ReportWire

Tag: iPhone

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

    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.”

    Reece Rogers, Lily Hay Newman

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

    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.

    Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.

    Simon Hill

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

    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.”

    Lucas Ropek

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

    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.

    Techcrunch event

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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.

    Ivan Mehta

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

    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. 

    Chris Morris

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

    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.

    Jason Aten

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  • The Best MagSafe Phone Grips

    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.

    Jacob Roach, Brenda Stolyar

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  • The Best Gadgets of September 2025

    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.

    James Pero

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  • The Apple Watch Series 10 Is $170 Off

    While the Apple devout are already chasing the new Apple Watch Series 11, you and I know that a product announcements means great deals on the previous generation. You can snag a Series 10 Apple Watch with GPS and cellular data (8/10, WIRED Recommends) for just $329 from Amazon. As long as you’re OK with the 42 mm in rose gold, you’ll get one of the more premium Series 10 models.

    • Photograph: Adrienne So

    • Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

    • Photograph: Adrienne So

    The Series 10 version of the Apple Watch had a number of major improvements to key areas over the previous generation. The biggest change was the display, which is bigger and brighter with better off-angle viewing. Our reviewer Adrienne So noted that people actually asked her about the watch after seeing the more vivid faces. Despite the larger screen, this generation slims down in several dimensions, as well as cutting some weight, for an overall more comfortable experience.

    If you’re a swimmer, or just like spending time by the pool, there are new water features. A temperature sensor can tell you how cold the lake is before you dive in, and a tides app can help you figure out the best time to paddle out. It all pairs nicely with Apple’s other health monitoring features, which can track fitness across a variety of activities as well as monitor your sleep.

    While the battery life is basically the same as the Series 9, Apple made some improvements to the charging. We were able to fully charge the watch via the new fast charger in just about 20 minutes, which means you can use it for sleep, and then have it ready to go for your day while you get ready.

    You could certainly spend more and get the newly announced Apple Watch Series 11 (9/10, WIRED Review) with better battery, and the return of the blood oxygen sensor, but if cellular is a key feature, you’ll save some bucks grabbing the older model. While the Apple Watch is one of our favorite smartwatches, it’s for iPhone users only, so Android owners will want to check out our roundup for alternative options.

    Brad Bourque

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  • How to record a phone call on an iPhone

    With iOS 26, Apple has expanded its native call recording feature with transcripts, Live Translation, summaries and tighter integration with Notes. It’s a more polished and useful tool than before, especially if you rely on your iPhone for interviews, meetings or important conversations.

    Call recording itself first arrived with iOS 18.1 in October 2024. The feature has always been region- and language-dependent, and that hasn’t changed. If it’s available where you live, you can capture calls directly from the Phone app without third-party apps or hardware. If it’s not, there are still alternative methods worth knowing about. Here’s how it works, plus what to do if the option isn’t available in your country.

    How to check if call recording is available

    First, confirm that the feature is supported in your region. Apple maintains a feature availability page that lists countries where call recording isn’t offered, including the European Union, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. If your country is on that list, you won’t see the option in the Phone app.

    Before recording your phone call, you’ll need the consent of the person on the other end of the line. When you start recording, both parties hear an audio notice stating that the call is being recorded.

    How to record a call on iPhone

    Recording a call is straightforward:

    3. During the call, tap the More button.

    The call continues as normal, but the iPhone automatically saves the audio once you hang up or tap Stop. You’ll find all recordings in iOS’ native Notes app, inside a folder called Call Recordings.

    How to play back, manage and delete recordings

    To listen back, open Notes, go to the Call Recordings folder, and tap the file you want. Tap Play to hear it.

    From here, you can:

    • Search: Tap the More button and select Find in Transcript.

    • Copy: Tap the More button and select Add Transcript to Note or Copy Transcript.

    • Save: Tap the More button and select Save Audio Files, then select where you want to save recording (another folder or app).

    • Share: Tap the More button and select Share Audio, then select how you want to share the recording

    • Delete: Tap the More button and select Delete. This deletes the recording and any related transcript.

    How to transcribe your calls

    If your region and language are supported, iOS 26 also transcribes calls. Open a recording in Notes, then tap Show Transcript and Summary. Processing might take a few moments, but once it’s ready, you’ll see the conversation broken down by speaker. From there, you can search the text, copy it into another note or tap a line to jump to that part of the audio. Apple warns transcripts may not be flawless, so double check to make sure important details are correct.

    Apple Intelligence summaries

    With Apple Intelligence switched on, you’ll also get a generated summary of the call. This is handy if you only need the highlights — for example, the action items from a meeting or the main points of an interview. Summaries appear alongside the transcript in Notes.

    How to turn off call recording

    By default, call recording is enabled on supported devices. If you don’t want the option at all, navigate to Settings, select Apps, then Phone, tap Call Recording and toggle it off.

    Alternatives if call recording isn’t available

    If you’re in a region where the built-in feature doesn’t appear, or you’re running a previous version of iOS, there are still other ways to record calls.

    In the US, federal law dictates one-party consent. This means you can record a phone call as long as you are actively participating in the conversation. However, it is important that you check state laws (in the US) or relevant laws in your country before recording a phone call. Note that these options don’t integrate with Apple Notes or Apple Intelligence, but they give you a backup if the official method isn’t supported where you live.

    • Rev Call Recorder (US only) is free to use on your iPhone. There are no in-app ads or time constraints, allowing you to record high-quality audio via the app.

    • Google Voice (US only) lets you record incoming calls via the app by pressing “4” on the keypad. The audio file appears in your Google Voice inbox afterward. The function is restricted to incoming calls, and features will depend on the account you have.

    • External recorders: You can connect a small recorder to your iPhone through USB-C or Lightning, or place a digital recorder next to your phone on speaker mode. This keeps everything offline, but audio quality can vary.

    • Speakerphone: If you have access to multiple devices, you can place your call on speakerphone and simultaneously use a separate device with the Voice Memos app open to record your call. While the sound quality is unlikely to be on par with other alternatives, it is a feasible option.

    Georgie Peru

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  • 10 iOS 26 tricks that help you get more out of your iPhone

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    IOS 26 has arrived, bringing a mix of practical upgrades and fun new features that make your iPhone smarter and easier to use. Updating only takes a few minutes, and it ensures you get the latest tools along with Apple’s newest security fixes.

