Latest news with #iPhoneUsers
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
WhatsApp users blocked from sending messages as app stops working on three beloved iPhone models
TIME has run out for a number of WhatsApp users on iPhone after a short reprieve. The app was meant to stop working at the start of May, on three popular models once used by millions of people. However this was pushed back a few weeks, according to 9to5Mac. Now, time is well and truly up with a new cut off deadline striking last night. Although the affected models are older there are still a small percentage of people using them today. It's all come about because WhatsApp owner Meta has changed the minimum requirements for iPhone operating system iOS. Previously, you needed at least iOS 12 but that's now been upped to iOS 15.1. For most iPhones, that's not a problem as they can be upgraded to the newer software for free. But the tech on some older iPhones are considered too dated to handle these updates, so they're left behind. There are three iPhone models that are newly unable to use WhatsApp as such. These are: iPhone 5s iPhone 6 iPhone 6 Plus WhatsApp reveals exacty how to block one of your contacts The oldest among them is the iPhone 5s, which was released more than 10 years ago. "Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates," WhatsApp says. "Every year we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users. "These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp. "Before we stop supporting your operating system, you'll be notified in WhatsApp and reminded a few times to upgrade." WHAT TO DO IF I'M AFFECTED Sadly, if you want to continue using WhatsApp the best option is to upgrade your phone. Of course, the trusty SMS text message will still work, as well as Apple's own iMessage, so you could switch but you won't have key features like groups anymore as you do on WhatsApp. If you do opt for an upgrade, it doesn't have to be the most expensive option around. Even Apple has a new cheaper version of the iPhone. The latest being the iPhone 16e which starts at £599 / $599. And there are plenty of good Android options around too if you're tempted to switch, such as the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy A56.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Hidden iPhone screen almost no one knows about reveals if you've been scammed – and it's a costly nightmare to sort out
A LITTLE-KNOWN page in your iPhone settings reveals if you're been scammed. The easy-to-miss info screen shows important details that can expose a costly scam that you've fallen for. 6 It works by showing if your iPhone has any non-genuine Apple parts inside. There are two ways this clever feature can expose a con. First up is for anyone buying an iPhone, specifically someone picking up a second-hand model. This can save you money, and can get you a premium mobile – especially if the handset has been refurbished. But someone might secretly have repaired the iPhone using fake parts, and not warned you about it. Now you've got an iPhone that might break down or not work properly. And you'll have to pay to get the parts swapped out for genuine Apple components. Fake parts can also affect the resale value of your iPhone too. The other con this exposes is if a dodgy repair shop has used fake parts to fix your iPhone and not told you. They might have pretended that they used legit Apple components, and charged you full price. iPhone 16e review – I've secretly tested Apple's cheapest mobile and I love the new button but that's not the best bit "Find out if any parts have been replaced," Apple advises in a memo about buying new iPhones. It adds: "If it isn't in the condition you expected, return it." HOW TO CHECK FOR FAKE IPHONE PARTS First, go to Settings > General > About. If the iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or later then you may be able to see a section called Parts and Service History. 6 This will showcase various parts of your iPhone, and whether they're legitimate. "If a part is labelled Genuine Apple Part, the part has been replaced with a genuine Apple part using genuine Apple parts and processes," Apple explained. "If a part is labelled Unknown Part, this means that the installation is incomplete. "Or the part was replaced with a non-genuine part, was previously used or installed in another iPhone, or isn't functioning as expected." If you don't see any section titled Parts and Service History, it means that your iPhone hasn't had any parts replaced. But if you've got strange parts in your iPhone, it can lead to trouble – and costly repairs. "Genuine Apple parts are designed to fit precisely within the device and provide optimal performance, safety, and reliability," Apple xplained. "Repairs performed by Apple and Apple Authorised Service Providers are covered by Apple's warranty. 6 "Repairs performed by untrained individuals or using non-genuine parts might affect the functionality, safety, security, and privacy of the device." Apple adds: "Using non-genuine batteries might also result in unexpected behaviour after installation, device software updates, or while charging. "Using non-genuine batteries might also lead to safety issues." OTHER CHECKS TO MAKE That's not the only thing you need to check if you're buying a second-hand iPhone. THE DAMAGE TO WATCH OUT FOR Apple says to look out for these serious damage types in its official advice: Serious damage might affect the functionality of the iPhone. If necessary, remove the case and any accessories from the iPhone. Check for scratches on the display. Check the sides and back of the iPhone for scratches, scuffs, and dents. Inspect the Lightning connector for damage or debris. Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun You can also go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to see the health of the battery. All smartphone batteries degrade over time. That's just how rechargeable lithium-ion batteries work. As you charge and discharge them, they chemically age, and can ultimately hold less charge overall. After 500 charge cycles (which would take normal users about two years), a battery would typically only hold 80% of the charge it held when it was new. 6 That means you have to recharge your iPhone more often. A severely degraded battery can also cause performance issues for your iPhone, resulting in a slower experience overall. So always check the Battery Health and Maximum Capacity readouts before buying a new iPhone, otherwise you might have to fork out for a new battery. You'll also want to check to see if the iPhone is locked to a specific phone network. 6 This doesn't happen with new phones in the UK, but older phones may be locked. Go to Settings > General > About and look for Network Provider Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions then the phone is unlocked.
