When you live in an area with limited or no cell service, Wi-Fi calling can be a lifesaver. It keeps you connected for calls and texts when your phone would otherwise be useless. However, some iPhone users have noticed that this feature appears to drain their battery more quickly than usual. Laura B wrote to us asking:
“Living in a rural area with no cell service, naturally, my iPhone is used with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi calling only. It seems to me it uses more battery this way than when connected to cellular data. Is this possible?”
Laura’s question is a common one, and the short answer is yes, Wi-Fi calling can sometimes use more battery than a strong cellular connection. The reasons haven’t changed much in iOS 26, but Apple has added a few tools that make it easier to understand and manage battery use. And if you’re on Android, don’t worry; we’ll cover the steps for your phone too, further down.
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Wi-Fi calling keeps you connected but can drain your iPhone battery faster.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why Wi-Fi calling can use more power
Even though Wi-Fi calling is designed to keep you connected, there are a few behind-the-scenes reasons it may drain your iPhone battery faster than expected.
Even when you don’t have service, your iPhone may periodically scan for towers. That search drains energy unless you take steps to stop it.
2) Wi-Fi antenna + call processes stay active
Wi-Fi calling requires your Wi-Fi radio to remain on constantly while also running extra background processes to stabilize calls. That workload can use more energy than simply maintaining a strong LTE signal.
3) Weak or unstable Wi-Fi makes things worse
If your Wi-Fi signal drops or fluctuates, your iPhone works harder to maintain the connection. That extra effort can warm the phone and eat into your battery.
IOS 26 adds new battery analytics to track and manage power use.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What iOS 26 adds to the mix
Apple didn’t change how Wi-Fi calling itself works in iOS 26, but it did improve how you can monitor and manage battery use:
Adaptive Power (on supported iPhones): This feature adjusts things like screen brightness, refresh rates and background tasks automatically when your battery starts draining faster than usual.
New battery analytics: iOS 26 shows a single weekly average view with clearer breakdowns of which apps and processes are using power. To check this: Open Settings → scroll down and tap Battery→ the Weekly view of average battery use appears by default → tap a bar to see a specific day’s app and process usage → scroll down and tap Show All Battery Usage to view Screen Active vs. Screen Idle time and charging history alongside the updated weekly stats
These tools don’t remove Wi-Fi calling’s overhead, but they give you better visibility and, in some cases, automatic tweaks to help stretch your charge.
How Wi-Fi calling affects battery on Android
Android users face many of the same challenges as iPhone owners when it comes to Wi-Fi calling and battery drain. The basic reasons overlap; extra processes, Wi-Fi radios staying active and unstable signals. But Android also has some unique quirks and settings worth adjusting.
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
Your phone still scans for cell towers
Even when Wi-Fi calling is on, your Android device may keep searching for mobile networks in the background. This constant scan eats up power unless you turn it off.
Fix: Enable Airplane Mode, then manually switch Wi-Fi back on. To do this open Settings, tap Network & Internet, and turn on Airplane Mode. Once it’s active, go back into Wi-Fi, switch it on manually and reconnect to your network so Wi-Fi calling still works without the phone constantly searching for cell towers.
Carrier settings differ
Not every carrier handles Wi-Fi calling the same way on Android. Some route calls differently, which can use more energy depending on the network.
Fix: Check your carrier’s Wi-Fi calling preferences in Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Advanced → Wi-Fi Calling.
Background apps can pile on
Unlike iOS, many Android devices allow dozens of apps to keep running in the background. When Wi-Fi calling is active, that extra load can drain faster.
Fix: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Usage and identify apps draining the most power, then restrict background activity.
Adaptive battery and power-saving modes
Most Android phones (Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, etc.) include Adaptive Battery or similar power-saving tools. These features limit battery-hungry apps when Wi-Fi calling is active.
Fix: Enable Adaptive Battery in Settings → Battery → Adaptive Preferences, or use Power Saving mode if you notice faster drain during calls.
Strengthen your Wi-Fi signal
As with iPhones, weak Wi-Fi is a big culprit. Dropped or unstable Wi-Fi forces your Android phone to work overtime to keep a call steady.
Fix: Stay near your router or consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system.
Wi-Fi calling is a lifesaver when you’re off the grid, but it does come with trade-offs. It can use more power than a strong cellular connection, especially if your Wi-Fi signal isn’t steady. The good news is that iOS 26 gives you better battery insights and smarter tools to help manage power. With a few simple tweaks, like turning on Airplane Mode when there’s no service, limiting background apps and keeping your Wi-Fi strong, you can cut unnecessary drain.
What’s been your biggest challenge with your phone’s battery life, and how do you manage it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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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.
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.
OnePlus is changing things up with the launch of its next flagship Android phone, the OnePlus 15. The company is skipping the 14 because four, which sounds like the word for death, is bad luck in Chinese culture. Notably, the OnePlus 15 will be one of the first phones to launch with Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a chipset that seems to kick the iPhone 17 Pro 17’s ass, especially for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.
Releasing sometime in China in October, and then with a global launch likely following, the OnePlus 15 ditches the round camera design along with its image processing co-developed with Hasselblad. OnePlus announced earlier this month that the Hasselblad “planned chapter” was “complete” and that its “next flagship” would have its own “DetailMax Engine.” We’ll have to see how photos from the OnePlus 15 cameras compare to previous Hasselblad-optimized ones. I really liked how photos came out on the OnePlus 13; they leaned a little warm, with a color science closer to what people generally associate with looking “cinematic.” Let’s see if the OnePlus 15 can one-up that, or the end of the Hasselblad team-up means a step backward for image quality.
The OnePlus 15 has a boxier look with flat sides, a flat display, and a flat square-shaped camera bump. (Are we just going to call them “plateaus” now because of Apple?). In a video posted to OnePlus’s X account, the company teases a metal body that’s “tougher than titanium,” whatever that means.
There doesn’t appear to be an Alert Slider switch. The three-stage switch has been a staple feature on OnePlus phones since the OnePlus 2 and lets you quickly adjust sound between ring, vibrate, and silent. It’s such a signature OnePlus phone feature that when the company removed it from the OnePlus 10T in 2022, backlash from upset and disappointed fans forced OnePlus to add it back into the OnePlus 12 and 13. In place of the Alert Slider, I spy what appears to be the same programmable “Plus Key” introduced on the OnePlus 13S. The Plus Key works pretty much the same as the Action button found on iPhone 15 Pros, the whole iPhone 16 series, the entire iPhone 17 series, and the iPhone Air.
There’s a triple-lens camera on the back, which we can presume will include a main, ultrawide, and telephoto lens. We’ll be paying extra attention to see how it compares to the telephotos in the iPhone 17 Pros, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Pixel 10 Pros. The screen size has not been announced yet, but for what it’s worth, the OnePlus 13 has a 6.82-inch 120Hz display.
We’re still waiting for full specs, the exact release dates, and word on pricing, but we should have that info closer to launch. For reference, the OnePlus 13 launched for $899 with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and $999 for 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. We’ll have to wait to see whether Trump’s tariffs, which have increased the price of gadgets from Xboxes and PlayStation 5s to Fujifilm cameras, will impact the OnePlus 15. Either OnePlus eats the cost or passes it on to consumers.
Bearing in mind this is the Chinese model (there’s no word on a global edition yet), I was unable to test all of the functionality, but I have a good idea what will work here and what doesn’t. I love the time and notifications, because I don’t have to pick up my phone as much when it’s face down on the desk and I’m working.
The customizable themes and pets are fun. It’s an opportunity to add a little more personality to your phone. While the real-time updates work only with select Chinese apps right now, the utility is clear, and the music controls are very handy. The selfie preview is an obvious benefit, as the photos you can take with the main camera far surpass those taken with any front-facing camera.
Photograph: Simon Hill
I’m also excited about the pin function. You know that awkward dance you do when you’re queuing? You have the QR code that they’ll scan in a minute open on your phone, but you want to continue reading or messaging. Well, this allows you to pin it on the back display and get on with what you’re doing. While I wasn’t able to test it, I know this will be handy.
As a big retro gaming fan, I love the look and feel of the case, and it automatically connects via Bluetooth and triggers the game mode. But once I got over the novelty, I was left wondering why I would ever want to play a game on a tiny screen interrupted by camera lenses when I have one of the most gorgeous 6.7-inch phone displays I’ve ever used in my hand. I tried Angry Birds 2, and it’s totally playable on the back display, but just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.
And the Rest
Naturally, the 17 Pro Max is a specs beast, and the 17 Pro isn’t far behind. Both are powered by Qualcomm’s brand-new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and my review unit has 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. The displays feature Xiaomi’s new M10 display technology, and it is sharp and power-efficient, and it gets very bright.
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.
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.
ESR Magnetic Wallet HaloLock With Find My for $40: Like Apple’s MagSafe wallet, this one has Find My support. You can use the flap on the back as a grip and fit two cards easily. It does require recharging with a proprietary cable, which is annoying, though it didn’t lose much battery life after six months. Too bad I’ve already lost the cable.