    From smarter spam filters in Messages to custom alarm snooze times and even polls in group chats, iOS 26 is packed with ways to simplify your day. Here’s how to install iOS 26 and start exploring its best features right away.

    5 PHONE SETTINGS TO CHANGE RIGHT NOW FOR A SAFER SMARTPHONE

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    Updating to iOS 26 takes just a few minutes. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to update your iPhone to iOS 26

    Updating to iOS 26 takes just a few minutes, and it ensures you get the latest features and security fixes. Make sure your iPhone is charged and connected to Wi-Fi before you start.

    Follow these steps:

    • Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
    • Tap General.
    • Select Software Update.
    • If iOS 26 is available, tap Upgrade to iOS 26.
    • Click Update Now.
    • Enter your passcode if asked, then agree to the terms.
    • Wait for the download and installation to finish. Your iPhone will restart with iOS 26.
    Steps to update iPhone with iOS 26

    Your phone will restart with the new update after following the process. ( )

    iOS 26 compatible devices:

    IOS 26 works on a wide range of iPhones, from the iPhone 11 series through the latest iPhone 17 lineup. Compatible models include:

    IPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).

    1) Smarter spam message detection

    Spam texts arrive at the worst times. IOS 26 filters these unwanted messages into a separate folder, keeping your main inbox clean. Here’s how to use this feature:

    • Open the Messages app.
    • Click the horizontal lines in the upper right of the screen
    • Go to the Unknown Senders folder.
    • Review texts moved there automatically.
    • Click the right arrow and mark as known or delete the spam.

    You can check the “Unknown Senders” folder anytime, mark trusted contacts or delete the clutter without ever being disturbed by lock screen notifications.

    Steps to mark as known or delete the spam in unknown senders folder

    Users are also able to instantly share location via Maps.  ( )

    2) Instantly share your location in Maps

    IOS 26 makes it simple to send your location without even opening the Maps app. Here’s how:

    • Touch and hold the Maps icon on your Home Screen.
    • Tap Send My Location.
    • From there, you can choose how to share it. AirDrop works best if the person is nearby, while Messages lets you send it instantly to friends or family anywhere.

    This shortcut removes the hassle of digging through menus and makes sharing directions effortless.
     

    Steps to instantly share your location in Maps

    The new update also allows users to sort and view call history by contact. ( )

    3) View call history by contact

    No more endless scrolling. Now you can quickly see every incoming, outgoing and missed calls in one organized list.

    • Open the Phone app.
    • Click the search icon.
    • Type the contact’s name and click the search icon. 
    • Select the contact’s name.
    Steps to view call history by contact

    New updates make it easier to view all calls with one person at a glance. ( )

    • Select Call History
    • There you will see all calls associated with that person.

    This makes it easy to check all your calls with one person at a glance, without scrolling through your entire log.

    Steps to view call history by contact

    Specific text can also now be selected in a text message. ( )

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    4) Select specific text in a message

    Sometimes you only need one detail instead of the entire message bubble. Here’s how to grab it:

    • Open the Messages app.
    • Long-press the message you want.
    • Tap Select from the menu.
    • Drag the selection handles to highlight just the part you need.
    • Click the right arrow > to choose to copy, look up, translate, search web, speak or share it instantly.

    It’s a quick way to pull out only the detail you need, whether that’s an address, a code or just a single word.

    Steps to select specific text in a message

    The new update permits users to disable “tap recents to call.”  ( )

    5) Disable “Tap Recents to Call”

    Accidental calls can be embarrassing. IOS 26 lets you turn this off, so tapping a number in Recents won’t instantly dial; you’ll have to press the call button on purpose. Here’s how to toggle off or disable the feature:

    • Open Settings.
    • Scroll down and tap Apps.
    • Choose Phone.
    • Toggle off Tap Recents to Call.

    Now your call log stays drama-free. Tapping a number in Recents won’t instantly start a call anymore. You’ll need to press the call button on purpose. That means no more accidentally ringing your boss when you just wanted to double-check the number.

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

    Steps to disable "Tap Recents to Call"

    The above illustration features steps to disable “Tap Recents to Call” in the Settings App. ( )

    6) Customize alarm snooze options

    Not a fan of the default 9-minute snooze? IOS 26 lets you set the interval that actually matches your morning routine. Follow these steps to adjust it:

    • Open the Clock app.
    • Tap the Alarms tab.
    • Select an existing alarm (or tap + to create one).
    • Tap Snooze Duration. 
    • Choose your snooze time from 1 to 15 minutes.
    • Tap Save.

    Your mornings become more manageable, whether you’re grabbing a quick 5-minute reset or easing into the day with a longer break.

    Steps to customize alarm snooze options

    The above illustration shows steps to customize alarm snooze options in Clock App. ( )

    7) Get a dirty lens warning

    Nothing ruins a photo faster than a smudged lens. With iOS 26, you can turn on Lens Cleaning Hints, so your iPhone warns you before you take a blurry shot. Here’s how:

    • Open Settings.
    • Scroll down and tap Camera.
    • Find Lens Cleaning Hints.
    • Toggle the switch on.

    Now, when your camera detects smudges or haze, iOS 26 will display an on-screen hint in the Camera app, reminding you to “clean the camera lens“ before taking your shot.

    Steps to get Get a dirty lens warning

    Here are steps to get a dirty lens warning in Settings App. ( )

    8) See estimated charging time

    Ever wonder how long it will take to fully charge your iPhone? IOS 26 now shows you an estimated charging time so you can plan your day better. Here’s how to view it:

    • Plug your iPhone into a charger.
    • Wake your phone, and the Lock Screen will display the estimated time until fully charged.
    • For more details, open Settings.
    • Tap Battery.
    • Look for the Estimated Full Charge Time under the charging status.

    This makes it easy to tell whether you’ll be at 100% before leaving the house or if you should pack a charger for later.

    Steps to see estimated charging time

    This makes it easy to tell whether you’ll be at 100% before leaving the house or if you should pack a backup charger. ( )

    9) Make the clock on your Lock Screen bigger

    Want your time display to stand out more? IOS 26 lets you adjust the size of the clock on your Lock Screen for a bolder look. Here’s how:

    • Long-press on your Lock Screen.
    • Tap Customize at the bottom.
    • Use the pull handle on the bottom right to adjust the size.
    • Tap Done to save your changes.

