Latest news with #iOS18
CNET
a day ago
- CNET
Need to Decrease Your Screen Time? Change These iPhone and Android Settings Now
If well-meaning friends and family have told you recently to go touch grass, this is for you. Whether you're scrolling on your phone or working on a laptop, it's too easy to rack up ungodly screen time numbers throughout the week. And I'm sure it's not breaking news to you that screen time is not so great for your physical and mental health. But even with good reason and intentions to limit your screen time, it can be hard to stop doomscrolling. That's why both Apple and Google launched the first versions of their digital well-being features in 2018 to help us disconnect. Newer generations of software like iOS 18 and Android 16 have added more functionalities that can help you put down your phone. Here's how to take advantage of the digital wellness settings on Apple and Android devices, including how to set up app timers, downtime and bedtime mode. For more, check out these essential iPhone and iPad parental controls. Set up app timers on iPhone, iPad and Mac You can set up app timers on your iPhone, iPad, and your Mac. By adding a timer to apps in your settings, you're giving yourself an allotted amount of time on each app -- once time is up, Apple will stop your scroll and alert you that it's time to log off. Before you begin, it's important that you have screen time notifications allowed. Check this setting under Settings > Notifications > Screen Time and ensure you have enabled Allow Notifications and Time Sensitive Notifications. Here's how to create time limits for your apps on your iPhone, iPad and Mac: Open your iPhone, iPad or Mac's Settings and tap Screen Time. Tap App Limits. Tap Add Limit. Select the individual or categories of apps you want to set timers for. Tap Next in the upper right corner. Scroll and set the amount of time you want to allow yourself on each app. Tap Customize Days if you want to customize your limit's schedule. Tap Add in the upper right corner. This is what it looks like when you are in an app when time is up (left) and the view from your home screen after (right). Katelyn Chedraoui/CNET Once you're approaching your set time limit, Apple will send you a notification when you've got 5 minutes remaining. After you hit your limit, the app stops whatever it's doing and presents you with a new screen that prompts you to tap OK to exit the app. If you're doing something particularly urgent, you can tap Ignore Limit below. After you've hit your limit for the day, the app will appear grayed out on your home screen with an empty timer next to it. Read More: This App Blocks Your Social Media Until You (Literally) Touch Grass Set up downtime on iPhone, iPad and Mac Another way to limit your screen time on Apple devices is to schedule downtime. Downtime is just what it sounds like -- time to put down your device and do something else. This setting will alert you once your chosen rest period begins. Here's how to set up downtime: Open your iPhone, iPad or Mac's Settings and tap Screen Time. Tap Downtime. Toggle on the widget next to Scheduled. Set your downtime schedule. Set up app timers and bedtime mode on your Android phone now. Screenshots by Moe Long Set up app timers on Android phones and computers If you have a Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy or another Android smartphone, you can set up time limits for each app as well. These settings give you the same options as Apple to set an allotment of time you can spend on each app. Here's how to set them up. Open your Android's Settings. Tap Digital wellbeing and parental controls. Tap the screen time graph. Find the app you want to set a limit for. Tap the hourglass icon next to the app you want to set a limit for. Set the amount of time you want to give yourself on each app. Tap OK. App timers on Android phones reset each day at midnight. Read More: Looking Down at Your Phone is Distressing Your Neck. Here's How to Correct Tech Neck Set up bedtime mode on Android phones, tablets and Chromebooks You can also limit your screen time by establishing a bedtime routine for your Android. This will alert you when it's time to put your device down for the night according to your schedule. Here's how to do this. Open your Android's Settings. Tap Digital wellbeing and parental controls. Tap Bedtime mode. Tap Bedtime routine. Choose whether to set a custom schedule or pick Turn on while charging, then select your desired time frame. For more about digital well-being, check out one expert's reasons to consider a social media detox and CNET's picks for the best apps to help manage your screen time.
CNET
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
It's World Emoji Day, So Celebrate With the Newest Emoji on Your iPhone
Every July 17, the internet comes together and celebrates World Emoji Day. The date was chosen because it's displayed on the 📅 calendar emoji, but it's a day to appreciate new and old emoji. And when Apple released iOS 18.4 in March, it brought some new emoji to all iPhones, including a tired-looking face with bags under its eyes -- which is just a superb emoji, in my opinion. The other new emoji include a harp, shovel and a paint splatter. Read more: An Expert's Guide to iOS 18 It's like I'm looking in a mirror. Apple Here's the full list of the eight new emoji you can use now with iOS 18.4. Google unveiled these emoji as part of Unicode 16.0 in September. Anyone can submit an idea for a new emoji. The Unicode Standard -- a universal character encoding standard -- is responsible for creating emoji. Unicode proposed nine new emoji in November 2024, including a Sasquatch and an orca. However, those are just proposed emoji. Unicode will decide in September which emoji to add next. For more on iOS 18, here's what you need to know about iOS 18.5 and iOS 18.4, as well as our iOS 18 cheat sheet. You can also check out what you should know about iOS 26.