OtterBox Symmetry Series Cactus Leather MagSafe Wallet for $45: It’s nice and simple, thin, lightweight, has a strong hold on my phone case, and offers a dedicated fabric-covered slot at the bottom to push the cards out (I was able to fit three without much trouble). This OtterBox wallet is made from cactus-based leather, which feels nearly as luxurious as real leather. Just know that cactus leather isn’t as eco-friendly as it’s made out to be—these cases are still infused with layers of plastics.
Apple FineWoven MagSafe Case for $50: Any time the wallet is separated from your iPhone, you’ll get an alert and can track it in Apple’s Find My app. It has a single slot that can fit up to three cards, but to take the cards out, you have to remove it from your iPhone and push the cards up via the slot on the back. Unfortunately, Apple’s MagSafe wallets exclusively use the company’s proprietary FineWoven material (made of recycled materials). It’s a commendable effort to reduce reliance on leather production, but several WIRED reviewers have said the material doesn’t hold up all that well after some time.
Bluebonnet Minimalist Full-Grain Leather MagSafe Wallet Card Holder for $68: Bluebonnet’s wallet is thin, even with cards inside, and also comes with an elastic grip you can put your fingers through to hold the phone more securely. The magnets are stronger than those in other wallets I’ve tested, though the bottom moves a bit when using the grip. Bluebonnet claims it can fit up to three cards, but I’ve been able to fit only two (my license and debit card). It’s a struggle to insert or remove more than that.
Avoid This Wallet
Ohsnap! Snap Grip Wallet for $100: I had high hopes for this one, mainly because of its build quality. The wallet is aluminum, can hold up to eight cards (depending on whether they’re lettered or not), has MagSafe support, and comes with a grip that doubles as a kickstand. Unfortunately, the grip is made of plastic, and it broke after a short time (it won’t fold properly back into place). The magnetic hold isn’t as strong as other MagSafe wallets, even with a MagSafe-approved case on my phone. None of that is great, especially at this high price.
Benks 600D MagSafe Wallet with Stand for $33: The Benks 600D MagSafe wallet might be made with Kelvar, but it sure doesn’t feel like it. The inside shell of the wallet is made with plastic, and after just a day of use, I spotted a crack in that plastic right next to the hinge. Worse, I tried to apply a bit of pressure to see if the hinge would still hold up, which completely warped the MagSafe ring. Even without clear durability problems, this wallet wouldn’t make the top of the list. It’s reasonably priced at $30 and comes in a handful of attractive colors, but it’s limited to just three cards, and there’s no easy way to get them out.
If Steve Jobs were still alive, he would have told consumers complaining about scratching on the aluminum and glass designs of the new iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pros, “There is no scratching issue. Stay tuned.”
Just as quickly as consumers got their hands on the new super-thin iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro/17 Pro Max on launch day last Friday, Sept. 19, videos and reports started going viral showing scratches and scuff marks on retail demo units at Apple stores worldwide. The videos threatened a new “scratchgate” for Apple’s new premium smartphones, which start at $999 for the iPhone Air and $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro.
His “reality distortion field” or gaslighting wouldn’t have worked as well in today’s social media world, where every and any issue is exaggerated without proper context. Social media users are more incentivized to perpetuate an uninformed narrative to keep the viral train running. Follow-ups and education on why something may be happening are less favored, even if they’re done, because they don’t get as many views or spark the same amount of outrage.
Demo unit iPhone 17 Pro scratches on day 1… (it’s not even 24 hours yet)
Use a case immediately if you don’t wait to experience this kind of issue. I’m very disappointed with the quality here pic.twitter.com/zRjIQrl3zA
Every video seems to show the new iPhones with visible damage to the aluminum frames, particularly around the iPhone 17 Pros’ massive rectangular camera “plateau” or to the glass backside. The scratches are most prominent on the new Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue colorways, which, after damage, reveal the silver aluminum underneath.
Can’t believe the iPhone 17 Pro demo units in stores are already scratched up. Didn’t take long at all. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/0qxSD25lit
How can expensive new iPhones have such poor durability? The situation is all the more ironic considering Apple actually claims the entire iPhone lineup this year uses a Ceramic Shield 2 cover glass that is advertised as three times more scratch-resistant than iPhones with Ceramic Shield. Gizmodo reached out to Apple but didn’t receive a response by the time of publishing. We’ll update this story if we receive a statement.
Anodized aluminum will naturally scratch
Well, I have some bad news you may not want to hear. While I can’t rule out that Apple may have cheaped out on the paint job for the iPhone 17 Pros, I highly doubt that. For the uninitiated, the iPhone 17 Pros get their colored aluminum through a process called anodization, which is an electrochemical process that not only strengthens the metal but also allows for it to be dyed. This is not a new technique, nor is it Apple’s first rodeo using it in products. Apple anodizes all of its aluminum products, and every colored aluminum device is dyed using the process.
Scratching, chipping, and scuffing are normal for anodized aluminum.
Need proof? Go back and look at all the old, candy-colored iPod nanos from back in the day. Unless you wore gloves and babied the music players, all of them chipped and scratched easily from daily wear and tear. It’s totally normal. (I think the “battle-scarred” look even adds character to the devices, showing they’ve been used and loved. Imagine if everything in Star Wars was pristine; it’d look fake.)
Apple Store MagSafe stands to blame? Dust, not scratches?
But, but, the iPhone 17 Pros were showing damage mere minutes and hours after stores stocked them. I hate to be Captain Obvious, but when you’ve got hundreds, if not thousands, of people literally fondling the devices nonstop and not being gentle with them as they slap them back onto the MagSafe retail stands, visible damage is bound to happen at a faster rate.
I think the issue here is that the MagSafe stands in Apple Stores have a metal ring on top, which is easy to scrape when lifting the phone off. And over time this metal gets scuffed, making the issue worse. https://t.co/sXd4kQ9LHCpic.twitter.com/a78oKW7oZl
Zack Nelson, aka JerryRigEverything, who you may know as the guy who does phone durability tests by putting them through torture trials like bending, scratching, and even burning them, says in his latest video that the scratches could be more temporary than suggested in social videos.
“Fun fact: 99% of the ‘scratches’ you see in this picture is just dust from coin and keys i used to make the marks,” Nelson shared in an Instagram post. “It will all completely rub off. Except for the last 1% of damage around the sharp corner of the camera plateau that you gotta watch out for.”
Others have also sounded off on the misinformation surrounding the MagSafe outlines visible on the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pros:
You may be seeing images like this showing the iPhone 17 Pro and Air “scratching easily”, but these are misleading.
The “scratched” portion is glass, not aluminium. In fact, these are not scratches at all but simply material deposits from the aluminium MagSafe pucks rubbing… pic.twitter.com/VlZUfOShH4
“In fact, these are not scratches at all but simply material deposits from the aluminium MagSafe pucks rubbing against these phones,” wrote X user AppleLeaker. “The back glass is matte with microscopic grooves that file-down the aluminium MagSafe pucks and leave behind marks. These marks can be wiped away with a micro fibre cloth, sometimes requiring cleaning alcohol.”
Aluminum is a softer metal
And what about how easily dentable the iPhone 17 Pros are? Not to be a wise guy and tell you to go back to high school chemistry, but aluminum is a softer metal than the titanium used in the iPhone Air (and iPhone 15 Pros and 16 Pros) or the stainless steel used in the iPhone X through the iPhone 14 Pros. So, of course, dents are going to be visible if you drop it. Use a case if you’re really worried about damage. If you want something more durable that you don’t need to use a case with, you should consider the iPhone Air. As I said in my iPhone Air review, I unexpectedly dropped our review unit—the screen survived unscathed, and there were only very minor scuffs to the corners of the titanium frame.
It also pains me to have to say this, but you also shouldn’t blindly accept everything you see online. With today’s powerful generative AI photo and video creation tools, it’s harder than ever to know what is and isn’t genuine or if any footage has been modified.
Who can be certain whether the images below actually depict a real, damaged iPhone 17 Pro (even one destroyed on purpose) or not?
And even if the above images are real, intrepid users have clearly taken the initiative to use generative AI to make convincing images based on them, like the “photo” below, which shows the iPhone 17 Pro with duct tape to cover up its scratches and cracks.
If you rely on an older Android device, whether it’s a phone, tablet or car infotainment unit, you may soon lose access to all the new Waze features. Waze’s latest beta, version 5.9.90 and higher, now requires Android 10 as a minimum, up from the previous requirement of Android 8.
This change means that while your device may still run Waze, it will no longer receive updates. That applies to all the navigational improvements, bug fixes and new tools Waze typically rolls out every few months.
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Older Android devices may not be able to download the latest Waze updates.(Waze)
Why Waze dropping Android 8 and 9 support matters
First, it’s important to note that Google Maps continues to support Android 8 and Android 9, offering a lifeline if you’re stuck on older software.