    On certain wallpapers, the clock even has a depth effect, slipping behind the subject in your photo. With Photo Shuffle wallpaper, the clock can adjust dynamically, and it also stretches in areas like the Notification Center, giving your iPhone a fresh and lively feel.

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    Steps to make the clock on your Lock Screen bigger

    Users can also modify their clock appearance. ( )

    10) Create a poll in iMessage

    Can’t decide what color to paint your walls, where to eat or which movie to watch? IOS 26 lets you create quick polls right inside group chats so everyone can vote. Here’s how:

    • Open the Messages app.
    • Enter a conversation (this works in group chats or individual messages).
    • Tap the + button next to the text box.
    • From the pop-up menu, select Polls.
    • Tap each choice field and type your options (add more choices by typing into the next blank field).
    • When you’re done, tap Send (Up arrow).

    Now your friends or coworkers can vote directly in the chat, and you can decide whether to follow the results or just order what you were craving anyway.

    Steps to create a poll in iMessage

    Users can also now create a polls for others in iMessage. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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    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/Quiz

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    IOS 26 goes beyond security patches; it’s about convenience and personalization. You can finally adjust your snooze to match your mornings, keep your inbox free from spam, see how long charging will take and even get a heads-up if your camera lens is dirty before snapping a shot. These small but meaningful updates add up to a smoother iPhone experience.

    Which iOS 26 feature are you most excited to try first, polls in iMessage, spam filters or something else entirely? 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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  • AirPods Pro 3 Are the Best AirPods Yet

    The same mildly flat indent on the stem of each bud indicates the location of the touch/squeeze controls, and there are black spots where heart rate sensors, wear detection sensors, and microphone ports hide. As with previous models, silvery tips bless the end of each elephant trunk, where a beamforming mic aims at your lips for maximum fidelity. These are all familiar, refined design cues from previous AirPods, and they are better executed than ever, even with such slight changes.

    Well-Supported

    Review: Apple AirPods Pro 3

    I’ve been very impressed with Apple’s software support when it comes to AirPods Pro; last year it added a bunch of free hearing health features as a software update. That trend continues here with the addition of real-time translation and heart rate monitoring on these buds.

    The translation can be activated by squeezing both of the buds at once, at which time any Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone (any iPhone 16 Pro or later with the feature on) will pull up the Translate app on iOS. Siri will then listen to the speaker in front of you and translate what they are saying in real time, provided they are speaking English, Spanish, German, French, or Portuguese. I tested this with my multilingual wife, who found it to be very accurate with her Spanish phrases.

    This is great for multilingual work or education environments in the United States in particular, as well as for travel, and should help folks who struggle with more advanced phrases or need to deliver a more nuanced message in their native language.

    I’ve seen this feature enabled on headphones like the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 (which do this, but using Google Translate). Side by side, Google’s Buds and associated app offer many more languages and bit better translation (my Thai mother-in-law was very excited at how well it worked with Thai, which isn’t available on AirPods Pro 3), but Apple’s version is still more than welcome.

    Parker Hall

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  • Scammers are abusing iCloud Calendar to send phishing emails

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    Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the latest scam takes exploitation of a trusted platform to a new level. Instead of sending generic or suspicious-looking emails, attackers are now abusing Apple’s iCloud Calendar invite system to deliver phishing content directly from Apple’s own email servers.

    This clever tactic allows the fraudulent messages to bypass spam filters and appear more legitimate to unsuspecting users. The goal is to alarm you into calling a scammer’s fake support number under the pretense of disputing a fraudulent PayPal transaction. Once contacted, you are manipulated into granting remote access to your devices or sharing sensitive data.

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    NEW EVITE PHISHING SCAM USES EMOTIONAL EVENT INVITATIONS TO TARGET VICTIMS

    Scammers exploit Apple’s iCloud Calendar to deliver phishing invites that bypass spam filters. (Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    How the scam uses iCloud Calendar invites to bypass security

    The heart of this scam lies in abusing Apple’s official infrastructure to lend credibility to a phishing attempt. Instead of using a suspicious or easily flagged email address, the attackers send calendar invites from Apple’s genuine domain, noreply@email.apple.com, as reported by Bleeping Computer.

    The attacker embeds the phishing message in the “Notes” section of the calendar event, making it appear as a legitimate notification. They send the calendar invite to a Microsoft 365 email address they control, which is part of a mailing list. As a result, the invite is automatically forwarded to multiple real targets, broadening the scam’s reach.

    Typically, when emails are forwarded, SPF (Sender Policy Framework) checks fail because the forwarding server isn’t listed as an authorized sender. However, Microsoft 365 uses a technique called the Sender Rewriting Scheme (SRS), which rewrites the return path so that the message still passes SPF checks.

    This makes the email appear fully legitimate to both the recipient’s inbox and automated spam filters. As a result, the message is far more likely to reach a user’s inbox without being flagged, increasing the chance the victim will take the bait.

    SCAMMERS ARE USING DOCUSIGN EMAILS TO PUSH APPLE PAY FRAUD

    Hospital phishing warning.

    Cybercriminals leverage Microsoft 365 forwarding and Apple’s email domain to outsmart filters. (Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

    Why these phishing scams are particularly dangerous

    What makes this campaign especially dangerous is the sense of legitimacy it conveys. Because Apple’s official servers send the email directly, users are far less likely to suspect foul play. The message itself aims to panic the recipient by falsely claiming a large PayPal transaction occurred without the recipient’s consent. The message includes a phone number to “contact support” and dispute the charge, but, in reality, it connects the victim to a scammer.

    Once the victim calls the number, the scammer poses as a technical support agent and attempts to convince the caller that the computer has been compromised. The next step is typically to ask the victim to download remote access software under the guise of issuing a refund or securing the account.

    In reality, this access is used to steal banking information, install malware or exfiltrate personal data. Because the original message passed security checks and seemed credible, victims often don’t think twice before acting.

    DON’T FALL FOR THIS BANK PHISHING SCAM TRICK

    Graphic of a hacker wearing a Guy Fawkes mask.

    Fraudsters are hijacking iCloud Calendar invites to trick users into calling fake support lines. (Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

    6 ways you can stay safe from iCloud Calendar scammers

    I have listed some useful steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated phishing scams:

    1) Treat unexpected calendar invites with caution

    If you receive an unexpected calendar invite, especially one containing a strange message or alarming claims, don’t open it or respond. Legitimate companies rarely send payment disputes or security warnings through calendar invites. Always verify suspicious claims by logging into your official account directly.

