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Apple seeds iOS 17.3 Release Candidate to developers, here's what's new
This could be the final iOS 17.3 build before public launch
Following several weeks of beta testing with developers and enthusiasts, Apple has seeded the Release Candidate (RC) of iOS 17.3. For those unfamiliar, RC builds are typically the last in the beta testing cycle, and the latest iteration of iOS 17 will launch to the public in just a week. Previous betas introduced collaborative playlist support in Apple Music, Stolen Device Protection, and more. The iOS 17.3 Release Candidate version further optimizes them and patches leftover bugs. It additionally offers new changes, which we've highlighted below.
iOS app developers are in for a nasty surprise if they link to alternative payment methods
Apple’s updated App Store guidelines aren’t the win developers were hoping for
Yesterday, the Supreme Court finally concluded the legal battle between Epic Games and Apple. To comply with the ruling that prohibits "anti-steering" measures, the great iPhone maker has adjusted its iOS App Store guidelines. As a result, developers can now reference and link to alternative payment methods in their iPhone apps. While this change may initially seem like a long-awaited win, it actually is bundled with restrictions that discourage developers from adopting it. In fact, some devs could end up losing more money if they implement this new StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement.
iOS users are one step closer to sidestepping the App Store for payments
Developers may no longer be limited to the App Store's billing system
Back in 2020, Epic Games challenged Apple's strict guidelines by introducing an alternative payment system for IAPs in Fortnite. The great iPhone maker expectedly reacted by removing the game from the iOS App Store, as its developer guidelines explicitly prohibit that. As a result, Epic Games took Apple to court for its monopolistic practices, which not only ban devs from implementing third-party billing systems in their iPhone apps, but also forbid them from simply mentioning them. Following over three long years of this legal battle, the Supreme Court has finally concluded it, and Apple will have to allow devs to reference third-party payment methods in their apps.
How to customize the Lock Screen on your iPhone or iPad
Your iDevice supports some advanced Lock Screen customizations
With iOS 16 and iPadOS 17, Apple finally enabled iDevice users to customize their Lock Screens in advanced ways. Prior to these releases, users were pretty much limited to changing the wallpaper. Now, they could still do that, along with adding widgets, changing the font, and doing much more. So, if you just set up a new iPhone or iPad and are looking for ways to personalize it, then you can learn all about customizing the Lock Screen in this guide.
If you just set up a new iPad for the first time, then there are some essentials you need to know. iPadOS 17 differs from other tablet operating systems and offers its unique set of features and capabilities. So, to make the most out of your flagship tablet, you may want to get accustomed to these offerings that will only contribute to more powerful workflows. To get you started, we will list some of our favorite tips for setting everything up.
How to perform the Ear Tip Fit Test for AirPods Pro
A good seal can improve your overall listening experience
The AirPods Pro 2 are the best wireless earbuds for most iPhone users, offering a rich set of advanced features in a compact design. Of course, one of the most important parts of trying out your earbuds is ensuring they fit your ears perfectly. If you've just set up a pair on your iPhone, you may have noticed the Ear Tip Fit Test option. This test is currently exclusive to the AirPods Pro, and we advise all users to take it at least once.
Since 2006, Apple has been offering Boot Camp on all of its computers by default, which allows users to dual-boot Windows and macOS on their machines. This spares them the need to rely on virtualization, which negatively impacts the operating system's performance. However, with the debut of the M-series chips, Apple stopped including Boot Camp on the latest Mac models. So, for you to run Windows 11 on an Apple Silicon Mac, you will now need to rely on a virtual machine. Whether you're on macOS Sonoma or an earlier OS version, the steps you have to follow are the same, and we will be highlighting them in this guide.
Multitasking on the latest Android phones can really leverage their mighty chipsets. Users can split the screen to house multiple open apps and even have floating app windows. While the new iPhone models also support some multitasking features, they're objectively lacking when compared to what's available on Android or iPadOS 17. Nevertheless, iPhone users can still simplify some of their workflows by relying on the multitasking features available to them, and we will be highlighting these tools below.
The latest iPhone models exclusively offer a new feature called the Dynamic Island. So, if you're using one of the recent iPhones, you will notice its presence towards the top of your screen. While the Dynamic Island serves some purposes, certain users find it distracting. As a result, they may decide to disable it, along with its intrusive animations. To learn how to do so, read on.
5 ways your iPhone can help you stick to your New Year's resolutions
iOS can push you to become a better version of yourself, if you want it to
Every January 1st, millions of people worldwide say New Year, new me. This overused statement generally refers to the resolutions we have in store for the upcoming twelve months, which typically revolve around bettering ourselves. In reality, however, many people lose motivation soon after and disregard whatever goals they have planned for the new year. If you've been struggling with sticking to your New Year's resolutions and need a small push, the new iPhone you bought during the holiday season can assist.