Still, Waze is a community-driven navigation leader. Its strength comes from real-time, crowdsourced reporting of incidents, police traps, road hazards and even gas prices, features that many drivers value above Google Maps.
Who loses Waze features on older Android devices
Drivers using older smartphones or tablets: If you haven’t updated your device to Android 10, you’ll lose access to new Waze features.
Users of aftermarket in-car infotainment systems: Many of these budget units still run Android 8 (Oreo) or Android 9 (Pie), meaning they’ll soon fall behind.
Devices that have not been updated to at least Android 10 will not be able to access Waze’s newest features.(Waze)
What Waze’s Android 10 requirement means for you
If Waze is your go-to navigation app, here’s what to keep in mind:
You can keep using Waze on older Android versions, but you won’t get new features or updates.
App reliability may decline over time as backend changes or server protocols evolve.
Map updates and basic reporting may still work for a while, but support isn’t guaranteed indefinitely.
Google Maps remains a fallback option, as it still supports older Android systems.
As a version of the app gets older, it may become less reliable over time.(Waze)
Tips to keep Waze working on your Android device
If you rely on Waze daily, here are some quick ways to stay ahead of the update cutoff:
Check your Android version: Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information to confirm if you’re running Android 10 or higher.
Update your device: If your phone or tablet supports it, install the latest Android update to keep Waze fully functional.
Consider a budget upgrade: If your hardware is stuck on Android 9 or older, affordable Android 10+ phones and tablets are widely available.
Update car infotainment systems: Many aftermarket head units allow software updates. Check the manufacturer’s site to see if Android 10 is available.
Keep Google Maps as backup: If updating isn’t possible, Google Maps still works on Android 8 and 9, ensuring you’re never left without navigation.
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The shift to Android 10 reflects a common pattern in app development: focus on newer OS versions enables advanced features and stronger security. For most Android users, especially those on modern devices, this is a non-issue. But if you’re using older hardware, especially in your vehicle, you must plan ahead. To keep enjoying the full Waze experience, consider whether upgrading your device or switching to supported apps like Google Maps is the smarter move.
Will you upgrade your device to stay updated with Waze, or will this change push you to switch to Google Maps? 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.
Apple’s software design strives to be intuitive, but each iteration of iOS contains so many additions and tweaks that it’s easy to miss some useful iPhone settings. Apple focused on artificial intelligence when it unveiled iOS 18 in 2024, but there’s a lot under the hood that adds to the steady stream of intriguing customizations and lesser-known features from the last few years. Several helpful settings are turned off by default, and it’s not immediately obvious how to switch off some annoying features. We’re here to help you get the most out of your Apple phone.
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Customize the Control Center
Apple via Simon Hill
Swipe down from the top right of the screen to open the Control Center, and you’ll see it’s more customizable than ever. You can tap the plus icon at the top left or tap and hold on an empty space to open the customization menu. Here you can move icons and widgets around, remove anything you don’t want, or tap Add a Control at the bottom for a searchable list of shortcut icons and widgets you can organize across multiple Control Center screens. You can also customize your home screen with iOS 18 to change the color and size of app icons, rearrange them, and more.
Change Your Lock Screen Buttons
Apple via Simon Hill
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You know those lock screen controls that default to flashlight on the bottom left and camera on the bottom right? You can change them. Press and hold on an empty space on the lock screen and tap Customize, then Lock Screen. Tap the minus icon to remove an existing shortcut, and tap the plus icon to add a new one. You can also change the weather and date widgets, the font and color for the time, and pick a wallpaper.
Extend Screen Time-Out
Apple via Simon Hill
While it’s good to have your screen time out for battery saving and security purposes, I find it maddening when the screen goes off while I’m doing something. The default screen time-out is too short in my opinion, but thankfully, you can adjust it. Head into Settings, Display & Brightness, and select Auto-Lock to extend it. You have several options, including Never, which means you will have to manually push the power button to turn the screen off.
Turn Off Keyboard Sounds
Apple via Simon Hill
The iPhone’s keyboard clicking sound when you type is extremely aggravating. Trust me, even if you don’t hate it, everyone in your vicinity when you type sure does. You can turn it off in Settings, Sound & Haptics by tapping Keyboard Feedback and toggling Sound off. I also advise toggling off the Lock Sound while you’re in Sound & Haptics.
Go Dark
Apple via Simon Hill
Protect yourself from eye-searing glare with dark mode. Go to Settings, pick Display & Brightness, and tap Dark. You may prefer to toggle on Automatic and have it change with the sun setting, but I prefer to be in Dark mode all the time.
Change Your Battery Charge Level
Apple via Simon Hill
If you’re determined to squeeze as many years out of your iPhone battery as possible, consider changing the charging limit. You can maximize your smartphone’s battery health if you avoid charging it beyond 80 percent. The iPhone’s default is now Optimized Battery Charging, which waits at 80 percent and then aims to hit 100 percent when you are ready to go in the morning. But there’s a slider you can set to a hard 80 percent limit in Settings, under Battery, and Charging.
Set Up the Action Button
Screenshot courtesy of Simon Hill
20-Setting_Action Button 1_Photo SOURCE Simon Hill
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Folks with an iPhone 15 Pro model or any device in the iPhone 16 range have an Action Button instead of the old mute switch. By default, it will silence your iPhone when you press and hold it, but you can change what it does by going to Settings, then Action Button. You can swipe through various basic options from Camera and Flashlight to Visual Intelligence, but select Shortcuts if you want it to do something more interesting. If you’re unfamiliar, check out our guide on How to Use the Apple Shortcuts App.
Whether you are embarrassed by your Candy Crush addiction or risque photos, or perhaps you’ve been using the Notes app to plan your partner’s birthday party, you can hide them from prying eyes. I’m not here to judge. To protect an app, you have two options: tap and hold on the icon and select Require Face ID, then Require Face ID or Hide and Require Face ID. The first option leaves the app in place, but no one can access it without a Face ID check. If you prefer to hide the app, choose the second option and then Hide App, and it will be obscured inside a Hidden folder at the bottom of your App Library that requires a Face ID check to open.
Stop Videos Autoplaying or Looping
Apple via Simon Hill
If you find it irritating that videos automatically play as you scroll through the Photos app, or it bugs you that they loop and repeat instead of stopping at the end, you can change that behavior. Tap Settings, Apps, then Photos, and scroll down to toggle Auto-Play Motion and Loop Videos off.
Enhance Speech in Movies and TV Shows
Apple via Simon Hill
It can be tough to make out the dialog in some TV shows and movies, but Apple has a fix for muffled speech on your iPhone. When you’re playing a video, tap the screen to bring up the menu and select the audio icon. You can select Enhance Dialogue and choose Enhance or Enhance More to make the voices louder and clearer.
Set Up Do Not Disturb
Screenshot courtesy of Simon Hill
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At an absolute minimum, you should shut up your iPhone at night so it doesn’t disturb your sleep, but Apple offers a wide range of tools to automate or schedule downtime to help you focus. Go to Settings, Focus, and choose Do Not Disturb to get started. You can turn off notifications but set up exceptions so that specific contacts or apps will get through. You can also go to Screen Time and Downtime to set a specific schedule for each day.
Change Your Default Apps
Screenshot courtesy of Simon Hill
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You don’t have to use Safari as your browser or Apple’s Mail app for emails. You can change the default apps on your iPhone by going to Settings, Apps, and Default Apps. If you have valid alternative apps installed for Email, Messaging, Browser, and a few other categories, you can select them instead of Apple’s apps.
Keep iCloud Files Local
Apple via Simon Hill
You can choose to keep certain files that you have synced with iCloud stored locally on your iPhone, which is handy if you want to access them when there’s no internet available. Open the Files app, go to the Browse tab, and choose iCloud Drive. You can tap and hold on any folder or file and select Keep Downloaded to keep a copy on your iPhone.
Limit App Permissions
Apple via Simon Hill
It’s worth reviewing your app permissions and limiting them. There are a few routes to do this, but Settings, then Privacy & Security, might be the easiest. There’s a lot here, but I advise looking at Location Services and removing or reducing permissions for apps you don’t think need them. You can toggle off Precise Location for many, since an approximate location is often enough for them to function the way you want. Other apps to keep an eye on are Contacts and Photos, as both now give you the option to allow limited access.
By the way, if you want to turn off Background App Refresh to stop apps sucking down data and draining the battery when you aren’t using them, go to Settings, Apps, and choose any you don’t need to refresh unless you open them to toggle it off.
Change Siri’s Voice
Apple via Simon Hill
Apple offers a whole range of voices for Siri now. Go to Settings, choose Apple Intelligence & Siri, and tap Voice to see a list of variations (American, Australian, British, Indian, Irish, South African) and voices (Irish Voice 2 is my pick). Just be aware that if you choose a new one, it may take a while to download.
Set a Shortcut for Your Email Address
Screenshot courtesy of Simon Hill
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Forget about typing out your whole email address every time. Go to Settings, General, and choose Keyboard. Tap Text Replacement and then the plus icon at the top right to set up text shortcuts, such as “eml” for your full email address, or “addy” for your mailing address. This can also work for any other text you type out frequently.