    2) Avoid calling numbers listed in emails or calendar invites

    Phishing scams often include phone numbers that connect you to fraudsters posing as support agents. Instead of calling the number in the message, use official contact details found on the company’s official website.

    3) Install trusted antivirus software

    Antivirus programs protect your computer from malware and phishing sites by blocking suspicious downloads and warning you about unsafe websites.

    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. Also, keeping your antivirus updated ensures it can defend against the latest threats.

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

    4) Remove your personal data from public listings

    Hackers are able to send you these phishing emails because they have your data. Using a personal data removal service helps scrub your personal information from data broker websites. This makes it significantly harder for attackers to gather details about you and craft convincing, targeted phishing attacks.

    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.

    5) Use a password manager

    A password manager helps you generate and securely store strong, unique passwords for every account. This reduces the risk of reusing weak passwords that scammers can easily exploit to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.

    Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager 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.

    6) Keep software and systems updated

    Regularly updating your operating system, browser and applications helps patch security vulnerabilities that attackers often exploit in phishing scams. Staying current with updates minimizes your exposure to known threats.

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    Kurt’s key takeaway

    Scammers are taking phishing attacks in a disturbing new direction by manipulating trusted platforms to deliver malicious content. The safest approach is to treat any unexpected calendar invite, especially those with alarming messages or strange contact numbers, with extreme caution. Never call the number provided in the message or click on any links. Instead, go directly to official websites or your account’s official dashboard to verify suspicious activity.

    Have you ever been targeted by a phishing scam disguised as an official message? 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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  • Best ways to track your meds on iPhone and Android

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    Keeping track of medications and medical history can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re caring for yourself and a spouse. Olaf from Valley Stream, New York, put it this way:

    “I’m 86, just switched to iPhone. Have trouble finding a system to keep mine and my wife’s medications and medical histories. It seems we need these for each wellness visit. Appreciate your easy suggestions.”

    Olaf’s experience is common. Many people struggle to keep their health details organized, especially when doctor visits pile up. The good news? Both iPhone and Android phones come with simple, secure tools that make it easier than ever to track prescriptions, reminders and important health information.

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    APPLE WATCH SERIES 11 GETS FDA-CLEARED ALERT FOR ‘SILENT KILLER’ CONDITION

    Both iPhone and Android phones offer built-in health apps that can track prescriptions, reminders and medical details in one secure place. (Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images)

    Use the built-in Health apps

    iPhone Health app

    Your iPhone already has a Health app installed, and it gives you two ways to manage important health details:

    Medical ID (for emergency info only)

    This section is designed so that first responders and doctors can see your critical health details from the lock screen if needed. Adding medications here does not create reminders. It’s best for storing:

    • Medications you’re taking
    • Allergies
    • Conditions
    • Emergency contacts
    • Doctors

    How to set up Medical ID:

    • Open the Health app (white icon with a red heart).
    • Tap your profile photo in the top right.
    • Select Medical ID
    • Scroll down to where you see Medications, Allergies, Emergency Contacts, Conditions, and click Add 
    • Add medications, conditions, allergies, doctors and emergency contacts.
    • Then tap Done in the upper right
    • Turn on Show When Locked so this info is visible on your lock screen in case of an emergency.

    Everything you add stays private and encrypted, but you can choose to share details with your doctor or family.

    iPhone medications feature (for reminders & tracking)

    If you want your iPhone to remind you to take your meds and let you log each dose, you’ll need to use the dedicated Medications feature (introduced in iOS 16):

    • Open the Health app.
    • Tap Browse.
    • Click Medications.
    • Scroll down and tap Add a Medication.
    • Enter the details in the search bar or scan the pill bottle with your iPhone’s camera by clicking the camera icon next to the search bar.
    • Choose the Medication Type and click Next. 
    • Add the medication strength and choose Unit. A blue check will appear next to the unit, then click Next.
    • Set the schedule and dosage by first adding “When will you take this?  Then add “At what time?” and the“Duration”. Then tap Next at the bottom of the screen.
    • Choose the Shape of the medication by tapping one of the examples, and then tap Next at the bottom of the screen.
    • Choose colors under Shape and Background, then tap Next. 
    • Review details. You can add Optional Details like Display Name or Notes.  Then, click Done. 

    Now, you’ll get notifications on your iPhone and can track whether you’ve taken your meds. The alert will give the option to click, “Taken” or “Skipped”. If you have more than one medication listed you can tap “Log All as Taken.”  Once you click your selection go ahead and click Done. 

    SMART TECH TOOLS THAT HELP YOU AVOID DANGEROUS FALLS

    Samsung phone open to the health app.

    Samsung Health and third-party apps like Medisafe or MyTherapy help Android users manage medications and set refill reminders. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    Android: Samsung Health app

    Samsung Health comes pre-installed on most Samsung phones. It works as a standalone tracker for fitness, sleep and even medication, no extra apps required.

    How to set up the Samsung Health app 

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer 

    • Open the Samsung Health app (often pre-installed, or download from the Google Play Store).
    • Tap Get Started or Start and allow the necessary permissions.
    • Click Continue.
    • Scroll down and select Medications.
    • Click Get Started.
    • Under Add medication, click Enter medication name.
    • Enter the Medication, Type and Strength
    • Then tap Next 
    • You can choose the shape from the icons provided, upload an image or take an image from the options, or tap Skip 
    • Next, you can choose a color , then tap Next 
    • Then, set schedule, Every day, Every X days, Every week, Every month or As Needed.
    • Then click Set time and dosage, Once, twice , 3 times, 4 times, 5 times or Custom.  Then tap Done. 
    • Then tap Next.
    • Now to Review medication. Under Quantity, you can add the Number of remaining pills. Then, under it you can enable Refill reminder. Hit Save.

    Steps to set up the Samsung Health app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    • Under this next section, when you add medications, they’ll be checked for possible interactions with other medications you take, as well as with the lifestyle factors. If any of these factors, such as tobacco, cannabis, alcoho or grapefruit juice, don’t apply to you, you can turn them off so you won’t receive warnings about them. Then tap Next.
    • Next, medications that contain allergens like peanuts, milk and eggs can potentially cause allergic reactions. They’ll let you know if a medication you’ve added contains an ingredient that could cause an allergic reaction. You can click Add new allergy or click the + sign next to Peanut Family, Milk Thistle or Egg and Egg Derivatives. Then click Done.
    • A pop-up will appear at the bottom that reads Medication added. Add another? Click OK.

