Latest news with #iOS9
New York Post
15-07-2025
- New York Post
This iPhone hack helps your battery last longer — and barely any people know about it
There's nothing more frustrating than watching your iPhone's battery drain before your eyes — but there's one simple trick that can help your cell stay powered for far longer than you think. Thanks to a little-known software update released six years ago, all you have to do is place your phone face down when you're not using it. That's it — it really is that simple. iPhone notifications cause the device's screen to light up, using battery. 'Facedown Detection' helps prevent that from happening. Alpar – Placing your phone face down will prevent the screen from lighting up every time a notification comes through, which will be a game-changer for those who get a lot of emails or are in multiple group chats. If your phone is on vibrate or loud, you'll still have a clear way to know if you get a notification, but the screen won't light up and ultimately drain your battery. This is due to a feature called Facedown Detection, which was first introduced in 2019 with iOS 9. With Facedown Detection, the iPhone knows if its facedown on a surface thanks to ambient light and proximity sensors, which prevents the screen from turning on, even when a notification comes through. This is the same technology that's used to turn your screen off when you hold your phone to your ear on a call so you don't accidentally hang up or press other buttons. All you have to do is place your phone face down. eremin – One of the biggest drainers of battery life is when your screen lights up, so reducing this as much as possible will help keep it alive longer. Additionally, you should try to limit the number of notifications you receive. To check what you're being pinged for, go to Settings, select 'Notifications' then select the app's icon that you want to adjust. Turning off 'Allow Notifications' will stop notifications from draining battery. You can also turn on the 'Scheduled Summary' which will send a collected summary of notifications from a certain time frame at an hour of your choosing. Just select the time you want to receive the summary and select the apps that you want included.
Tom's Guide
08-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
I've been testing iOS 26 for a month — 5 tips you need to know before trying the public beta
The iOS 26 public beta arrives sometime this month, giving eager iPhone users the chance to see what new capabilities are coming to their phones ahead of a full release this fall. If you don't mind the hiccups and mishaps that can come from using any pre-release software, it's a great chance to get a sense of what's changing and maybe even give Apple some feedback on what features need fine-tuning. It's also a chance that Apple only started providing users fairly recently. Go back a decade or so, and the only way to try out iOS versions before their final release in the fall was to be an iPhone developer. Apple may have previewed its software releases during its annual developer conference, but the actual testing was kept out of the public view. That changed with iOS 9, where Apple rolled out a public beta for the very first time. I remember, because I downloaded that beta way back when... just like I've tested out every public beta for every iOS release since that time. As such, I've learned a few things about using beta software that could come in handy if you decide to give iOS 26 a try once Apple makes good on its promise to deliver a public beta this month. With beta 3 of the developer version of iOS 26 arriving just yesterday (July 7), it won't be long now until we get a public beta — probably as soon as next week. There's nothing stopping you now from downloading the iOS 26 developer beta, of course. But if you're waiting for the public beta to appear, keep these five tips in mind to make the testing experience go as smoothly as possible. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Apple's public betas are generally pretty stable, and they've already been in the hands of developers for a few weeks. So you're not exactly installing untried software on your iPhone when you download an iOS public beta. That said, the usual risks with beta software still apply. If you've got an app on your iPhone that you rely on for your everyday use, and it doesn't work smoothly with the beta software, you're not going to be terribly happy with the experience. Betas are also notorious for draining your battery faster than software that's been tried and tested. That's why I advise anyone who's trying out a beta to install it on a backup phone if they have one available. For instance, I've been running the iOS 26 developer beta since Apple released it amid WWDC 2025, and it's not installed on the iPhone I use as my daily device. Instead, I've got it on a few other iPhones I have around for testing purposes. I haven't run into any showstopping issues on those devices, but it's reduced my stress greatly not having to worry about a potential issue causing havoc on my regular phone. I'm fully aware that as a phone reviewer, I likely have more unused iPhones lying around than the typical person. In fact, given how the best phone deals encourage you to trade in your current device to get the best price on a handset, you may not have any old iPhone available at all to serve as your test device. That doesn't necessarily take you out of the running to test iOS 26 when the public beta rolls around, though. If the only phone you have available is the one