Show Notifications on Lock Screen
Apple via Simon Hill
Apple is all about privacy, but having to unlock your iPhone to see the content of an incoming message can be annoying. You can change how this works by going to Settings, Notifications, and selecting Show Previews. It is set to When Unlocked by default, but you can choose Always or Never.
Make Some AI Art
Apple via Simon Hill
If you decide to give AI a chance and fancy generating some art with AI assistance, open up the Playground app. You can pick photos, themes, costumes, accessories, places, or type prompts. Here’s a full guide on how to use Apple’s Image Playground. It’s available on Apple devices running iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, or macOS Sequoia 15.2.
Reduce Car Sickness
Screenshot courtesy of Simon Hill
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Do you get nauseous when you use your iPhone as a car passenger? Go to Settings, Accessibility, choose Motion, then Show Vehicle Motion Cues. You can turn it on or off to display dots that help reduce motion sickness, but if you tap Automatic, it will turn on when it detects you are in the car.
Apple has supported eSIM technology since the iPhone XS. It’s basically an electronic SIM card instead of the tiny, physical chip you insert into your phone for cellular connectivity. The iPhone 14 series was the first to completely get rid of the physical SIM card slot (in the US). That means the only way to set up a cellular connection in the US is with an eSIM.
If you’re unfamiliar with the process, don’t worry, it’s very easy. During setup, you’ll be asked if you want to transfer your number from your old iPhone. Once you agree, it will take a minute or two to activate cellular data on your new iPhone, and you’re good to go. Keep in mind that your old physical SIM card will effectively stop working once you do this.
If you’re coming from an Android phone (with or without eSIM support), you will need to scan a QR code provided by your carrier. This might even be the case with an iPhone if you’re having trouble—just contact your carrier, and they should be able to sort things out quickly. Some Android phones may support the easier eSIM transfer process, like Google’s Pixel 10 series.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Adding Other Accounts and Setting Preferences
Otherwise, it’s just a matter of personalizing your preferences. Want to add an email account? Go to Settings, Apps, Mail, Mail Accounts, and choose Add Account. Want to fine-tune which apps refresh in the background (and drain your battery in the process)? Head to Settings, General, Background App Refresh, and toggle your little heart out. Want to save time on web forms? Go to Settings, Apps, Safari, Autofill, and prefill your contact info. You can also turn on the battery percentage view by going to Settings, Battery, and toggling on Battery Percentage.
One last recommendation: Get rid of the clutter. You can delete any of Apple’s many, many stock apps you don’t want (including, of course, Stocks). Do it! It feels great, I promise. We even have tips on the key iPhone settings to change. Oh, and while you’re digging around in Apple’s software, go to Settings and then Focus to take advantage of the Do Not Disturb mode that lets you cut down on the constant stream of alerts.
Hitting these basics should get you started on the right path. When you’re settled, maybe look into Apple Shortcuts. And if you’re done with your old iPhone, read our instructions on how to factory-reset it.
ESR Armorite Screen Protector and Privacy Protector for $20: This pack is better value than Smartish’s screen protectors, because you get three tempered glass sheets instead of two. All the necessary equipment is here, from an application tool to wet wipes. While it uses a pull-tab, I found Smartish’s and Dbrand’s systems easier to use overall. I also tried ESR’s Privacy Protector, which was effective at blocking the screen when viewed from the left or right. I didn’t see a major impact on sharpness or color accuracy. I tested ESR’s Armorite Pro ($36) with tempered glass made by Corning, the company that makes most of the glass found on smartphones. The edge feels a tiny bit sharp, but it was otherwise easy to apply and looks great.
OtterBox Glass Screen Protector for $40: OtterBox is now using a pull-tab system for installation, and the process was very easy, though I did end up with more air bubbles than my top picks. It comes with a microfiber, wet wipe, and dust-removal stickers, but you only get one aluminosilicate screen protector.
Nomad ProShield Glass for $39: Here’s another aluminosilicate screen protector made by Corning, the company that makes the glass on most smartphones. Instead of a pull-tab, you put the phone in the application tool, then close the tool like a book and push down as glass sticks to glass. It worked surprisingly well, with just a few air bubbles. I still feel like the edges of the protector are a little sharper than I’d like, compared to the Dbrand and Smartish. It also only comes with one.
Zagg XTR5 Screen Protector for $60: Zagg is really going after the blue-light crowd. If you think cutting as much blue light from your smartphone will help you sleep better or might be easier on the eyes, by all means, try the XTR5. It may give you peace of mind. But studies are still mixed on the efficacy of this, though Zagg claims this version specifically cuts out the wavelengths that impact sleep and eye comfort. The glass feels smooth and is thick. It annoyingly doesn’t cover the entire screen, but the edges don’t feel sharp. Installation was easy with the pull-tab system (a first for Zagg), and the company says this tempered glass is fortified with graphene for extra durability; it’s hard to say just how much it helps. It’s worth noting that I did notice an impact on color accuracy. Compared with another iPhone, the XTR5 delivered a cooler tone to the iPhone screen.
Astropad Fresh Coat Anti-Reflective Screen Protector for $35: Apple already added an anti-reflective coating to all of the new iPhones, but this Astropad screen protector can take that even further. Installation was easy with the pull-tab application system, though I got far more air bubbles with it than with any of the other pull-tab installations. It actually does work and cuts glare. I compared it with another iPhone that didn’t have a screen protector, and noticed glare was less pronounced with the Astropad. There’s no real loss in color accuracy or sharpness. I compared photos on the two phones, and they looked virtually identical. I haven’t found much reason to complain about glare on the iPhone 17 screen, but if something like that has bothered you before, the Fresh Coat might be up your alley.
Rhinoshield Impact Protector Pro (Transparent) for $36: This flexible screen protector was easy to apply, though I am a bit miffed that Rhinoshield didn’t include a wet wipe (just a microfiber and dust-removal stickers). It still left air bubbles, but the squeegee was able to get rid of them. The edges are a little sharp, which isn’t a problem on my top picks. This isn’t as much of an issue when paired with a case. The company claims it restricts blue light, but take this with a grain of salt. Studies have shown mixed results that cutting blue light from a smartphone will help you sleep better.
UAG Glass Shield Screen Protector for $40: This tempered glass screen protector is available for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. But the application tool is a little too basic. It allows for some room for error, at least, more than my top picks, and it also gave me a lot of air bubbles. The glass is pretty thick, which feels protective, but you can also feel the sharp edges running along the side.
Other Great Cases
I’ve tested more than 50 cases for the iPhone 17 lineup. Not all of them deserve a top spot above, but many are still great and come in fun designs and styles. Check ’em out.
Alto Wood Case.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Alto Wood Case for $41: I love a good wood case, but I have some mixed feelings about these cases from Alto. You can get custom laser-carved prints, like from its Wildlife or Flora series; you can even add your own image. But these look a little tacky to me. Why hide that gorgeous wood? You can choose from a range of wood styles, from olive wood to cherry. I’d probably grab something from the company’s Burl & Exotic Series. The case itself is OK. The rubber bumper around the edges is grippy, but feels a little cheap. The power button is solid, and there’s a cutout for the Camera Control button, but the volume rocker feels a tiny bit mushy.
Beats Rugged Case for $79: This case is the opposite of the Beats Kickstand case that I listed in the avoid section below. Where that case was super slippery, this one offers a much better grip. The buttons are clicky, the display and cameras are protected, and it looks very pretty. It’s not the grippiest case I’ve tried, nor is it the most rugged, despite its name. I prefer the Camera Control button design on the Nomad Rugged Case, which has a thicker bumper. It’s available for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
BodyGuardz Performance Pro and Pulse Cases for $50+: BodyGuardz’s Pulse case is a fine case that comes in a fun matcha color and includes a wrist strap. The Camera Control button is nicely elevated. Look along the side edges and you’ll see vents—this is to help disperse heat, along with the help of cooling gel on the inner lining. I’ve tried testing this in the past and haven’t noticed much of a difference in gaming performance on the phone. The directional speaker is something that does actually work. Basically, the case directs the audio from the rear speakers towards you instead of downward, and you can marginally hear the difference. The Performance Pro takes it to the max with larger vents, and it adds a kickstand. I just don’t like how the case feels when you hold it.
Burton Goods Heritage Leather Case.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Burton Goods Heritage Leather Case for $79+: Burton Goods is from the creator of Pad & Quill, which shut down in 2023 due to bankruptcy. The company was known for its classy leather cases, and that has continued with the new brand. The Heritage will make you feel like you’re sitting on a cozy armchair near a fireplace in an old English study. The full-grain leather feels supple (and smells great), and the stitching gives it even more character. There’s MagSafe baked in, a microfiber interior, and all the buttons are responsive. The edges are raised well around the display and Camera Plateau, too. You can pair it with the Heritage MagSafe Wallet Stand, which is a magnetic wallet with a kickstand. I was able to fit about three credit cards, though the top cover flap makes it a little hard to remove the cards.