    Use medication reminder apps

    To track meds, non-Samsung Android users usually need a third-party app like:

    • Medisafe (very popular, integrates with Wear OS watches).
    • MyTherapy (simple reminder app with symptom logging).

    For a focused tool just for meds, these 3 apps work on both iPhone and Android:

    1) MediSafe Pill Reminder

    Add medications, dosages and schedules. Get reminders when it’s time to take them. You can even manage more than one family member in the app.

    • Download MediSafe from the App Store or Google Play.
    • Tap Get started 
    • Open the app and tap “Add Med.”
    • Enter the medication name in the search bar, and then when it appears, tap it. 
    • Select “What form is the med?” such as pill, injection, solution, drops, inhaler, powder or other.
    • Enter, “What are you taking it for?”
    • Enter, “How often do you take it?
    • Enter, “When do you need to take the dose? Then, click Next. 
    • You are almost done. Would you like to: Set treatment duration, Get refill reminders? Add instructions? or Change the med icon?
    • If not, click Save. 
    • A pop-up screen will say, “You have successfully added medication”. 

    With these steps, you’ll never miss a dose, and you can even track medications for your spouse in the same account.

    2) MyTherapy

    • Download MyTherapy from the App Store or Google Play.
    • Open the app.
    • Tap Get started.
    • Tap Accept all or Go to settings 
    • It will ask you, “To start with what should we call you?” Add a nickname.  or Skip. You’ll be asked to add your Gender, Year of Birth or you can just skip that.
    • Then click “I’m ready!”
    • Tap Medications.
    • Click Search by name 
    • Type the medication in the search bar.  Then, click your medication. 
    • Choose “How often do you take this medication? Once daily, twice, daily, On demand (no reminder needed). Then tap Next. 
    • Add “When would you like to be reminded? Time and Dose. 
    • Enable next to where it says, “Enable Critical Alerts”.
    • Tap Next. 
    • Next, you will be asked, “Do you want to get reminders to refill your inventory?” If yes, enable next to where it says Remind Me. 
    • Next select your Current Inventory and Remind me when. 
    • Click Save. 
    • It will ask you, What do you take this for? Make a selection and then click Add. 
    • Then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click All set!
    • It may ask you to click Allow notifications. 

    Both apps are free to start, simple to use and highly rated, making them great choices for organizing medications and health records.

    HOW TO TELL IF YOUR SAMSUNG GALAXY TABLET HAS BEEN HACKED

    A person filling their pill dispenser.

    Smart pill dispensers add another layer of safety by automatically releasing the right dose at the right time, reducing risky mistakes. (Armin Weigel/picture alliance via Getty Images)

    Smart pill dispensers prevent risky mistakes

    Even with phone apps and reminders, some people prefer a hands-off solution. That’s where smart pill dispensers come in. These devices automatically release the right dose at the right time, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting or double-dosing.

    For older adults, this can reduce dizziness or grogginess from medication mistakes, issues that often raise fall risks. Dispensers also provide peace of mind for caregivers who want to be sure their loved one is staying on track.

    What to look for in a smart dispenser:

    • Built-in reminders (lights, sounds or phone alerts)
    • Dose tracking so you can confirm meds were taken
    • Caregiver notifications if a dose is missed

    Smart dispensers cost more than apps, but they add an extra layer of safety and independence for anyone juggling multiple prescriptions. 

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Staying on top of medications can feel like a full-time job, but you don’t have to manage it alone. With the built-in tools on iPhone and Android, plus easy-to-use apps, you can take control of your health with just a few taps. These features give you peace of mind, help you stay consistent and make doctor visits less stressful. For those who need extra support, smart pill dispensers add another layer of safety. They take the guesswork out of managing multiple prescriptions and provide reassurance for both you and your loved ones. By combining apps, reminders, and devices, you can create a system that fits your lifestyle and keeps your health details organized.

    Would you be more likely to rely on your phone’s built-in health app or a dedicated reminder app to stay on top of your medications? 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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  • Don’t Count on the iPhone Air 2 Getting an Ultrawide Camera

    The iPhone Air has been available for a week as of the publication of this post, and the top complaint I keep hearing about the super-skinny phone is not even that its battery may not last long enough or that it may scratch easily, but that there’s only one back camera. Everyone seems willing to wait for Apple to add an ultrawide lens to next year’s presumably named iPhone Air 2. I wouldn’t bet on that. Get the iPhone Air now, or buy an iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro if you really need an ultrawide camera. I don’t think the iPhone Air is getting a second rear camera anytime soon.

    Once you’ve held the iPhone Air in your hand, you’ll understand why I called it a magical sheet of glass in my review. It truly feels like you’re holding a screen and nothing more. Its camera “plateau” is thicker than the rest of the iPhone Air, not only because it houses the 48-megapixel “Fusion camera,” which itself has a lens and optical image stabilization module that requires more girth, but it also—importantly—contains pretty much all of the phone except for the battery.

    “To make something this thin, we had to redesign our iconic plateau,” waxes Abidur Chowdhury, an industrial designer for iPhone in Apple’s “Awe Dropping” keynote. “Precisely machined from both sides, it’s sculpted to fit our custom-made cameras, chips, and key system modules.”

    John Ternus, Apple’s SVP of hardware, added, “The inside was precision-milled for more space, creating room for the rear camera, front camera, speaker, and even Apple silicon.”

    Are you getting it? No? Let me translate that in normal lingo: there’s no f*cking room to fit an ultrawide camera. This image showing everything inside the plateau has been stuck replaying over and over in my head as people tell me why they aren’t getting an iPhone Air despite loving the feel. There is literally no more space for another camera sensor and lens.