CNET
2 days ago
- General
- CNET
iPhone Battery Tanking Fast? These 3 Settings Are Probably to Blame
If your iPhone feels like it's always on the verge of dying, you're not imagining things. Over time, every phone's battery loses its ability to hold a charge-but that doesn't mean you have to live tethered to a charger. Even if your iPhone is a few years old, there are simple setting tweaks you can make right now that can noticeably extend your battery life. You might be surprised how much longer your phone lasts with just a few smart changes. Whether you're using your phone to get directions, stream music, or send that one last text, the last thing you want is for it to shut down at the worst possible moment. Instead of scrambling for a charger or switching on Low Power Mode every few hours, take a minute to check your iPhone settings. Turning off a few power-draining features could be the fix your battery desperately needs-and it only takes seconds to do. You can also keep an eye on your Battery Health menu -- it'll tell you your battery health percentage (80% or higher is considered good), as well as show you how many times you've cycled your battery and whether or not your battery is "normal." We'll explain three iOS features that put a strain on your iPhone's battery to varying degrees, and show how you can turn them off to help preserve battery life. Here's what you need to know. Turn off widgets on your iPhone lock screen All the widgets on your lock screen force your apps to automatically run in the background, constantly fetching data to update the information the widgets display, like sports scores or the weather. Because these apps are constantly running in the background due to your widgets, that means they continuously drain power. If you want to help preserve some battery on iOS 18, the best thing to do is simply avoid widgets on your lock screen (and home screen). The easiest way to do this is to switch to another lock screen profile: Press your finger down on your existing lock screen and then swipe around to choose one that doesn't have any widgets. If you want to just remove the widgets from your existing lock screen, press down on your lock screen, hit Customize, choose the Lock Screen option, tap on the widget box and then hit the "—" button on each widget to remove them. If you're already low on battery, it's best to just switch to a wallpaper that doesn't have lock screen widgets. Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/CNET Reduce the motion of your iPhone UI Your iPhone user interface has some fun, sleek animations. There's the fluid motion of opening and closing apps, and the burst of color that appears when you activate Siri with Apple Intelligence, just to name a couple. These visual tricks help bring the slab of metal and glass in your hand to life. Unfortunately, they can also reduce your phone's battery life. If you want subtler animations across iOS, you can enable the Reduce Motion setting. To do this, go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and toggle on Reduce Motion. Visual tricks like the parallax effect are fun, but they can affect your battery life. Screenshots by Jason Chun/CNET Switch off your iPhone's keyboard vibration Surprisingly, the keyboard on the iPhone has never had the ability to vibrate as you type, an addition called "haptic feedback" that was added to iPhones with iOS 16. Instead of just hearing click-clack sounds, haptic feedback gives each key a vibration, providing a more immersive experience as you type. According to Apple, the very same feature may also affect battery life. Watch this: So Many iPhone Battery Complaints, but Why? 09:44 According to this Apple support page about the keyboard, haptic feedback "might affect the battery life of your iPhone." No specifics are given as to how much battery life the keyboard feature drains, but if you want to conserve battery, it's best to keep this feature disabled. Fortunately, it is not enabled by default. If you've enabled it yourself, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Keyboard Feedback and toggle off Haptic to turn off haptic feedback for your keyboard. Every single time you type, you'll feel a slight vibration for each key you hit. Screenshots by Nelson Aguilar/CNET For more tips on iOS, learn how to download iOS 18 and how to automatically delete multifactor authentication messages from texts and emails.