currently in your pocket, my advice would be to wait until Apple releases a subsequent update to the first public beta. That way, you can make sure that other people aren't running into major issues that might trip up your iPhone use. But some of you may still decide to throw caution to the wind and install the public beta on your one and only iPhone. That's fine — just make sure you don't skip over my next piece of advice. Any time you upgrade your phone's software, you should first make an archived backup. But that's especially true when you're about to put a beta release on your device. Having a recent backup stored within easy reach buys you a bit of insurance, as you can revert to the older version of the iOS should the beta prove unstable. We've got instructions on how to back up your iPhone, but basically, if you're backing up to a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, simply plug in your iPhone to the computer, select your device from a Finder window and click Back Up Now. For iCloud backups, fire up the Settings app, tap on your name and select iCloud. From there, tap on iCloud Back Up and select Back Up Now on the subsequent screen. If you need to go back to the old version of iOS after installing a beta, you have to erase and restore your iPhone, using an archived backup. And since you want to go back to the currently shipping version of iOS and not the beta, you need to make sure that backup is from the last release — iOS 18 in the case of reverting from the iOS 26 beta. That's why I suggest backing up to a computer so that you can have some control over the backup process. All right, so you've made the backup, you've installed the beta and you're ready to explore what's new. What new feature should you try out first? In the case of iOS 26, I'd recommend setting aside time to familiarize yourself with the interface. Like the other Apple software releases this year, iOS 26 features a new Liquid Glass interface. And while it's not completely reinventing the look of the iPhone software, things will look different enough to the point where you'll want to poke around before trying any particular feature. Look at the icons and the toolbars. Notice how translucent menus are. Play around with icon shading to see which one works best for you. And above all, visit the Control Center by swiping down from the right-hand corner of your iPhone screen. The translucent panels tend to more legible with darker wallpapers, so you may find yourself wanting to follow the lead of my colleague John Velasco, who went into Settings and enabled a Reduce Transparency option in the Accessibility menu. Certain apps have more condensed toolbars, too. For example, iOS 26 Safari defaults to a new Compact tab design that features just a back button, menu and search bar and more button for accessing things like bookmarks, tabs and sharing options. If you want a more expanded look, the Bottom tab design gives you more immediate access to those options like you had in iOS 18. Safari isn't the only app with streamlined controls. You'll find them in apps like Phone, and if you have a Apple Intelligence-capable device, the screenshot controls are different to accommodate new Visual Intelligence features. Spending a little time looking around the Liquid Glass interface will help you acclimate to iOS's new look and may cut down on the frustation of getting used to a new look. After you've had a chance to look at the new interface, pick an app or two to explore in greater depth in the iOS 26 beta. I'd prioritize spending time with the apps you use the most ahead of anything else. For instance, if you're always using the Messages app, explore the changes Apple's introducing in the iOS 26 version from polls to new chat backgrounds to options for filtering out unknown senders. If it's Photos you turn to more often than not, you've got a new interface to explore there, too, not to mention the ability to turn photos into spatial photos with the tap of a button. And don't go into this exploration without a good guide. Apple has an iOS 26 preview page where you can get a list of the major new features in each app. And Tom's Guide has published some guides, too, based on our experience with the iOS 26 developer beta. Those guides include: Apple puts out these public beta not just to get people familiar with new features ahead of the software's final release. It's also looking for feedback. And that's something you can provide. There's a Feedback app specifically included in the beta. If you don't see its purple icon with an exclamation point inside a dialog balloon, just tap the search bar and start typing Feedback into the search field. Apple's already made design tweaks in iOS 26, thanks to feedback in the developer beta. And if you've got an iPhone capable of running Apple Intelligence, feedback can help train the AI tools as well. Here's an example: I was playing around with Visual Intelligence, using the new ability to pull dates from screenshots to create calendar entries. Apple Intelligence was creating an entry with the right time but wrong date, so I tapped the thumbs down feedback button that appears next to Apple Intelligence features in beta and selected Wrong Date from the list of menu options provided. Subsequent efforts to use that feature in Visual Intelligence worked much better. Not all the feedback you give will have that immediate an impact. But letting Apple know what's working and what's not in the iOS 26 beta will lead to a more polished experience — not just for you, but for everyone using the software.