    © Apple; Screenshot by Gizmodo

    By cramming the A19 Pro chip, N1 wireless connectivity chip, C1X modem, speaker, the 18-megapixel Center Stage camera, and other phone stuff into the plateau, the rest of the iPhone Air is nearly all battery. But unless Apple can figure out how to shrink the already tiny components even smaller, there’s just no way future generations of the iPhone Air will get the camera.

    iPhone Air Camera Plateau Inside Design4
    There is no more room for another camera sensor inside of the plateau unless Apple makes it larger in future models. © Apple; Screenshot by Gizmodo

    You’re probably thinking: but Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge has two cameras in its own camera plateau. While they may both house cameras, the plataeus are different. The iPhone Air’s plateau houses more than just its camera sensors; the S25 Edge only contains the cameras.

    iPhone Air Galaxy S25 Edge Camera Plateaus 2
    Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge (left) has an ultrawide lens. The iPhone Air (right) only has a single main camera on the rear. © Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

    Apple could grow the iPhone Air plateau, extending it further down the body, but then it wouldn’t be able to fit as large a battery. Now, it’s possible Apple could use a silicon-carbide battery in future iPhone Airs. These kinds of batteries just started making their way into phones in the last year or so. They’re smaller and thinner, while having just as much capacity as regular lithium-ion batteries. A silicon-carbide battery would allow Apple to rearrange the components in the iPhone Air to make room for a second camera sensor, but that would also come with one potential downside: thermals. In the first-gen iPhone Air, the A19 Pro is inside the plateau, which keeps heat away from the backside. There’s no vapor chamber like there is in the iPhone 17 Pros to keep the chip from frying an egg when it’s pushed hard.

    The plateau is even more of a “pragmatic optimization,” as Ive once said of the iPhone 6’s camera bump, which now seems inoffensive in comparison to the iPhone Air’s and iPhone 17 Pros’ mounds.  Even with so many Apple industrial design vets having defected to Jony Ive’s LoveFrom or simply retiring, Apple is worth $3 trillion and has some of the best designers and engineers. It can redesign the iPhone Air to fit an ultrawide camera if it really wants to, but it probably won’t. It’s easier to sell “Pro” iPhones with the extra camera lenses. So don’t sleep on the iPhone Air if you’re holding out for the extra lens. You’ll just be disappointed when it doesn’t happen.

    Raymond Wong

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  • The New iPhone 17’s Out, And So Are The Jokes

    First off, I don’t stand anywhere on the iPhone versus Android phone debate.

    I still use a BlackBerry Curve 9300 from 2007. It has no internet or email, but I 85% of the time I pull it out in public, someone says, “oh shit! A BlackBerry!”

    Apple’s new iPhone 17 is now widely available across the US and Canada, which has given X users enough time to make jokes about it.

    Again, I’m non-partisan here — I just like to laugh.

    It seems phone users (both Apple and Android) are complaining about how easy the phone gets scratched, it’s $1,099 starting price point, and how similar it is to past models.

    Regardless, I’m just here for the jokes:

    Ty

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  • Give Your iPhone (or Android) an Upgrade With Our Favorite MagSafe Accessories

    Other Good MagSafe Accessories

    The accessories below aren’t as great as the top picks in this guide, but they’re still good options if you’re looking for more MagSafe gadgets.

    Belkin iPhone Mount With MagSafe.

    Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

    Belkin iPhone Mount With MagSafe for $30: Using Apple’s Continuity Camera feature, you can wirelessly use your iPhone as a webcam for a MacBook. It supports various video calling apps too, from FaceTime to Zoom. This circular silicone puck magnetically sticks to the back of your iPhone and can be used as a phone grip or kickstand, but you need to keep your screen close to a 90-degree angle, or else the weight of the iPhone will drag the screen back or forward. There’s also a mount for external displays, in case you want one for your home desk setup.

    STM Goods MagPod Smarter Phone Stand for $31: I’ve been carrying this mini tripod from STM Goods all over my apartment. When I’m not using it to see notifications at a glance at my desk, I’ll place it on my kitchen counter to stream TV shows while cooking dinner, on my coffee table to FaceTime with friends while on the couch, or on the bathroom sink to listen to podcasts while doing my makeup. I’ve also used it to shoot video. It has a magnetic disc with a socket that moves around smoothly, allowing you to position it at multiple angles. The retractable legs are sturdy too, even while tapping through notifications or typing out texts. They fold in neatly into a compact size, making it easy to travel with.

    Casetify Wireless Car Charger for $70: I’ve been using this for over a year. It’s easy to install, has MagSafe support (with a USB-C cable) and an adjustable ball joint for various viewing angles, and it’s Qi 2-certified with a 15-watt rate. It’s a bit more affordable than Belkin’s and comes in several fun patterns. (I have the Penguin design, and it’s tough not to smile while looking at it.)

    iOttie Velox Pro Magnetic Wireless Cooling Charger for $80: This iOttie option has a suction cup (if your vents are awkward, or you just prefer a dash or windshield mount) that has strong magnets to keep it in place. The telescopic arm also has a ball joint to give you a wide range of movement to find the ideal position. The 7.5-watt charging rate is disappointing, but the USB-C charging cable is removable, so you can detach and stow it when your iPhone is charged. The built-in fan also helps to keep the temperature down when the sun is out.

    MagGo Magnetic Charging Station (8-in-1) for $60: This little orb has three AC outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports on the back, and over on the front is a Qi2 wireless charging pad that can recharge your phone. It’s great for workstations where you need to plug in a lot of gadgets. Each of the USB-A ports dishes out 12 watts, and the USB-C ports can output 67 watts, though this lowers if other ports or the pad are in use.

    Dockcase Smart MagSafe M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure on a pink mobile phone

    Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

    A MagSafe SSD Enclosure for $60: If you have an iPhone Pro Max and you want to tinker with Apple’s more advanced video recording formats (ProRes 4K at 60 frames per second or higher), well, you’ll run into one big problem immediately: You can’t natively record without an external storage device. You’ll need a solid-state drive plugged into your iPhone, and it will record your video directly to the external storage. But a dangling SSD doesn’t sound very safe, right? They don’t transfer power or data via MagSafe but merely attach to the back as a convenient way to store the SSD while recording.

    Casely Grippy for $25: When Octobuddy (the original suction phone mount) started to get popular, I really wanted one. But since it uses adhesive to attach to your phone, the thought of all the dust and germs the suction cups would collect kept me from trying it. This one from Casely is one of the few that has MagSafe support. It works well, for the most part. I’ve stuck it on kitchen cabinets, mirrors, the refrigerator—basically whatever surface is around. But when sticking it on said surface, I recommend applying extra pressure to make sure the suction cups are really stuck on there. Otherwise, it’ll slide off, and your phone will go with it.