Rhinoshield SolidX and Clear Cases for $38+: I have no qualms with either of these Rhinoshield cases. The SolidX is robust, thick, and protective, with clicky buttons and MagSafe. The Clear case has extremely clicky buttons that stick out quite a bit, and it feels very sturdy. There’s just not much else to them, other than the fact that the company uses a proprietary material called Mono. It’s 100 percent recycled and is essentially a single compound, making recyclability easier.
OtterBox Symmetry Series cases.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
OtterBox Symmetry Series Case for $60: OtterBox’s Symmetry series is its most fun lineup because there are usually several nifty designs to choose from. Case in point, look at this adorable cactus embroidered case! It’s a fun texture to have on the back of your phone, and it’s super cute. This version is actually made from cactus leather, but other Symmetry cases are standard plastic. I don’t think the basic Symmetry cases are worth the $60 price, but the embroidered versions are worth considering. While these have MagSafe baked in, the embroidery does weaken the magnetic connection. It still charged my iPhone, but I wouldn’t trust it on a MagSafe car dock.
OtterBox Commuter Series Case for $50: OtterBox’s Commuter case is simple and inoffensive. You have a few muted colors to choose from, and the dual-layer design has a rubber slipcover surrounded by a harder plastic shell. I like the rubber edges as they help with grip, too. It checks off all the boxes—even the USB-C port is covered up—but it’s just not very exciting.
OtterBox Sole Series Case.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
OtterBox Sole Series Case for $70: I actually really like the look and feel of this case. The ridged edges are grippy, and the netting-like fabric texture on the back is so satisfying to run my fingers over. It’s kind of like sandpaper, but in a good way. The cameras and display are protected, and the buttons are clicky. However, I’m very confused by the included lanyard loop. It’s way too tiny to put on even the smallest wrists. I suspect you’re meant to affix it to a carabiner or backpack instead. If that’s your jam, you’ll like this. If not, the lanyard is removable, and you can buy another one designed for wrists.
Mous Super Thin Aramid Fibre Case for $70: Several companies now make aramid fiber ultra-thin cases, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with most of them. I prefer the subtle texture of Pitaka’s case (see above), but Mous’ Super Thin is a close second, and it even comes in a clear option with MagSafe. I very much like the raised protection for the camera, though the Camera Control button is exposed, and there’s less protection on the top and bottom, unlike Pitaka’s case. As always, this sturdy case is extremely thin and is not going to provide the best protection, especially for the screen, but it’ll cover the usual wear and tear. Pair it with a screen protector.
Thinborne Super Thin Aramid Fiber Case for $70: It’s super thin like the Pitaka and Mous aramid fiber cases, with baked-in MagSafe, but I like Pitaka’s designs better. All of the buttons are exposed here, including the Camera Control. Thinborne includes a screen protector, but you have to freehand the installation as it doesn’t come with an application tool.
Zagg iPhone 17 Cases for $50+: I have tried all of Zagg’s cases, and they’re all solid, though I prefer the Sedona (see above) the most. Here are some thoughts on the lineup. The Crystal Palace Snap With Stand has the same great kickstand as the Sedona, as well as an actual button for Camera Control, but this case is clear. It’s a great way to show off your iPhone’s color, though it smudges easily. The Manhattan Snap ditches the kickstand and is silicone, but I found it attracts too much dust and lint; it is very soft, though. The Milan Snap has a fun iridescent color, and the Santa Cruz Snap With Stand has a striking, colorful bumper that’s grippy, but the Camera Control button is a cutout. The Luxe Snap might be my favorite of the lot in terms of design, with a fun texture on the back and grooved edges, but there’s no kickstand. Finally, the Rainier Case With Kickstand is the newest in Zagg’s lineup, and if you want robust protection, this one will satisfy. It’s a two-shell case with a hard and thick bumper, and seriously raised edges for maximum screen protection with extra-thick corners. Even the USB-C port is covered up. You get the same great kickstand, but the buttons are a bit mushy.
ESR Clear, Soft, and Tough Magnetic Case for $30: ESR has three versions of this case, each in a different material. The Soft employs a soft-touch silicone, and it’s quite nice, with clicky buttons and a dedicated Camera Control button. The Clear is, well, clear, and the Tough uses a hard plastic shell. None of them particularly excites me, but what makes them unique is the built-in kickstand that surrounds the camera module. It’s a neat idea, but you can only prop these phones up in landscape orientation. Technically, you can put them upright in portrait mode, but the phone has to be upside down. Either way, the Zagg recommendation above is a much better kickstand case.
Smartish cases.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Smartish Gripzilla, Gripmunk, and Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 Cases for $20+: These cases are nice and affordable. The Gripzilla has textured edges that make for a nice grip, though it’s nowhere near as grippy as Dbrand’s Grip case that I recommend above. The Gripmunk has some ridges to help with grip, and the Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 lets you stuff several credit cards on the back. However, the wallet interferes with MagSafe and has no magnets inside, so it cuts you off from wireless charging. It also makes the case very thick. They’re all solid cases for the money, and you should shop directly from Smartish as it has some exclusive designs on its store.
Matter HT Snap Cases for $60: Formerly known as Atom Studios, these “Snap” cases aren’t actually cases. They’re just a backing you can magnetically stick to your phone to protect the rear glass. The company offers them in a clear, wood fiber, or agave material. They all look nice and feel great, especially the Clear version for the iPhone Air. However, I don’t see the point of these. They don’t cover the edges at all, which is where you’ll most likely see scuffs and scratches after a drop. I’d much rather go for an ultra-thin case that wraps the edges of a phone, or something like the Arc Pulse.
UAG Pathfinder.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
UAG Cases for $45+: I have tested the full suite of UAG’s cases, from the Plyo and the Monarch Pro to the Metropolis LT and Plasma XTE. If I had to pick one, I’d buy the Pathfinder ($60). I love the bright yellow color, and the design is bold, but it works. It makes me feel tactical, like I’m about to scale and infiltrate a building. The problem with all of UAG’s cases is that they’re expensive, and none of them feature a dedicated button for Camera Control; it’s all a cutout. (I’ve just come to really prefer having an actual button on the case!) I also like the UAG Dot ($45) and its fun translucent case.
Avoid These Cases
Beats Kickstand Case for $59: This case is available for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but not the iPhone Air. I feel bad not recommending it because it’s adorable, especially in pink, and the kickstand is super creative. Instead of embedding a kickstand into the case, the included lanyard has a pill-shaped kickstand that pops out. Place it on one of the longer edges of the iPhone, and voila, kickstand! The problem is that it doesn’t work at all in portrait orientation, so it’s limited as a kickstand case. Also, the polycarbonate case is shockingly slippery. I don’t think I’ve ever used a case more slippery. I was so surprised I showed my wife, and she immediately said, “Yeah, no, I don’t like that.” I guess that’s why a lanyard is included.
Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case for $69: I like Mujjo’s leather cases, but I don’t really like the ones with a wallet sleeve embedded into the case itself. Firstly, the sleeve barely fits my card properly, let alone three, like the company claims. It’s also really hard to take the cards out. While Mujjo has built-in magnets in the case, the magnetic connection is fairly weak because the sleeve interrupts it. Not to mention the fact that you have to remove your cards to actually use MagSafe. It just seems counterintuitive. Just get a MagSafe wallet at that point.
OtterBox Defender Series Pro XT Case for $80: I’m so used to OtterBox’s Defender series having solid colors that the clear design here threw me off. I don’t hate it, but it does show smudges easily. While I usually choose this case as the most protective due to its dual-layer design (a polycarbonate frame sits on top and a rubber slipcover rests underneath), I ran into a problem. The Camera Control button is way too responsive. It’s so easy to press that I kept launching the camera every time I picked up the iPhone. My grip alone would end up pushing the button. I have tried installing and reinstalling this case several times to make sure the fit was right, but the problem still keeps happening. Bah.
Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 for $30: This is an odd case. The wallet sleeve on the back is really tight, and I had trouble stuffing two cards in. Taking them out isn’t easy either because they get stuck on the edge. Smartish also advertises a kickstand, but there is no kickstand on the case. Instead, you’re supposed to use your own credit card as the kickstand, which is just a little weird.
UAG Trooper Case for $65: Cases are so good these days, which is why it irks me when there’s an obvious flaw in a design. UAG’s Trooper is a rugged, tough case that is very bulky. Yet instead of adding a button for Camera Control, the company kept a cutout. But when the edge is so thick, it’s genuinely hard to press this button, even if the back edge is sloped in. (Could be my fat fingers.) The volume rocker and Action Button are also hard to press.
Many of ourfavorite TVs and monitors feature displays with high refresh rates, promising smoother on-screen action and a sharper picture. The same is true for the best Android phones and all of Apple’s iPhone Pro models (since the 13 Pro and onward). Today, every iPhone 17 model can reach a 120-Hz refresh rate. It has become standard across the board.