Geeky Gadgets
25-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
iPhone Widgets Made Easy: Your Complete Guide to Adding & Editing
Widgets are a powerful feature on your iPhone, offering quick access to essential app information directly from your home screen, lock screen, or Today View. By customizing widgets, you can optimize your device's functionality, tailoring it to your unique needs. The video below from Apple provides a detailed walkthrough on how to add, edit, resize, and organize widgets, helping you create a more efficient and personalized iPhone experience. Watch this video on YouTube. Adding Widgets to the Home Screen Customizing your home screen starts with adding widgets. These tools allow you to display key app information at a glance, saving time and effort. To add widgets to your home screen, follow these steps: Enter edit mode by touching and holding an app, widget, or empty area on your screen until the apps start to jiggle. Tap the '+' button in the top-left corner to open the widget gallery. Browse the available widgets or use the search bar to locate a specific one. Select a widget, then choose its size—small, medium, or large—depending on how much information you want displayed. Drag the widget to your desired location on the home screen. Tap 'Done' in the top-right corner to save your changes. Once placed, widgets can be rearranged or resized to better fit your layout. To resize, touch and hold the widget, then drag its corners to adjust its dimensions. This flexibility ensures your home screen remains both organized and functional, allowing you to prioritize the information that matters most. Customizing the Lock Screen with Widgets Widgets on the lock screen provide instant access to critical information without requiring you to unlock your device. This feature is particularly useful for staying informed on the go. To customize your lock screen widgets: Touch and hold the lock screen until the 'Customize' option appears, then tap it. Tap the widget area below the clock to add or modify widgets. Select widgets such as Calendar, Weather, or Activity Rings to display relevant updates. Remove widgets by tapping the '-' icon or rearrange them by dragging and dropping. Tap 'Done' to save your changes once you're satisfied with the layout. Lock screen widgets are designed to provide quick updates, such as weather conditions or upcoming events, without navigating through multiple screens. This feature enhances convenience and ensures you stay connected to essential information. Using Widgets in Today View The Today View, accessible by swiping right from the home or lock screen, serves as a centralized space for widgets. It's an ideal location for grouping widgets from multiple apps in one place. To customize the Today View: Enter edit mode by touching and holding anywhere in the Today View until the widgets jiggle. Tap the '+' button to open the widget gallery and select a widget to add. Drag and drop widgets to rearrange their order or resize them as needed. Tap 'Done' to finalize your layout. This feature is perfect for organizing frequently used widgets, creating a hub for quick access to your most important tools. For instance, you can group productivity apps, news updates, and fitness trackers in one convenient location. Optimizing Your iPhone with Widgets Mastering widget customization can significantly improve your iPhone's usability. Whether you're adding app shortcuts to your home screen, placing weather updates on your lock screen, or organizing productivity tools in the Today View, widgets offer a flexible and efficient way to access information. With features like drag-and-drop placement, resizing options, and the ability to group widgets, you can design a layout that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. By taking full advantage of these tools, you can transform your iPhone into a device that seamlessly supports your daily activities, making sure that the information you need is always at your fingertips. Unlock more potential in iPhone widgets by reading the previous articles we have written. Source & Image Credit: Apple Support Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Geeky Gadgets
24-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
The Definitive Guide to 100% iPhone Battery Health