    MagSafe is the name of Apple’s accessory system integrated into the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 ranges. A ring of magnets on the back of the phone (and in MagSafe cases) can help transfer power more precisely and faster than traditional wireless chargers. However, it’s also a handy way to hold an accessory in place, like a wallet, or to mount the iPhone without requiring clamps.

    Although MagSafe is a term made by Apple, Android phones like the Google Pixel 10 are getting MagSafe-like features with the new Qi2 standard. Most of the time, a MagSafe accessory will work without issues with Qi2 devices.

    Make Sure Your Case Has MagSafe Too

    If you use a case with your iPhone, make sure it’s a MagSafe case (it should have its own ring of magnets inside). A standard case will just weaken the magnetic attachment between the iPhone and the MagSafe accessory. A MagSafe case will maintain the magnetic strength, and sometimes case-makers use stronger magnets for a more secure attachment. We have lots of recommendations in our iPhone case guides:

    Is MagSafe Compatible With Android?

    Natively, no. MagSafe won’t work with most Android phones. However, there are MagSafe cases for certain Android phones, like the Google Pixel series or Samsung Galaxy phones, and these cases have a similar (if not the same) magnetic ring inside, allowing you to use many of the same MagSafe power banks, wireless chargers, and other accessories, though your mileage may vary. Several accessory companies also include or sell the MagSafe magnetic component that you can stick to the back of your smartphone to enable compatibility, though I’ve never used one I really like.

    The Qi2 wireless charging standard is changing all of this. Qi2 adds the Magnetic Power Profile, which is based on MagSafe. That means Qi2 phones feature a similar magnetic attachment system, enabling MagSafe accessories to work with more devices, no case needed. Unfortunately, there aren’t many Android phones with Qi2 natively baked in. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series, for example, are “Qi2 Ready” phones because you need a magnetic case to enable the Qi2 functionality as there’s no magnets built into the phone. The recent Google Pixel 10 series is the first range to fully support Qi2, so we should see more devices throughout the next 12 to 18 months.

    That’s why you may also start seeing “Qi2” MagSafe devices—the latest iPhones all support Qi2, and any device you buy with Qi2 will offer maximum compatibility.

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    Jacob Roach, Julian Chokkattu

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  • How to (Mostly) Get Rid of Liquid Glass

    On an iPhone or iPad, the process is only slightly different. Open System Settings, go to the Accessibility section, then the Display & Text Size section. From here you can tap the Reduce Transparency toggle. Do so and all the various glassy bits of the user interface will become solid.

    I recommend changing this setting and seeing how you like it. It’s not a perfect fix, but it disables the most distracting part of Liquid Glass: the constant distorted transparency. I also tested this tweak on an old iPad that was feeling slow after the iPadOS 26 update, and it’s downright snappy now.

    A Few Other Suggestions

    Reducing transparency really undoes the worst part of Liquid Glass, but you can go a little further. Here are a few more tips.

    The Increase Contrast option is in the same menu as Reduce Transparency. Toggling it will put an outline around all the arguably too-subtle edges and outlines throughout the operating system. It makes the interface elements on the screen look outright retro, which some people may not love, but give it a shot if you find it hard to see the edges of things while using your devices.

    If you’re finding your older device runs slowly, even with reduced transparency, I recommend also toggling the Reduce Motion setting, which you can find in Accessibility > Motion. Toggle this setting and the various animations used by the operating system will be simplified. This should result in a device that feels faster and more responsive.

    Before and after: On the right, you can see the elements on the iPhone’s screen are less transparent, the text is easier to read, and the background is free of visual clutter.

    Courtesy of Justin Pot

    Finally, on your iPhone, the toolbar in Safari, the default web browser, has been condensed in the latest update. Doing things like seeing all of your tabs now requires multiple taps. You can get the old toolbar back in System Settings by heading to Applications > Safari and scrolling down to the Tab Style section. Tap Bottom or Top, depending on your preferences, and you’ll find the old toolbar back.

    Like I said: None of this will give you back the old, pre-Glass operating system you preferred. These tweaks do roll back the worst parts of the changes, though, so give them a shot if you’re annoyed.

    Justin Pot

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  • Ready to download iOS 26? Make sure your iPhone is eligible for the free update first

    Have you updated your iPhone to the new iOS 26 yet or are you holding off? It’s been available to download since September 15 — here’s how to install it if you haven’t yet. The new OS was released alongside iPadOS 26 and Apple’s other operating system updates. Since then, the first beta of iOS 26.1 has already been released with some newer features.

    If your phone is compatible with the latest OS, you’ll notice substantial changes when you install the new update. You may have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is sort of like Apple’s take on the old Windows Vista design language. That’s the most notable change, but we spent two weeks test-driving many of the other features included in the update — you can check out our hands-on iOS 26 preview for more impressions.

    Not sure if you have an eligible smartphone or tablet but also don’t want to upgrade? No worries, we’ll help you find out if your devices will be able to run iOS 26.

    While Apple didn’t nix any iPhones from its eligibility list last year, that’s not the case for 2025, as a few models got axed this time around. All iPhone 8 models and the iPhone X were the last to receive the boot in 2023, and this year, iPhones released in 2018 will be left behind.

    You can find a full list of iPhones and iPads that support iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 below. To see everything you get with the latest OS updates, you can check out our big rundown of what to expect from iOS 26. Additionally, here’s everything Apple revealed at the iPhone 17 launch event, including the all-new iPhone Air. (Check out Engadget’s liveblog of the event for full details.)

    These three iOS 18 iPhones aren’t compatible with iOS 26

    Unlike last year, a trio of iPhones won’t be eligible to download the newest iOS. These three models that were first released in 2018 won’t be coming to the iOS 26 party:

    iPhones compatible with iOS 26

    Per Apple’s site, the devices listed below will be compatible with iOS 26. In short, if you have an iPhone that was announced in 2019 or later, you’re in the clear:

    • iPhone SE (second generation or later)

    iPads compatible with iPadOS 26

    Meanwhile, the iPads listed below are eligible to download iPadOS 26:

    • iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later)

    • iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later)

    • iPad Air (3rd generation and later, including M2 and M3)

    • iPad (8th generation and later, including A16)

    • iPad mini (5th generation and later, including A17 Pro)

    What if I don’t want to buy a new iPhone?