Wales Online
02-07-2025
- Wales Online
Apple's iPad Mini drops under £30 and arrives next day
Apple's iPad Mini drops under £30 and arrives next day It's small enough to take on-the-go yet it's still powerful enough to run most apps without any issue Apple's iPad tablets are remarkable devices, capable of substituting some laptops depending on your work requirements. However while the robust iPad Pro models can reach a whopping 12.9 inches, some tech enthusiasts prefer a smaller, more portable alternative. Enter the iPad Mini, offering the familiar iPad design and functionality but in a compact size that could fit into a large pocket. With a screen size of 7.9 inches, Wowcher is currently offering a deal on a refurbished iPad Mini model for just £29.99, a significant drop from its usual price of £129.99. The model available here is the first generation of the iPad Mini, which was initially launched in 2012. As such, it may not deliver the performance of contemporary models, but it can still be utilised for certain tasks devised by creative tech users. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here One common use for this older iPad is to transform it into a permanent digital photo frame. Simply upload your favourite photos, mount it near a constant power source, and you have a vibrant display that can automatically cycle through all your cherished images. Another popular application for this tablet is to serve as a control centre for smart home devices. Mount the iPad on a wall and equip it with the necessary apps to manage light switches, thermostats or video doorbells, and you've got a dedicated smart home hub at your disposal, reports the Manchester Evening News. However, it's crucial to ensure that the apps you wish to utilise are compatible with this iPad model. Apple ceased its support in 2015, and it only accommodates iOS 9 - some applications necessitate a more recent software version, so it's advisable to do your homework before acquiring one. The good news is that if you need a newer model of iPad, Wowcher has plenty of other deals that might strike your fancy. Here are some of the best ones available right now: Out of all the deals, the iPad Air 5th Gen likely offers the best value for money. This is due to its compatibility with Apple's latest iOS update and its likelihood of remaining updated for several years owing to its M1 chip, which is still sufficiently robust for everyday tasks. If you're hesitant about shelling out £359, the iPad 8th Gen also presents a reasonable budget alternative. It may perform tasks slightly slower than the iPad Air, but it's still compatible with iOS 18, which remains the most recent software until Apple releases iOS 26 later this year. Online feedback suggests that those who have attempted to use the iPad Mini 1st Gen in 2025 have encountered numerous issues when trying to load contemporary apps like Netflix and YouTube. Some users also report that while Safari does launch as expected web pages can take significantly longer to load compared to the speed we've become accustomed to with modern hardware. However some users on the MacRumours forums have mentioned that they continue to use their device as a dedicated eReader for digital books. Another iPad Mini owner utilises it solely for streaming music through his home speakers. Article continues below The 1st Generation iPad Mini does hold some appeal for those willing to experiment a bit, and at £30, it certainly offers value in these scenarios. Nonetheless, if you're after something with a bit more capability, it might be worth opting for a more contemporary model.