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
iOS 26's Liquid Glass design brings big changes to your iPhone — here's everything coming in the public beta
A lot has been said about Apple's new design language for iOS 26, the much vaunted (or maligned) Liquid Glass. Apple's latest design, which is based somewhat on Apple's Vision OS, offers something very different from what we've seen before. However, while Apple did show off a lot of the new look during the last WWDC, there's nothing quite like a hands-on experience to understand if you like something. While you can access the developer beta for iOS 26, we wouldn't recommend it due to how it can negatively affect your device and apps. Thankfully, the public beta is rumored for release on July 23, according to Mark Gurman, meaning interested users could test it more easily soon. With that in mind, let's break down all the changes we've seen for Liquid Glass, compared to iOS 18, that could be coming to you soon. When it comes to the home screen, the most noticeable change occurs when you activate the 'All Clear' mode. This will make your icons and widgets appear much more translucent. However, we've heard a lot of reports that, at least in the developer mode, this can affect readability. You can solve this with the Reduce Transparency option in the settings, or by turning it off completely. If you do turn All Clear off, then the difference between the iOS 26 home screen and the one seen on iOS 18 is pretty minimal. For the most part, the only real evidence you'll see of Liquid Glass is on the dock at the bottom of the screen, which is more transparent. Overall, the icons on the iOS 26 homescreen are slightly bigger than on iOS 18. It's also noticeable that some of Apple's app icons have changed, with some, like Settings, offering slightly different shading, while others, like the Camera app, have been fully redesigned. For the most part, the Control Center remains relatively similar in both iOS 18 and iOS 26, aside from the transparency brought about by Liquid Glass. If you look at the above screenshots, you'll notice that you can fairly clearly see your iPhone's home or lock screen in the background in iOS 26. Meanwhile, the iOS 18 version's transparency has more of a grey tint. Again, this can lead to some issues making out the writing in the iOS 26 version compared to the current one, but you can turn it down a fair amount with the Reduce Transparency setting. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Arguably, the iPhone's lock screen offers the biggest difference between the two operating systems. The new version offers a more stylized clock that adjusts its size dynamically depending on the image you use, as well as the number of notifications you have. Meanwhile, the icons and notifications also feature the most noticeable translucency on the lock screen, alongside a new white text. The shortcut buttons for the torch and camera also have a slight specular highlight effect that makes them seem more 3D than the iOS 18 version. There's also a new unlock effect that makes it seem as though you're moving a pane of glass, rather than the simple slide-over animation seen in iOS 18's lock screen. One of the newest additions with iOS 26 is the introduction of dynamic tab bars in apps. This new bar will change depending on whether you're scrolling through an app or trying to perform a specific action. The new bar aims to free up the space that would usually be taken up by a static bar, while also aiming to be more intuitive. On top of that, iOS 26 will allow the on-screen buttons and menus to adapt to the color of the background. Now, this feature is available in iOS 18, but the current version is very muted, with it only changing from grey to white. Meanwhile, the iOS 26 version will be able to adapt to whatever is behind it, even as you scroll through your gallery. One thing to note is that, when the public beta eventually releases, it will likely be quite different from everything we've seen before. So far, we've seen this across the different developer beta releases. For instance, the second iOS 26 beta offered new transparency options, moved the Safari new tab button, and made changes to some of the apps and widgets. Meanwhile, the third iOS 26 beta added more changes to Liquid Glass to make it more readable, new wallpapers and several other fixes. As such, we'd expect the first public beta to take all the recommendations and fixes from the developer beta. This also goes for the full public release, which could look very different. On that note, if you plan on waiting for the official launch of the update, we're expecting it to happen around mid-September, which would match the release dates of both iOS 18 and iOS 17. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
CNET
4 days ago
- CNET
I Don't Stress About Transferring Data to a New iPhone Anymore, Now That I Know the Right Steps
Summer is usually an in-between time when there are good reasons to wait for upcoming iPhone models, but we don't always have the luxury of choosing -- sometimes gravity or old hardware makes it necessary to buy a new iPhone. And that leaves you with the task of safely moving your information from the old phone to the new one. When you know the best ways to do it, the process becomes much less stressful, giving you more time and energy to configure the most important settings and explore new features like Apple Intelligence. Fortunately, it's easier than ever to shift data to a new iPhone from the phone you have now -- even if it's an Android model. I'm here to break down the four ways to easily transfer your data from your old phone to your new iPhone, whether you're starting with a new iPhone 16 or a different model replacing your old device. If you're upgrading your current phone to