High refresh rates are frequently discussed in gaming, where fast reactions and instant on-screen updates can mean the difference between victory and defeat. That includes gaming monitors and even gaming phones, which can usually hit 144 Hz, 165 Hz, or higher. But what exactly does screen refresh rate mean? We break it down.
Updated September 2025: We’ve added mention of the latest iPhones, updates to screen technology, new links, and refreshed copy.
Table of Contents
What Is a Refresh Rate?
All content on your display, whether it’s a phone or computer monitor, is made up of individual still frames (photos) shown in sequence at a very high speed. The refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz), and it dictates how often the frame can change. A refresh rate of 120 Hz allows a new frame to be displayed up to 120 times every second. A 60-Hz display can only refresh the screen 60 times per second. And you can guess how many times a 90-Hz screen can refresh.
What About Frame Rate?
The potential benefit of a high screen-refresh rate is limited by the frame rate of what’s playing on the screen. With videos or video game graphics, this is expressed as frames per second (fps). Movies typically run at 24 frames per second because it’s a theatrical standard, while many games can run at 120 fps.
And Touch-Response Rate?
To confuse you more, manufacturers sometimes list the touch-response rate (or touch sample rate) for touchscreen displays, which is also measured in hertz. This number relates to how often the touchscreen scans for a touch from your finger. The higher the touch-response rate, the faster it responds to your touch.
How Refresh Rates Impact Your Phone
Google via Simon Hill
A higher refresh rate allows a phone’s display to keep up with gaming action and reduces motion blur on video, but it can also make navigating around the interface feel more responsive than it would on a display with a lower refresh rate. Games look less choppy during frenetic action, video footage of fast-paced sports action appears smoother, and any jerkiness when scrolling a long web page is reduced. To get the full benefit of a high refresh rate, you also need a high frame rate, and ideally, the two match.
The cost is often your battery life. Refreshing the image on a display more times per second requires more battery power. Processing power is also needed to run graphics at a higher frame rate. Processors have improved enormously, but battery life is still limited on smartphones. For that reason, most phones with high refresh rates do not run at the highest rate all the time.
Higher refresh rates first came to smartphones with the gaming-focused Razer Phone in 2017, then manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, and Google adopted them in flagship devices like the iPhone range, Galaxy series, and the Pixel range. Apple calls its version “ProMotion.”
If your old device doesn’t support Quick Start, or you don’t want to use it, then follow the steps on the Hello screen until you reach a screen asking whether you want to join a Wi-Fi network. Choose the network you wish to join. You will be prompted to set up eSIM (choose TransferFrom Another iPhone) and then set up Face ID or Touch ID.
… or Restore Your Backup
Alternatively, you can restore the backup you made. Here’s how:
Restore From iCloud Backup
If you used iCloud to back up your iPad or iPhone, continue through the setup process until you reach the Apps & Data screen and tap the Restore from iCloud Backup option. Sign in to your Apple ID (if you’re forgetful, consider using a password manager to find and store old login information), and choose the backup you want to use. The backups are time-stamped, so if you’ve been regularly backing up your phone, there will be several listed; be sure to look at the date and size of the backup to make sure you pick the correct one.
Restore From Mac or PC
If you used your computer to back up your data, plug your phone or tablet into it. If you’re using a Mac running Catalina 10.15, open Finder and select your device. If your Mac is running an older operating system or you have a PC, open iTunes. Select your iPhone/iPad when it appears in the window. Click Restore Backup under the General tab and choose the correct date.
Make Sure Your Wi-Fi Connection Is Stable
Don’t disrupt the Wi-Fi connection until the transfer is complete. Disconnecting early will cause your backup to pause until you reconnect. The same goes if you are restoring by tethering your device to a Windows PC or Mac—leave your phone or tablet plugged in until it’s finished.
That’s It!
Photograph: Simon Hill
There isn’t anything else to it. If you went ahead and fired up your new iPhone or iPad without transferring anything, you’ll have to either erase it and start over or transfer your content manually—but that’s going to be a lot more work than doing a full transfer. We recommend starting over from scratch and following the above steps to get all your data over at once.
The iPhone 17 Pro felt like a brick. I had just gotten used to the featherweight feel of Apple’s new iPhone Air after several days of use, but it was time to switch to the iPhone 17 Pro. Suddenly, I didn’t want to let the Air go.
It’s amazing how a couple of grams and a slimmer profile can drastically change the feel of a phone. There isn’t much to grab on the edges, but the Air’s design is whimsical and somewhat paradoxical. It feels like a twig that can snap in a heartbeat, but the sturdy titanium frame dispels any notion of fragility.
I was prepared to hate the iPhone Air. Why make a thin phone with lackluster battery life? A single-camera system for $999? After spending some time with it, I’m pleasantly surprised. I still don’t think most people should buy it—it’s for early adopters who want to experience Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date—but it’s a promising blueprint of what’s to come.
Thin Air
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
The iPhone Air is just 5.6 millimeters thick and 165 grams; contrast that with the iPhone 17 Pro, which has a smaller screen yet weighs 206 grams and is 8.75 mm thick. It’s a palpable difference. Initially, you might feel like the lighter weight makes the Air seem “cheap,” but that notion quickly disappears. This phone feels strong, durable, and rigid.
I watched Apple perform a bend test on the iPhone Air, and it was able to withstand more than 130 pounds of force with no damage. I gave it a good bend test myself, but it didn’t flex. We’ll need to see how this phone performs in the hands of a wider audience, but I think you can put your pitchforks away—no #bendgate here. This durability stems from the use of titanium for the frame, along with Apple’s new Ceramic Shield 2 protecting the display, and Ceramic Shield 1 layered over the back. Apple says this mixture makes the Air more durable than any prior iPhone.
I can’t imagine buying this ultrathin phone and putting a case on it, but I didn’t mind Apple’s bumper case. The phone still feels light and thin, but the slightly thicker edges of the bumper make it easier to grasp. Annoyingly, despite using a horizontal camera bar like Google’s Pixel phones, the camera still sticks out enough that the Air rocks on a table when you tap a corner—a small nitpick.
What if your old bottle of cooking oil could help save the planet and your smartphone? That’s the big idea behind a groundbreaking discovery by researchers in Finland.
Scientists from the University of Helsinki and the University of Jyväskylä have found that you can recover silver from electronic waste using common kitchen ingredients like vegetable oil and hydrogen peroxide. This sustainable, scalable method published in the Chemical Engineering Journal could change how we mine precious metals from our growing piles of electronic junk.
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Scientists have discovered a new method of silver extraction from electronics by using cooking oil.(Bloomberg via Getty Images)
How cooking oil recovers silver from electronic waste
Here’s how it works. Fatty acids found in oils like sunflower or olive oil are mixed with hydrogen peroxide. When heated slightly, this combo safely dissolves silver from old circuit boards, wires or keyboard connectors. Then, using ethyl acetate, a far less toxic alternative to industrial solvents, researchers pull out the silver in a solid form. Unlike traditional methods that rely on harsh acids or cyanide-based solutions, this technique avoids toxic runoff and air pollution. Think of it as salad dressing meets science lab, without the environmental mess.
Why recycling silver from e-waste is urgently needed
Silver powers the devices you use every day, such as phones, solar panels, electric vehicles and even medical tech. But less than 20% of it gets recycled. As demand rises and natural resources shrink, finding clean ways to reclaim silver isn’t just smart, it’s necessary. Silver prices have surged sixfold in the last 25 years. At the same time, supply has lagged. That makes e-waste a goldmine, literally, for anyone who can unlock its hidden metals without poisoning the environment.
Fatty acids found in cooking oil can stabilize silver ions for easier extraction.(Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
How scientists extract silver using fatty acids and light
To figure out exactly how this all works, researchers used advanced computer models to study how fatty acids interact with silver ions. The process not only stabilizes the silver but also allows for easy recovery using light and simple solvents. Better still, the ingredients can be reused, and there’s no chemical waste or massive cost. And it’s highly selective. The method targets silver while leaving other metals behind, a major step forward in urban mining. In testing, even silver-coated keyboard connectors were cleanly processed into pure elemental silver powder using this system.
Indian laborers sift through a heap of pre-owned mobile phones in an electronic waste workshop Dec. 5, 2023, in New Delhi, India. (Yawar Nazir/Getty Images)
What this means for you
This research brings us closer to safe, at-home or small-scale recycling kits that could recover silver from old gadgets. Recyclers and manufacturers could adopt this method to reduce chemical waste and operating costs, while protecting workers and the environment. This method supports a future where nothing goes to waste. It keeps valuable materials in use, cutting down the need for mining and pollution. Silver is vital for making many of the tech items we use every day. Reusing it responsibly means cleaner energy at a lower cost and less reliance on mined resources.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
We’ve long known that waste is a problem. Now, it might also be the solution. By turning everyday ingredients into powerful recycling tools, scientists are showing us what’s possible when chemistry and sustainability meet. The process is still being refined, but the promise is clear: a greener future where reclaiming valuable metals doesn’t cost the earth, or our health.