    If you want to continue using your older iPhone that isn’t supported by iOS 26, that’s fine. However, you’ll eventually miss out on security updates which could potentially put your phone at risk for malware and other threats. Additionally, some apps may stop working if they require a certain version of iOS or later. And, of course, you won’t be able to access the latest features iOS 26 offers.

    Should I upgrade to iOS 18.7 or iOS 26?

    When you first open Software Update in Settings, you’ll notice two different upgrade options: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple released the former to address security issues, so you can at least download that one if you’re unsure about all the big changes on iOS 26. It also gives you more time to wait for Apple to take care of any bugs on the new OS.

    However, if you’re excited to finally have the Liquid Glass aesthetic on your phone and use all the new features iOS 26 has to offer, go ahead and install that one. After all, Apple had all summer to weed through the most problematic bugs during its beta phase and usually releases a new update shortly after the initial launch.

    iOS 26 features to try out first

    Liquid Glass design: Your home screen is getting revamped with new app icons, including dark mode and all-clear options. You’ll also notice buttons with a new floating design. Liquid Glass, in Apple’s terms, was designed to make all of the company’s operating systems more visually cohesive.

    Phone app redesign: You can finally scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that’ll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music.

    Live Translate: iOS 26 brings the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translate will translate your conversation in real time.

    Polls feature: Coming to group messages in the Messages app, chat members can now create polls. This can help prevent the unwanted 30+ messages when it comes to deciding which restaurant you’re meeting at this weekend.

    New lock screen options: More customizable iPhone lock screen options are available with iOS 26, including a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options.

    Snooze longer (or shorter): Say goodbye to the 9-minute snooze setting in your alarms (if you want). You now have the option to change your snooze time from one to 15 minutes.

    Fresh Camera app design: You’ll find the Camera app is simpler to navigate in iOS 26, with all the buttons and menus located in convenient spots. That means less swiping, more photo taking. Plus, there’s a new feature that tells you if your lens is too dirty.

    Screenshot revamps: When you take a screenshot, you now have the option to search for the image on Google (maybe you’re looking for a sweater you saw on a celeb) and you can ask ChatGPT questions about the photo — all from the edit screen. It’s like a reverse image search but without all the hard work.

    Katie Teague

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  • Qualcomm’s New Android Chip Could Leave the iPhone 17 Pro in Its Dust for Gaming

    Now that the iPhone 17 Pro’s A19 Pro chip has taken center stage as the new hotness in phone silicon, Qualcomm is trying to make the claim that Android phones can be used for more than flicking through your social feeds with zombie-like efficiency. In comes the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a confusing name for a chip with a one-track mind: pushing better graphics and multitasking capabilities.

    The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is the sequel to Qualcomm’s last-gen flagship, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. You know what? Why not just ignore the name for now, especially if you’re skimming these specs? The new CPU on a 3nm process promises to be one of the fastest, with two “prime cores” hitting a new blistering clock speed of 4.6GHz. The Snapdragon 8 Elite managed to hit above 4GHz last year. Clock speeds never tell the whole story. The chip also houses six “performance” cores that go up to 3.6GHz. Devices with the Elite Gen 5 should be more power-efficient than before, so maybe you’ll be able to work or game on your phone without throwing battery life out the window.

    © Kyle Barr / Gizmodo

    The Elite 8 Gen 5 chip is pushing gaming and video harder than ever on Android devices. The new chip supports the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, which is used by professional videographers in post-production. Most regular users won’t go beyond a device’s default editing suite before putting their content up on Instagram or TikTok. Even if the “shot on iPhone” slogan is a gimmick, Qualcomm could have a chip that would at least let you modify video to some professional standard.

    Gaming without destroying battery life

    Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 2
    © Kyle Barr / Gizmodo

    I can’t help wondering how much longer I need to wait before our pocketable supercomputers are truly as capable as using a Mac or PC. The Adreno GPU, or graphics processing unit, in the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 promises 1.2GHz clock speed with a 23% jump in performance over the 8 Elite, which was already pretty damn good at gaming tasks. Adding to this is the dedicated memory cache called High Performance Memory. This should reduce latency and improve battery life for gaming or graphics.

    The other big upgrade this year is Snapdragon Audio Sense. This is a form of on-chip microphone technology for better noise cancellation and HDR audio. Qualcomm implied this will mean the mic in new phones will be good enough that you won’t need to reach for a lavalier or DJI Mic when you really need to set up a quick podcasting session. We’ll have to judge for ourselves how good this is, but if Qualcomm wants your phone to be your one-stop shop for video editing as well, a good microphone would especially come in handy.

    Qualcomm’s new flagship chips will hit all the expected features, from mmWave 5G and Wi-Fi 7 to external display support that includes 4K at 120Hz refresh rates. Let’s also get the other well-expected element out of the way. The Hexagon NPU, or neural processing unit, allows for computationally intensive tasks without having to overload the GPU. The new Hexagon NPU in the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is supposedly 37% faster with more AI accelerators. Whether or not the next phones will legitimately make use of faster AI processing will be up to Samsung, OnePlus, Asus ROG, and other device makers.

    You’ll keep hearing the word “agentic,” like it’s some sort of magic spell that will transform your phone into a talking familiar. Samsung has largely been relying on Google’s Gemini AI suite in its Galaxy lineup, though the so-called Galaxy AI on the Galaxy S24 features include some live translation capabilities on calls. We expect Samsung will add some of Google’s Pixel 10 features, such as Magic Cue.

    This isn’t a “fifth-gen” chip

    Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 1
    © Kyle Barr / Gizmodo

    Despite the name, the new chip isn’t the fifth “Elite”-level chip. Though it’s a continuation of the Snapdragon Gen 8 line, it’s the third in the series using the company’s Oryon microarchitecture. Qualcomm’s new naming conventions are giving me “Dell Premium Pro Max Plus” vibes, mostly due to how the company’s marketing chief, Don McGuire, had to come out early to explain how utterly unconfusing the name is… so long as you turn your brain off.

    “Gen 5 isn’t just a number. It’s a signal that this platform leads the family forward,” McGuire wrote. If you have to write a separate post just to explain a name, it proves the opposite; sequential numbers are far easier to parse than empty marketing gimmicks. The question of its power compared to the iPhone Air and 17 Pro/Pro Max’s A19 Pro chip is going to be far more important than a name, anyway.

    Kyle Barr

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