the latest operating system, here's how to download iOS 18, and here's our review of iOS 18. And if it's an iPhone 15 Pro or later, get up to speed on what Apple Intelligence offers. For more, explore a bunch of hidden iOS 18 features, and learn everything you can do with the iPhone 16's new camera button. Read more: A Billion Pixels a Second: A Rare Look Inside Apple's Secret iPhone 16 Camera Labs 1. Restore from iCloud During the setup process, you'll be asked if you want to directly transfer apps and information from your old iPhone to your new one using Quick Start. This feature was first rolled out with iOS 12.4, so if it's been several years since you've upgraded phones, it'll be the first time you've seen the option. The easiest and quickest method to set up your new iPhone is to restore from a recent iCloud backup. As you walk through the initial setup process, tap Restore from iCloud Backup, sign in with your Apple Account (previously called Apple ID before iOS 18) and then pick the most recent backup of your old iPhone. If the backup is more than a day or two old, take an extra few minutes to create a new backup. To do so, open the Settings app on your old phone, search for iCloud Backup in the Search field at the top of the screen and then click the matching result. Click Back Up Now to update the cloud backup. Once that finishes, go back to your new iPhone and select the backup you just created as what you want to use to restore from. Your phone will then restore your settings and preferences, and you'll be able to start using it in about 15 minutes. It will continue downloading your installed apps in the background. Once everything is restored, you'll need to sign back into any accounts you added to your phone, as well as go through your apps and make sure you're still signed in. You've got several options when it comes to setting up your new iPhone. James Martin/CNET 2. Apple direct transfer If you do not have a recent iCloud backup or your Internet connection is slow, you can transfer everything from iPhone to iPhone, either wirelessly or via cable. When the Quick Start process asks for the source, choose the direct transfer option. Make sure you have both phones (preferably plugged in and charging to ensure they don't run out of battery), a Wi-Fi connection and enough time for the process to finish -- it could take over an hour. You can speed up that process by connecting both phones using a USB cable, but note that you might need an adapter if your current phone is an iPhone 14 or earlier with a Lightning port. Apple has more details on how to make a wired transfer work. The more information you have on your phone, like photos in your library, the longer it will take. When the transfer starts, the phones will show you a time estimate. Every time we've used this tool, that estimate has been accurate within a couple of minutes. It's worth taking the time if you don't use Apple's iCloud service to back up your phone. 3. Use a Mac or PC The method I use with every new iPhone is to restore from an encrypted backup using a Mac or PC. Not only does this process transfer all of your apps, settings and preferences, but it also means you don't have to sign into the countless apps you have on your phone. Before you can use this method, you'll need to create an encrypted backup of your current iPhone. I know that may sound intimidating or overly complicated, but it only means you have to check an extra box and enter a password. On a Mac, you'll use Finder to back up your old iPhone -- and make sure you take the steps to make an archive backup. Just make sure to check the Encrypt backup box and enter a password you'll remember when prompted. Let your Mac go to work, creating a backup file. It will let you know when it's done. Restore your data from a backup of your old iPhone using your computer. Jeff Carlson/CNET On a PC, you'll need to use iTunes (it's not completely dead) or the Apple Devices app to create a backup, as explained here. Again, you'll need to make sure the Encrypt backup box is checked and enter a password. To restore your new phone, open Finder or iTunes, and connect your phone to your computer. Click Trust when prompted, and then follow the prompts, selecting the backup you just created as what you want to use to restore the phone. You will need to enter the backup's password before the process begins, so make sure you don't forget it. Once it's done, your new phone will be an exact copy of your old phone and you won't have to spend any time signing into apps or random accounts. 4. Move to iOS for Android users Apple doesn't have many Android apps listed in Google's Play Store, but Move to iOS is one of them. This free app will connect your Android phone to a new iPhone and allow you to transfer the most important information from one phone to the other. Here's the entire step-by-step process, as well as some caveats, like the fact that it won't transfer any locally stored music or PDF files. Apple made an Android app called Move to iOS that makes moving your messages, photos, videos and more from an Android phone to an iPhone easy. Patrick Holland/CNET Apple said it has redesigned Move to iOS to make it faster and easier to migrate from your Android phone to your new iPhone. The company goes on to say it has sped up Wi-Fi migration with transfer speeds up to 5GHz, and you can use Wi-Fi on your iPhone to connect to your Android phone. You can also connect your Android phone to your new iPhone with a USB-C or USB-C to Lightning cable to move everything over more quickly, Apple said. No matter the process you used to set up your new phone, you're in for excitement and fun as you explore what it can do. Here is what you can do with the new iPhone 16 camera button and your monthly reminder to clear your iPhone cache.