If you could extract silver from your old gadgets with tools in your kitchen, would you do it? Or should this be left to the pros? 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.
All of the prices above are for a single line paid monthly. Google periodically offers half off and other specials, usually only if you bring your own phone.
Activate Your Chip
Once you’ve picked your plan and signed up, Google will mail out a SIM card. It took a couple of days for my physical SIM to arrive, but I’ll gladly take the slight delay if it saves me from setting foot in a physical carrier store. If you’re using an iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung phone, or other device that supports eSIM, you can set up Fi with an eSIM instantly.
Once your chip arrives, you’ll need to use a SIM tool to pull out the SIM tray and insert the SIM card into your phone. Then, download the Google Fi app (you’ll need to be on Wi-Fi to do this since your chip won’t connect to the network yet), and follow the steps there. If you’re porting in your old phone number, it may take a little longer. For me, after setting up a new number, Fi was up and running after about 5 minutes. That’s it, you’re done.
I have traveled and lived in rural areas for the past 7 years, and I’ve tried just about every phone and hotspot plan around—none of them are anywhere near this simple. The only one that comes close is Red Pocket Mobile, which I still use in addition to Google Fi. There are cheaper plans out there, but in terms of ease of use and reliability, Fi is hard to beat.
Using Google Fi as a Hotspot
You can use Google Fi as a simple way to add cellular connectivity to any device that accepts a SIM card, like a mobile hotspot. You’ll need to activate your Google Fi SIM card with a phone using the Google Fi app, but once the activation is done, you can put that chip in any device your plan allows. If you go with the Unlimited Plus plan, that means you can put your chip in an iPad, Android tablet, or a 4G/5G mobile hotspot. You are still bound by the 50-gigabyte data limit, though, so make sure you don’t go too crazy with Netflix.
Alternatively, consider ordering a data-only SIM. Google allows you to have up to four if you’re on the Unlimited Premium or Flexible plans, meaning you can keep four gadgets—a spare phone or tablet—connected to the internet. The caveat is that they can’t place phone calls or receive texts. You don’t have to use your phone to activate the SIM first. You can order a data-only SIM in the Plan section of your account, under Devices & subscriptions. If you have an eSIM-only device you want to connect, you can tap Connect your tablet and Fi will offer a QR code you can scan to activate the SIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Google account? Yes, you do need a Google account to sign up for Google Fi, but you don’t need to be all-in on Google to use Fi. I have an Android phone, and I use Google apps since that’s what we use here at WIRED, but outside of work I do not use any Google services other than Fi, and it still works great.
Is Google Fi tracking my every move?Yes, but so is your current provider. Google Fi’s terms of service say Google doesn’t sell what’s known as customer proprietary network information—things like call location, details, and features you use—to anyone else.
I’m traveling and want to use Google Fi abroad. Will that work? Fi’s terms of service require you to activate your service in the US, but after that, in theory, it should work anywhere Fi has partnered with an in-country network. WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu has used Fi in multiple countries while traveling. However, based on feedback from WIRED readers, and reading through travel forums, it seems that most people are being cut off if they’re out of the US for more than a few weeks. I would say don’t plan on using Google Fi to fulfill your digital nomad dreams.
Tips and Tricks
There are several features available through the Google Fi app you might not discover at first. One of my favorites is an old Google Voice feature that allows you to forward calls to any phone you like. This is also possible in Google Fi. All you need to do is add a number to Fi’s forwarding list, and any time you get a call, it will ring both your cell phone and that secondary number—whether it’s a home phone, second cell, or the phone at the Airbnb you’re at. This is very handy in places where your signal strength is iffy—just route the call to a landline. Similarly, it can be worth enabling the Wi-Fi calling feature for times when you have access to Wi-Fi but not a cell signal.
Another feature that’s becoming more and more useful as the number of spam calls I get goes ever upward is call blocking. Android and iOS calling apps can block calls, but that sends the caller directly to voicemail, and you still end up getting the voicemail. Block a call through the Google Fi app, and the callers get a message saying your number has been disconnected or is no longer in service. As far as they know, you’ve changed numbers. To set this up, open the Fi app and look under Privacy & security > Manage contact settings > Manage blocked numbers, and then you can add any number you like to the list. If you change your mind, just delete the listing.
One final thing worth mentioning: I have not canceled my Google Fi service despite switching to Starlink for most of my hotspot needs. Instead, I just suspended my Fi service using the app. That way, should I need it for some reason, I can reactivate it very quickly.
Today’s retro recreations are so good at replicating the Game Boy’s look, feel, and portability. The problem is, my pockets are already occupied with my mobile supercomputer that contains my life behind a 6.3-inch pane of glass. If my phone has a powerful processor and excellent AMOLED display, why can’t it also become my gaming device when I’m on the go? MCON, the controller hyped to hell and back by young engineer Josh King and brought to market by phone peripheral makers OhSnap, could be enough to make me leave my handheld at home.
I first saw the $150 MCON phone peripheral back at CES 2025; only then it was a very early prototype using 3D-printed parts. Even then, I came away impressed with the collapsible phone controller. I had to duck and weave through many, many halls at IFA 2025 to find the miniscule stall for MCON’s designer OhSnap. The company let me wrap my exhausted hands around the new, black and clear plastic MCONs that will be shipping later this year after its successful Kickstarter from earlier this year.
When I look at most modern phone controllers, whether they’re the Backbone, the 8BitDo mobile controller, or a Razer Kishi, they all boil down to an Xbox controller split in half to make room for a phone. Some of those devices offer better controls or larger cavity space for up to the size of a 13-inch iPad. While they’re slim enough to fit in a bag, the issue with this classic design is they’re not so portable you can slip them into a pocket. MCON is about the size of a phone itself. It’s compact enough that it may fit into cargo pants-sized pockets or into a pocketbook. I doubt it could fit in most thin jeans without tearing a hole in your pants or thigh. The collapsible mobile controller also uses a MagSafe magnetic attachment point while it communicates with the phone over Bluetooth, rather than a physical USB-C connection.
You can think of MCON as a Nintendo DS or a slide-out PSP Go, though without a screen or PCB (printed circuit board) of its own. The controller collapses to the size of your average phone. With the press of a button, the spring-loaded front plate shoots out to reveal twin thumbsticks, four face buttons, and a D-pad. Two fold-out wings fan out from the base to create a pseudo-controller feel, though you can game without them if you can retreat to your Game Boy glory days, before companies cared a lick for wild concepts like “ergonomics.” The extra benefit of MCON is how it keeps the screen angled up, which may be more comfortable when sitting and gaming compared to Steam Deck-like handheld PCs or the Switch 2.
The version I used was a prefab design, though it’s the closest model the company had available for when the device went into full production. The full-size drift-resistant TMR (tunnel magnetoresistance) joysticks didn’t feel constrained despite being deep-set into the controller. While the buttons had a pleasantly shallow and clicky feel, I wouldn’t have been able to hear how loud they were in such a crowded convention hall. The real surprise was the two triggers. Despite being so thin and close to the device, they dipped to a surprising depth. I didn’t feel as much resistance for each trigger as I may have liked from my favorite controllers, but I would still prefer them over the clicky triggers of many DS-like devices.
I didn’t get to play anything but Warped Kart Racers, a game that automatically accelerates for you. I imagine most people who backed the MCON controller are more interested in games without solid touch controls. It may be an option for cloud gaming when you have access to a strong Wi-Fi connection. What may be more exciting is how it could be used for retro emulation. The MCON’s MagSafe dock can slide out and reposition vertically for playing old-school Game Boy games on emulators, like Delta on iOS.
The pop-out mechanism felt fast and smooth, though I found it was difficult to push the magnetic plate back into place. It took two hands, offering a grating feel as the rail ground against itself. OhSnap! told me it was working on making that mechanism smoother as they run into full production. This is the kind of device designed for taking out while ignoring the world on your daily work commute, and it would be especially handy to collapse the MCON with one hand and slip it into your pocket when you need to. OhSnap said MCON should launch some time late in October, so we’ll know then if my phone might finally become the Game Boy I wanted it to be.
Apple’s 2025 iPhones are here, and things are quite different for the first time in a while. The base iPhone 17 will still feel familiar, but the iPhone 17 Pro models have a completely new look, and there’s a brand-new model called the iPhone Air. The “Air” branding has been somewhat diluted of late—the current-gen iPad Pro models are lighter than the iPad Air—but the iPhone Air brings meaning back to the original idea: a super-thin and ultra-lightweight device.
Preorders kick off September 12 and official sales start September 19. If you’re considering an upgrade, what model should you get? I’ll break down the key differences between the iPhone 17 lineup, including their similarities, so you can hopefully make a more informed choice on your next iPhone.
Table of Contents
You Don’t Need to Upgrade
If you have an iPhone from just a few years ago, you probably don’t need to upgrade to Apple’s latest, unless your device has issues. Even then, there are things you can do to fix your iPhone, like getting a battery replacement, or you can try some of these troubleshooting steps. The point is, you shouldn’t feel the need to upgrade just because Apple has a new model.
