone from a MagSafe grip without issue, any additional force could cause the magnets to separate and fling your phone to the ground.

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    Jacob Roach, Brenda Stolyar

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  • The Best Gadgets of September 2025

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    A few things happened in September, and by “a few” I mean a metric ton. We had Apple’s annual fall hardware dump, which included several new iPhone 17s, a few new Apple Watches, AirPods Pro 3, and the iPhone Air. That was followed up by Connect, Meta’s annual dev conference, where it unveiled the future for smart glasses, and again, involved several new gadgets, including a first-of-its-kind pair of smart glasses with a screen in them. Oh, and who can forget the flood of gadgets from IFA 2025 in Berlin?

    As a nice digestif, we even had Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit, which gave us a preview of the future of computing from the inside. The wild part is, all of those conferences and events don’t even cover all the gadgets we liked in September, so we made this list to make sure you got all of last month’s wild releases down.

    © Adriano Contreras / Gizmodo

    Apple might not be the first of the big phone providers to go super-thin in a flagship phone (that distinction belongs to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge), but this is still the first hyper-thin iPhone, and that’s a big deal. My colleague, Gizmodo’s Senior Editor of Consumer Tech, Raymond Wong, called it a “magic slab of glass,” and while I haven’t had a chance to use the phone in-depth myself, I did get to at least hold it, and I see the appeal.

    It’s as thin and light as promised, and the fact that Apple managed to cram all of the compute power in the top portion of the phone and still deliver a serviceable battery life really is a feat of engineering. You don’t need an iPhone that’s this thin and light, but once you have one in you’re hand, you’re going to be tempted to buy one, even if the camera is barebones.

    Insta360 Go Ultra Action Camera 12
    © Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

    After trying Insta360’s new action camera out, we’re going to have to add swordplay to our list of usual tests. In case you missed it, Gizmodo Staff Writer Kyle Barr, tried out the Insta360 Go Ultra and, yes, it survived a blow from a sword, which is good news for anyone who’s bringing action cameras to a renaissance fair or to a reenactment of the movie Hook.

    It’s not just durability; the Insta360 Go Ultra can record in 4K at 60 fps and comes with a magnetic mount that allows you to fix the camera in a lot of places, including square in the middle of your chest if you’re wearing a shirt while filming, which you probably should be. If you’re looking for a high-res, portable action camera that can survive sword attacks, this is worth a look.

    Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review 11
    © Adriano Contreras / Gizmodo

    After several long years, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 got a real number update, and it was worth the wait. While the AirPods Pro 3 retain the same $250 starting price as the last generation, they get a few key upgrades, including better active noise cancellation, a redesigned fit, more ear tip sizes, and perhaps most importantly, two brand new capabilities: heart rate tracking and live translation.

    Apple seems to be embarking on a new identity for its AirPods with health features in particular, and if you’re at all interested in keeping tabs on your biometrics, but don’t feel the need to strap an Apple Watch on your wrist, the AirPods Pro 3 could be the perfect gateway. AirPods Pro 3 are proof that you don’t need a generation update every single year—you just need one that feels worth the anticipation.

    Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike 1
    © Kyle Barr / Gizmodo

    Would you buy a mouse that doesn’t click? Sounds like a trick question, but in the case of Logitech’s G Pro X2 Superstrike, that question is kind of literal. This mouse uses haptics to simulate clicking, which sounds like a gimmick, but is actually useful if you’re a competitive gamer. According to Logitech, the architecture of its G Pro X2 Superstrike mouse (Haptic Inductive Trigger System, for anyone interested) offers 30 milliseconds lower latency than a mouse with an optical switch, which uses a beam of infrared light to determine when you press the button.

    Are you fast enough to even take advantage of technology like this? Probably not, but the fact that you could is impressive, and using haptics in a mouse instead of real-life clicks is objectively interesting if nothing else.

    iPhone 17 Pro in silver, iPhone 17 Pro Max in Cosmic Orange
    © Adriano Contreras / Gizmodo

    Sure, the iPhone Air may have stolen the show, but the base iPhone 17 and the 17 Pro/17 Pro Max versions also had a lot to like. We called the iPhone 17 base the “best iPhone value in years” thanks to its 120Hz always-on display, its great battery life, and its excellent performance, while the 17 Pros also held it down with the longest battery, the best performance, the best cameras, and a new “Cosmic Orange” model. Sure, the scratching didn’t help the fanfare, but you’re probably going to slap a case on these things anyway. If you’re in need of an iPhone upgrade, now may be the time.

    Ray Ban Display Hero
    © James Pero / Gizmodo

    What do I say about the Meta Ray-Ban Display? I’ve delved deeper and deeper into the burgeoning world of smart glasses over the last year, and Meta’s Ray-Ban Display (the company’s first pair of smart glasses with a screen in them) feels like the pair I’ve been waiting for.

    They come with navigation abilities, message notifications, translation, a POV camera feature, and Instagram integration for watching Reels—and that’s on top of doing all the stuff that previous non-display smart glasses have done.

    Sure, privacy problems abound, and they’re not quite a phone replacement yet, but based on my hands-on with them at Meta’s annual Connect conference, the Meta Ray-Ban Display are an exciting start and might just be the first pair of smart glasses you want to buy. Trust me, Meta’s Neural Band (a wristband that lets you control the smart glasses’ screen with your fingers) is just as magical as it sounds.

    Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi security camera review
    © Wes Davis / Gizmodo

    Wired security cameras might be a pain to set up, but they’re also superior in the fact that they have a higher likelihood of staying powered up—no battery and no climbing ladders to charge them when they die. The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi security camera is no different and delivers fairly high-res 4K footage and doesn’t require a subscription. It’s got a huge 180-degree FOV, too. You will have to buy a microSD card to store your footage—there’s no cloud storage here—but the simplicity will likely appeal to some.

    Apple Watch Se 3 Series 11 Ultra 3 Sleep Score Hypertension 6
    © Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

    If the iPhone 17 is the best-value iPhone in years, the Apple Watch SE 3 may take the title for the smartwatch side of things. For $250, you get the proverbial “greatest hits” from the Apple Watch feature set, including an always-on display, an S10 chip, and even Apple’s “double-tap” gesture. There’s also 32 hours of battery life, which may not be enough for people who need the most out of an Apple Watch (that’s what the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is for), but should be plenty for most.

    We would have liked to see some new colors here, but still, a good value is hard to beat, and that’s a note that the Apple Watch SE 3 hits perfectly in tune.

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    James Pero

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