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Apple makes some of the best tablets on the market, but if you're looking for a modern iPad that isn't going to break the bank, the iPad 10 is going to be for you. The iPad 10 delivers a wonderful experience thanks to its sleek design and powerful A14 Bionic processor. Furthermore, it's one of the best iPads you can buy on a budget, and there are also plenty of great accessories available that really enhance the overall experience.
Apple explains how it counts Find My items following a quiet limit increase
You're no longer limited to 16 items in the Find My app
When Apple introduced the AirTag, certain power users quickly reached a 16-item limit and voiced their concerns about it. Considering the AirTag's reasonable price and Find My network's broad reach, many have tried to tag as many of their personal belongings as possible. And since the Cupertino firm opened up Find My to third-party trackers back in 2021, users have had even more solid options to choose from, beyond the AirTag itself. The main obstacle was being limited to 16 items per Apple ID, which apparently has been doubled on newer OS versions.
The iPad 9 is the best tablet for Apple users on a budget. While it packs some dated internals in its classic shell, it still supports the latest iPadOS 17, Apple Pencil 1, and a wide range of apps. Consequently, this tablet should last you for years to come, assuming you properly maintain it. That's why you should buy an iPad 9 case and keep its exterior shielded at all times. Through a case, not only are you freshening up its dull appearance, but you're also dodging potential shocks, cracks, and damage. To help you find the best iPad 9 cover for your use case, we've listed some of the excellent options below.
19 years ago today, the iPod Shuffle became one of the smallest portable music players
On this day in 2005, Apple introduced its most portable music player ever
Once upon a time, Apple used to put out creative products that impacted many industries. That's changed over the past decade. So, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max is undoubtedly a solid phone, it isn't as groundbreaking as some of the devices Apple launched in the 2000s. A prominent example is the iPod Shuffle, which was announced on this day 19 years ago. At the time, it was one of the tiniest portable music players on the market, and it truly revolutionized how people consumed digital music, much like the first iPod did.
How to put iPhone into Recovery mode
You'll need to use Recovery mode when you perform certain OS-level tasks
All new iPhone models offer a handy feature called Recovery mode. However, most casual users will likely never encounter this tool, as it's buried and hidden away from the main user interface. After all, Recovery mode has very specific use cases and wasn't designed to be easily accessible. So, what's Recovery mode all about, and how do you trigger it on your iPhone? Here's what you need to know.
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are the best wireless earbuds out there if you're pairing with an Apple device, and their portable nature means you'll likely be carrying them just about everywhere you go. That's been my experience with AirPods, and I can attest that adding some protection to their case can go a long way to keeping them in good shape.
How to put your iPhone on vibrate
The Taptic Engine in your iPhone supports different types of haptic feedback
One of the first decisions you have to make after setting up a new iPhone is whether you want it to vibrate. Depending on your situation, you may need your phone to blast loud alerts and vibrate to get your attention, or you may need to set it to silent vibrations while you're in class or watching a movie. And, of course, some want neither sound alerts nor vibrations. Regardless of your preferences, we will demonstrate how to put your iPhone on vibrate or silence it completely. Whether you're running iOS 17 or a slightly older OS version, the steps you need to follow are the same.
What's gaming really like on Apple Silicon? We've tested M1, M2, and M3
Do Arm Macs cater to serious gamers?
Apple's latest Macs are some of the best computers for creative work and general productivity. Nevertheless, the platform has been infamous for not being gamer-friendly. However, with the switch from Intel to Apple Silicon chips, there have been some notable advancements in the CPU and GPU departments that might appeal to potential gamers. Do these upgrades make serious gaming on Apple Silicon Macs possible, though? We've tested the M1, M2, and M3 chip families to find out.
Apple releases iOS 17.3 beta 3 to developers
A new pre-release build is now available to iPhone users
The initial iOS 17 release didn't pack all of the goods Apple previewed during WWDC23. As a result, the company has been seeding iOS 17.X updates to introduce these anticipated features and patch leftover bugs. The first betas of iOS 17.3 brought collaborative playlist support in Apple Music, Stolen Device Protection, and more. And, now that iOS 17.3 beta 3 has become available to those enrolled in Apple's developer program, it's time to look into it, too. Below, we will list everything new we uncover in this updated, pre-release build.
iTunes just turned 23 years old, and it could be its last birthday
On this day in 2001, Apple debuted its famous media player
On Jan. 9, 2001, the great iPhone maker debuted what would become arguably the world's most popular digital media app. iTunes has had a long history and has risen and fallen quite a bit during its 23 years of existence. What was once praised for revolutionizing how people consume music has become synonymous with bloatware, and if recent moves are any indication, it's on its way out. So, to celebrate its birthday, we will be taking a look back at iTunes' history, along with its uncertain but inevitable future.