Preserving your iPhone's battery health is essential for ensuring its long-term performance and reliability. Lithium-ion batteries, while efficient and widely used, naturally degrade over time due to chemical and physical wear. By understanding how these batteries function and implementing proven care practices, you can significantly slow this degradation and keep your device operating at its best. The video below from Brandon Butch gives us more details. Watch this video on YouTube. How iPhone Batteries Work iPhones use lithium-ion battery technology, which operates by moving lithium ions between the anode and cathode during charging and discharging. This design offers several advantages, including high energy density, faster charging, and better overall efficiency compared to older battery types. However, each charge and discharge cycle contributes to gradual wear, reducing the battery's capacity over time. Apple designs its batteries to retain up to 80% of their original capacity after 500 to 1,000 charge cycles, depending on the model. Understanding this process is key to maintaining battery health. What Are Battery Cycles? A battery cycle is completed when 100% of the battery's capacity is used, though this doesn't have to happen in a single charge. For example, using 50% of your battery one day, recharging it, and then using another 50% the next day equals one cycle. Over time, these cycles accumulate, and the battery's ability to hold a charge diminishes. While this process is inevitable, proper care can significantly slow it down, helping you get the most out of your device. Key Factors That Degrade Battery Health Several factors contribute to battery wear, with heat being the most damaging. High temperatures, whether caused by charging, gaming, or environmental exposure, accelerate chemical degradation. Other factors include: Allowing the battery to drop below 20% frequently increases stress on the battery cells. Keeping the battery at 100% for extended periods can lead to chemical instability. Prolonged charging generates heat despite modern safeguards. Fast charging and wireless charging are often misunderstood. While these methods can produce heat, Apple's optimized charging technologies and MagSafe systems are designed to minimize thermal impact, making them safe for regular use. However, it's still important to monitor your charging habits to avoid unnecessary strain on the battery. Best Practices for Maintaining Battery Health To maximize your iPhone's battery lifespan, follow these expert-recommended tips: Maintain a charge range of 20% to 80%: Keeping your battery within this range reduces chemical stress and slows degradation. Keeping your battery within this range reduces chemical stress and slows degradation. Enable 'Optimized Battery Charging': This iOS feature delays charging beyond 80% until just before you need your device, reducing prolonged exposure to high charge levels. This iOS feature delays charging beyond 80% until just before you need your device, reducing prolonged exposure to high charge levels. Avoid using your phone during charging: Performing resource-intensive tasks like gaming or video streaming while charging generates additional heat, which can harm the battery. Performing resource-intensive tasks like gaming or video streaming while charging generates additional heat, which can harm the battery. Minimize exposure to high temperatures: Keep your phone out of direct sunlight and avoid leaving it in hot environments, such as inside a car on a sunny day. Keep your phone out of direct sunlight and avoid leaving it in hot environments, such as inside a car on a sunny day. Use certified charging accessories: Only use chargers and cables that meet Apple's standards to ensure proper power regulation and safety. Adopting these habits can help you maintain your iPhone's battery health and ensure consistent performance over time. Debunking Common Myths There are several misconceptions about iPhone battery care. Understanding the facts can help you make informed decisions: Myth: iOS updates harm battery health. Reality: iOS updates often include recalibration tools to improve the accuracy of the battery percentage display, enhancing overall performance. iOS updates harm battery health. iOS updates often include recalibration tools to improve the accuracy of the battery percentage display, enhancing overall performance. Myth: Slow charging is better than fast charging. Reality: Modern iPhones are optimized for fast charging, which prevents excessive heat and is just as safe as slow charging. Slow charging is better than fast charging. Modern iPhones are optimized for fast charging, which prevents excessive heat and is just as safe as slow charging. Myth: Wireless charging damages Wireless charging has advanced significantly, with newer devices and chargers designed to minimize heat-related risks, making it a safe and convenient option. By separating fact from fiction, you can focus on practices that genuinely benefit your iPhone's battery health. Practical Steps for Long-Term Battery Health Maintaining your iPhone's battery health requires consistent care and attention to detail. By keeping your battery within the recommended charge range, allowing optimized charging, and avoiding exposure to heat, you can significantly extend its lifespan. Additionally, using certified accessories and staying informed about battery care best practices ensures your device remains reliable and efficient for years to come. With these strategies, you can enjoy optimal performance and avoid the inconvenience of premature battery replacement. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on iPhone battery health. Source & Image Credit: Brandon Butch Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