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Shoppers save £100 on iPad Mini as it drops to £30 in popular deal
Wowcher promises to send the compact tablet out with speedy delivery. Tablets have become increasingly popular with tech users as they are the perfect combination of a laptop and a smartphone. With all the capabilities to help users get their work done, these slimline devices can also be easily placed into a bag when not in use and it won't take up too much space. Apple has been leading the race in tablets for many years, with the iPad being extremely popular with customers. However, with newer models boasting screens as big as 12.9-inches, some shoppers may be put off as they are looking for something on the smaller side. For those looking for a compact, handheld device, the iPad Mini may be the perfect option as it boasts a 7.9-inch display, making it much more 'pocket sized'. What's even better is that Wowcher has cut the price of the gadget down from £129.99 down to £29.99 in a popular deal. Shoppers should note that the iPad Mini for sale is the first generation of the device that was released in 2012. Additionally, the tech has already been owned by another person before it was refurbished by experts, reports Manchester Evening News. Because of this, shoppers shouldn't expect the mini tablet to offer a performance of that of newer, shinier devices on the market. However, this doesn't mean that the gadget is at the end of its life, as it still has many uses. iPad Mini £129.99 £29.99 Wowcher Buy Now Product Description For example, some iPad Mini owners have decided to use it as a permanent digital photo frame by uploading their favourite pics and mounting the device somewhere with a power source. With a vibrant screen, the device will switch between your photos automatically. Alternatively, some shoppers have decided to use the tablet as a hub for other smart home devices. For those who want an easily accessible control panel for your smart tech, users just need to mount the iPad onto the wall, download the apps to control lightswitches, video doorbells and thermostats and you are all set. The only issue that may arise with the smart panel idea is that some of the apps may not be compatible with the device. This is due to Apple discontinuing the first gen iPad Mini in 2015, which means it can only support apps that work with iOS 9. For those who are happy to buy a refurbished iPad but are looking for a newer model in comparison to the iPad Mini, Wowcher also has some cracking deals on other devices. For example, shoppers can grab the 8th Generation iPad for £139 after it was chopped from a retail price of £429.99. This device is compatible with the latest iOS software and is powered by the A12 Fusion chip. With a slightly bigger screen at 10.2-inches, this iPad comes with smooth multitasking and a fast performance. Alternatively, Wowcher has chopped 50 per cent off the iPad Pro 3rd Gen. Normally priced at £849, shoppers can now snatch it up for £425. Released in 2018, this device comes with a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display, as well as a 12MP rear camera that can record in 4K. For those still wanting the compact size of the mini alternative, Amazon is selling the iPad Mini with the A17 Pro chip for a slightly lower price of £469 (RRP £499). Available in four colours, this device comes with a 8.3-inch screen and 128GB of storage. Some iPad Mini owners have spoken about their experiences online with using the first gen iPad Mini in 2025. Some have noted that they have run into several issues with trying to load modern apps such as Netflix and Youtube. On top of this, others noted that Safari works as it should, but web pages can take longer load in comparison to modern devices. As for those still regularly using the decade-old device, many said on MacRumours forums that they use the tablet as an eReader for digital books. This is a sound use of the tablet as the current cheapest Amazon Kindle on the market is priced at £94.99. Alternatively, one iPad Mini owner shared that they use the device as a music streaming device for his home speakers. To buy the iPad Mini for £29.99 from Wowcher, click HERE. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
The Irish Sun
20-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
I found a secret iPhone folder that could expose bad habits, financial info & cheating – deleting it saved my storage
YOUR smartphone is like an electronic mirror - it can reveal all sorts about who you are, who you're close to and what your interests are. But I found a secret folder recently that could expose more about me than I'd like to admit. It's quite spooky. 4 It acts as a chunky dossier of my social media scrolling, internet browsing, social life - and all my bad habits Credit: Getty Apple introduced a dedicated Screenshots album in iOS 9, all the way back in 2015. Somehow, I've only just discovered it - and with the sheer size of it, there's no wonder my storage is always full. It's tucked away in From strings of screenshots of wedding guest dresses, confirmation pages following shopping orders and ticket bookings, to (and I hate to admit this) my own bank details - this album of images is incredibly personal. It acts as a chunky dossier of my social media scrolling, internet browsing, social life - and all my bad habits. All the Instagram profiles I've screenshotted, messages I've shared for my friends to weigh in on, to my own financial information that is ripe for hackers - it's all there. Whenever you screenshot something on your iPhone, that snap is automatically transported to its own, exclusive folder. Where these