Let’s quickly talk about the similarities across all the iPhone 17 models this year, and yes, that includes the iPhone Air, even if it doesn’t have “17” in the name.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Apple
iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro
The Display
Although iPhones differ in screen size, they all feature an OLED screen (Apple refers to it as a Super Retina XDR display) and employ ProMotion technology. This is the first time the non-Pro models have ProMotion, which is essentially a 120-Hz refresh rate.
This has been a common feature on Android phones for a while, but it means your display refreshes 120 times per second rather than 60, like on the iPhone 16, so everything you do will feel smoother. (We have a broader explainer here.) These are adaptive refresh rates that can drop as low as 1 Hz when there’s little activity on the screen, which is why the new iPhone 17 and iPhone Air now support the always-on display.
Apple also says there’s a new Ceramic Shield 2 front glass that’s 3x more scratch-resistant than before, and a new anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. All of these screens can also hit up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, meaning it’ll be easier to read your iPhone screen on sunny days.
The Camera
The front-facing selfie camera is identical on all the iPhone 17 models. It’s a new square-shaped 18-megapixel sensor, and that means you can expect more detail out of your selfies. However, the square sensor also introduces a smarter way to capture group selfies. You can keep holding your phone in portrait orientation for the best grip, and it will automatically zoom out to make sure everyone fits in the frame, while also switching to a landscape orientation for the widest view. All of these models also support Dual Capture, which lets you shoot with both the front and rear cameras at the same time. You can read more about these features here.
The Usual Specs
All of the iPhones are IP68 water- and dust-resistant, have Face ID, the Camera Control button, Action Button, USB-C, and Qi2 magnetic wireless charging (MagSafe). All devices start at 256 GB of storage. There’s Apple Intelligence on these devices, the same Emergency SOS via Satellite and Crash Detection capabilities, and they utilize Apple’s new N1 wireless networking chip for Bluetooth 6, Wi-Fi 7, and Thread support.
The Differences
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Now, here’s where they diverge, which will help you better understand what model to buy.
Apple has largely stuck with the same iPhone design since the iPhone 11 debuted in 2019, but change is afoot in Cupertino. While the iPhone 17 may resemble iPhones of the past few years, there’s an entirely new camera layout for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Also, there’s a brand-new iPhone! The iPhone Air replaces what was supposed to be the iPhone 17 Plus. It, too, features a new look, and it’s the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever made.
The changes on the standard iPhone 17—typically Apple’s most popular iPhone model—aren’t as drastic. The company announced the new handsets alongside new Apple Watches and AirPods Pro at its annual September event at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino, California.
Preorders are available on Friday, with the iPhone 17 starting at $799, the iPhone Air costing $999, and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max seeing an increase to $1,099 and $1,199. The iPhone Air is eSIM only globally, and more iPhone models than ever have eSIM-only versions around the world. Here’s everything you need to know.
The iPhone Air
Apple’s iPhone Air is joining a slew of other phones that launched in 2025 that tout incredible thinness, like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and theHonor Magic V5. It’s 5.6-mm thick—an incredible feat, as that’s even thinner than Samsung’s handset and a 2.65-mm drop from the iPhone 16 Pro.
iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever.
Courtesy of Apple
That’s about seven credit cards stacked on top of each other. With it comes weight savings of 24 grams compared to the regular iPhone 16, and this combo can dramatically alter how the phone feels in your hand, especially considering it sports a large 6.5-inch screen. It’s also the only iPhone this year employing titanium to help with the durability of the frame. Speaking of which, Apple says this phone uses its new Ceramic Shield 2 material on the front for 3X better scratch resistance and 4X better drop protection. The back glass uses the original Ceramic Shield glass mixture.
There’s still a camera bump, except it’s now horizontal (ahem, like a certain Google phone), but as you’ll see, there are compromises: You only get one camera. It can simulate a 2X optical zoom like most iPhones today, but unlike Samsung’s thin phone, there’s no ultrawide camera, making it less versatile for shutterbugs.
This phone debuts Apple’s C1X modem, which allows for sub-6 5G but no millimeter wave 5G, and it also features the first-ever Apple N1 wireless networking chip. The N1 has Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support, which can improve local smart home controls with supported devices.
It still maintains features from previous iPhones, like the Dynamic Island, which takes up less space on the front, the Action Button, and Camera Control. The selfie camera has been upgraded to 24 megapixels and supports Apple’s Center Stage technology, which keeps you in the frame. The selfie camera has a square sensor, so you can take selfies in landscape or portrait orientation without having to switch the phone into landscape orientation. Apple has also added the ability to shoot videos with both the front and rear cameras at the same time.
The internals of the iPhone Air have been designed to maximize battery space.
Courtesy of Apple
Apple says inside is a “high-density battery,” which likely alludes to silicon-carbon battery technology to achieve this level of thinness. The phone is powered by the new A19 Pro chip, features Apple’s ProMotion 120-Hz refresh rate for the display, and has magnetic Qi2 25W wireless charging. It’s available in black, white, light gold, and light blue.
You might think this super-thin iPhone will have limited battery life, but Apple is still claiming the same video playback numbers as the iPhone 16 Plus: 27 hours. This is likely why Apple is selling a new low-profile MagSafe power bank to help users keep their slim phone topped up. Let’s just see how often you need to use it.
The iPhone 17 Pro
The first thing you’ll notice about the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the redesigned camera array on the back, which Apple calls the Camera Plateau. Gone is the square-shaped camera module in favor of a long, horizontal camera bar. Maybe it means the iPhone finally won’t rock on a table. There’s also a slightly different color tone below, indicating the split between the new aluminum chassis and the glass.
The forged plateau creates extra space for components, like a larger battery.
Courtesy of Apple
You heard that right, Apple’s priciest models are reverting to aluminum instead of the titanium of yesteryear. Aluminum handles heat better and is cheaper and lighter, not to mention a better carbon footprint. (It’s 100 percent recycled aluminum.) Now the only titanium model in the company’s lineup is the iPhone Air. You’d think this would bring a price drop, but alas.
Apple is also debuting a vapor-chamber cooling system on these phones, helping them keep cool under load. This is something Android phones have used for years, so it’ll be interesting to see how it impacts performance across the board, whether you’re shooting 4K video or playing a graphically demanding game.
Apple has taken the second approach with caveats. Rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Air’s battery capacity will sit around 2,900 mAh, a steep drop from prior iPhone models, especially at the 6.6-inch screen size. But the company is supposedly making up for it with power-saving tricks to make sure battery life remains similar to other iPhones, including Apple’s more efficient C1 modem that debuted on the iPhone 16e earlier this year.
Luebbe declined to comment on whether Group14’s silicon-carbon composite is being used in the iPhone 17 Air’s batteries; Sila Nanotechnologies and Enovix did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
What’s the Catch?
The problem with silicon batteries is that they expand. When you lithiate raw silicon, Luebbe says it can expand up to three times its initial volume. Lithium-ion batteries also swell; you’ve probably heard of or maybe even experienced this, as it can happen for a myriad of reasons. It means something has gone wrong, and the battery is now a safety risk.
It’s this problem that researchers and companies have spent decades trying to solve, and the solution lies in the carbon part of the name. It starts to get a bit technical here—and each silicon anode company has its own proprietary process—but Luebbe says Group14’s approach is to start with a porous carbon material.
“Imagine a carbon sponge, but the pores of that sponge are on the single-digit molecule wide, we’re talking less than 10 nanometers wide,” he says. These pores are filled with silane gas (the silicon), but only about halfway. The particle you’re left with is made up of silicon, carbon, and void space. When the lithium ions head over from the cathode to the anode and the silicon lithiates, it expands to fill the void spaces of the particle.
“It mitigates the expansion at the particle level, so the battery doesn’t see the expansion, so it stabilizes the battery, and you get excellent cycle life,” Luebbe says. “That’s the critical insight in the invention: really learning how to internalize that expansion, so that it’s insulated from the battery chemistry and mechanical operations.”
Vincent Chevrier has been a researcher in the silicon field for 15 years and is a partner at battery consulting firm Cyclikal. He says while silicon is here to stay as a material to be used in lithium-ion batteries, there are still a few challenges for broader adoption, namely cost.
Companies like Group14 use silane gas instead of solid silicon, which yields better battery performance, but could be 10 times the cost. That could make it harder to sell their composite to battery makers, and it could drive up the prices of consumer electronics. The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to cost around $1,099, a potential $200 bump from the iPhone 16 Plus it’s expected to replace, though there could be other factors affecting its price, like tariffs.
Chevrier also says he often sees silicon-carbon makers inflate the energy density claims. Group14, for example, says on its website that its silicon batteries can deliver up to 50 percent more energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries. But if the material is just dropped in to replace graphite and not much else is changed with the battery, you’re more likely going to see a 10 percent boost in energy density with a switch to a silicon-carbon anode. Redesign the battery cell, and then it’d be possible to see an increase of up to 30 percent.
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