Geeky Gadgets
5 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 18.6 Beta 3: Everything You Need to Know
Apple has officially rolled out iOS 18.6 Beta 3, a release designed to refine performance, enhance compliance with global regulations, and introduce subtle yet impactful features. For users with iOS 18-compatible devices, this update delivers improved connectivity, optimized system efficiency, and a glimpse into the evolving Apple ecosystem. Below is a detailed exploration of what this beta version offers in a new video from Zollotech. Watch this video on YouTube. Compatibility and Update Overview iOS 18.6 Beta 3 is compatible with all devices running iOS 18, making sure a seamless upgrade path for users already on this operating system. The update is relatively compact, with a download size of 872.4 MB on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and it carries the build number 22G5073B. By installing this update, users can keep their devices current with the latest features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements. For those enrolled in the beta program, the update can be accessed through the Software Update section in the Settings app. Apple continues to prioritize accessibility and ease of installation, making sure that even beta versions are straightforward to download and install. Notable Features and Changes This beta introduces a range of updates aimed at improving the overall user experience. Key highlights include: Modem Firmware Update: The updated modem firmware enhances network connectivity, offering faster and more reliable communication. This improvement is particularly beneficial for users in areas with inconsistent network coverage. The updated modem firmware enhances network connectivity, offering faster and more reliable communication. This improvement is particularly beneficial for users in areas with inconsistent network coverage. Third-Party App Store Integration: In compliance with European Union regulations, Apple has streamlined the process for installing third-party app stores. This marks a significant shift in Apple's ecosystem, providing users with greater flexibility while maintaining security standards. In compliance with European Union regulations, Apple has streamlined the process for installing third-party app stores. This marks a significant shift in Apple's ecosystem, providing users with greater flexibility while maintaining security standards. Enhanced AirTags Tracking: Updates to AirTags improve tracking accuracy and extend battery life, making them more dependable for locating personal items such as keys, wallets, or luggage. Updates to AirTags improve tracking accuracy and extend battery life, making them more dependable for locating personal items such as keys, wallets, or luggage. Apple Car Key 4.0: The latest version of Apple Car Key introduces faster and more efficient access to compatible vehicles, enhancing convenience for users who rely on this feature for their daily commutes. While these updates are noteworthy, the rollout of Apple Intelligence in China remains incomplete. However, this beta lays the groundwork for future AI-driven features, underscoring Apple's commitment to expanding its global capabilities and adapting to regional requirements. Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements System stability and performance optimization are central to iOS 18.6 Beta 3. Users can expect smoother animations, reduced micro-stutters, and an overall more responsive experience, particularly on newer devices. Despite these improvements, some issues persist: Wallpaper Dimming Bug: Although this issue has been mitigated in the current beta, it has not been fully resolved. Users may still notice occasional dimming of wallpapers under specific conditions. Although this issue has been mitigated in the current beta, it has not been fully resolved. Users may still notice occasional dimming of wallpapers under specific conditions. HealthKit Workaround: A known issue affecting HealthKit functionality has been documented. Apple has provided a temporary workaround for users encountering this problem, making sure minimal disruption to health tracking features. These refinements contribute to a more polished experience, making the update a valuable addition for developers and early adopters participating in the beta program. Battery Performance and Benchmark Results Battery optimization remains a key focus in iOS 18.6 Beta 3. Users have reported screen-on times ranging from 9 to 11 hours, reflecting solid battery performance across various use cases. This improvement is particularly noticeable during resource-intensive tasks such as gaming or video streaming. Benchmark results for the iPhone 16 Pro Max further highlight the system's efficiency. The device achieves scores of 3515 (single-core) and 8635 (multi-core), showcasing enhanced power management and processing capabilities. These metrics indicate that Apple continues to prioritize both performance and energy efficiency in its software updates. What's Next? Looking ahead, Apple is expected to release iOS 18.6 Beta 4 in the coming weeks, with a public rollout of iOS 18.6 anticipated by the end of July 2025. This timeline aligns with Apple's consistent update schedule, making sure users receive timely enhancements and fixes. Additionally, the iOS 26 public beta is on the horizon, with a full release projected for mid-September. This upcoming version is expected to introduce a host of new features and improvements, offering a glimpse into Apple's long-term vision for its operating systems. Developers and enthusiasts alike can look forward to exploring these advancements as Apple continues to innovate and refine its ecosystem. Expand your understanding of iOS 18.6 Beta 3 with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. Source & Image Credit: Zollotech Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, 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.