images are usually camouflaged in your wider Photos album, they are truly laid bare in the Screenshots folder. I had nearly 3,700 screenshotted images inside this hidden folder - that's roughly 2GB in storage. You might even be able to call me a digital hoarder - an emerging "dark side of technology" which can fuel anxiety and stress levels, according to a recent Apple shows you tips and tricks on the new Iphone 16e with Apple Intelligence But doing so is not only eating into my storage, it poses a huge security risk too. Interestingly, considering how much it reveals about me, this sneaky folder may even be used to 4 While you may find it hard to let go of some images - 'just in case' you might need them later - remember that some of these screenshots may pose a security risk Credit: Getty Save storage By deleting all my screenshots - spanning nearly a decade - I managed to Unlike your main photo library, the Screenshots album gives you the option to Select All - so deleting every snap in one swoop is easy. If you want to wipe all screenshots, tap Select in the top-right, then hit Select All in the top-left. Once everything's highlighted, tap the bin icon and confirm. While you may find it hard to let go of some images - 'just in case' you might need them later - remember that some of these screenshots may pose a security risk. Where is the Screenshots folder? Apple's Photos app automatically puts all your screenshots in a dedicated album - all you need to do is locate it. Here's how: Open the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad. Scroll down, and you will see a Media Types section. Tap it. Select Screenshots to see them all in one spot. If you're on iOS 17, make sure you're in the Albums tab. Then, scroll down to find the Screenshots folder. Alternatively, Apple may keep it in your Pinned Collections. Simply scroll along pass your Favourites and Recently Saved albums to find Screenshots. Image credit: Apple 4 Some screenshots may expose sensitive information, such as financial details or passwords Credit: Getty Security risk If you're an avid online shopper or digital banking user like me, then your screenshots could pose a security risk for your accounts. Some snaps may expose sensitive information, such as financial details or passwords. Even information that could be used for phishing scams, such as my name, email and postal address, can be in these screenshots. This is yet another reason to let go of those pesky screenshots you never revisit or reopen. Now, here's the part some people miss. When you delete a screenshot - or any image for that matter - it's not fully gone. The image quietly moves to the Recently Deleted album for up to 30 days before it is automatically removed. If you want it gone for good - and you want to free up space immediately - then go into the Recently Deleted album, select the screenshots again, and hit Delete . 4 This hidden folder could be an obscure but easy way to catch out a cheater Credit: Getty Caught out Now, I know that you could learn a lot about me from my Screenshots folder - meaning you could probably extract a lot of information about someone else from theirs. This hidden folder, therefore, could be an obscure but easy way to catch out a cheater. Anyone can delete texts or WhatsApp messages - however, there might be a trace of infidelity hidden in their screenshots. Be it from screenshots of someone's recent Instagram photo, or perhaps confirmation of a dinner reservation you weren't privy to. Four red flags your partner is cheating Private Investigator Aaron Bond from BondRees revealed four warning signs your partner might be cheating. They start to take their phone everywhere with them In close relationships, it's normal to know each other's passwords and use each other's phones, if their phone habits change then they may be hiding something. "You should also look at how they place their phone down when not in use. If they face the phone with the screen facing down, then they could be hiding something." They start telling you less about their day When partners cheat they can start to avoid you, this could be down to them feeling guilty or because it makes it easier for them to lie to you. "If you feel like your partner has suddenly begun to avoid you and they don't want to do things with you any more or they stop telling you about their day then this is another red flag." "Partners often avoid their spouses or tell them less about their day because cheating can be tough, remembering all of your lies is impossible and it's an easy way to get caught out," says Aaron. Their libido changes Your partner's libido can change for a range of reasons so it may not be a sure sign of cheating but it can be a red flag according to Aaron. Aaron says: "Cheaters often have less sex at home because they are cheating, but on occasions, they may also have more sex at home, this is because they feel guilty and use this increase in sex to hide their cheating. You may also find that your partner will start to introduce new things into your sex life that weren't there before." They become negative towards you Cheaters know that cheating is wrong and to them, it will feel good, this can cause tension and anxiety within themselves which they will need to justify. "To get rid of the tension they feel inside they will try to convince themselves that you are the problem and they will become critical of you out of nowhere. Maybe you haven't walked the dog that day, put the dishes away or read a book to your children before bedtime. A small problem like this can now feel like a big deal and if you experience this your partner could be cheating," warns Aaron.
