Search results for: “App”

  • Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    T-Mobile has launched a public beta for its Starlink satellite service, inviting everyone in the U.S. with a compatible iPhone or Android phone to join. This is great news even if you’re not with T-Mobile, as you can test this new way to stay connected without traditional cell service.

    How to Get Involved:

    • Free Beta Access: You can sign up to use Starlink for free until July, but there are only a few spots.

    Pricing After July:

    • T-Mobile’s Go5G Next plan users and those with other eligible plans will keep using it for free.
    • If you have another T-Mobile plan, you can add Starlink for $15 a month, per phone line.
    • Users on other carriers will pay $20 a month, per line.
    • Early Bird Discount: Sign up before February ends, and you’ll get the service for just $10 per month starting in July.

    Where It Works:

    • In areas outside the usual cell service range in the U.S., your phone will link up with one of Starlink’s many satellites to send and receive texts when you’re off the grid.

    Future Features:

    • While it currently supports messaging, T-Mobile plans to add voice calls and internet data soon.

    iPhone Users, Take Note:

    • Your iPhone will show “SAT” when using this satellite service.
    • To stop using it, go to Settings, find Cellular, select your carrier, and switch off Satellite.

    What You Need:

    • An iPhone 14, 15, or 16 model.
    • The newest iOS update.
    • A compatible carrier plan.

    This isn’t the first time iPhones have used satellites; Apple already has a deal with Globalstar for emergency messaging. However, Starlink’s network is much bigger, offering smoother, automatic connections without aiming your phone.

    Remember:

    • Apple’s satellite features are currently free, but this might change.
    • The service is available in the U.S., with varying availability elsewhere.

    Starlink’s wide reach could change how we think about staying connected, making it an exciting time for smartphone users looking to stay in touch no matter where they are.

  • Boost Your Savings: Enhanced Trade-In values for Macs now available

    Boost Your Savings: Enhanced Trade-In values for Macs now available

    Apple has just bumped up the trade-in values for several Mac models in the U.S., allowing you to save more when you decide to upgrade. Here’s a quick look at how much you could get back on your old Mac:

    • MacBook Pro – Now valued at up to $925, was $915
    • MacBook Air – Now up to $435, previously $425
    • MacBook – Increased to up to $140 from $90
    • iMac – You can get up to $315, it was $305 before
    • iMac Pro – Now up to $455, up from $405
    • Mac mini – Valued at up to $375, was $365
    • Mac Studio – Now up to $1,150, a slight increase from $1,140
    • Mac Pro – Up to $720, which was $670 before

    These boosted trade-in values are only available until April 2, so you have a limited time to take advantage of this offer. Whether you’re looking to buy a new Apple device right away or prefer to get an Apple gift card for future use, this is a great opportunity to get more for your old tech.

    You can trade in your Mac either online at Apple’s website or directly at an Apple Store. Once you trade in, the credit can be used towards purchasing a new Apple product or converted into an Apple gift card.

    For more information or to start your trade-in, head over to Apple’s trade-in page. Don’t miss out on these enhanced values to make your next upgrade more affordable!

  • iPhone SE 4 Launching Soon: 5 key features to look forward to

    iPhone SE 4 Launching Soon: 5 key features to look forward to

    While everyone is talking about the iPhone 17, Apple is quietly preparing another exciting release. The iPhone SE 4 is set to be a big upgrade for Apple’s budget-friendly phone, with a fresh look, USB-C charging, and more. Here are five things you can expect from the iPhone SE 4.

    iPhone SE 4: What’s New

    1. Modern Design with a Larger Screen

    • The iPhone SE 4 will look completely different from the current model. Right now, the iPhone SE has an older iPhone 8-style design with thick borders around a 4.7-inch screen and a Home button. The new version, however, will have a sleek, modern design similar to the iPhone 14.
    • Leaked details suggest it will have a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a small cutout at the top. It will also have flat edges instead of the rounded ones on the current model. The new phone is expected to be slightly bigger, measuring about 147.7 x 71.5 x 7.7mm, compared to the current 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm.

    2. Face ID Instead of Touch ID

    • The current iPhone SE uses a Home button with Touch ID for unlocking, but the iPhone SE 4 will switch to Face ID. This is possible because of the new design with a cutout at the top of the screen, where the Face ID sensors will sit.

    3. Better Speed and Power

    • The current iPhone SE runs on the A15 Bionic chip, which is already fast for its price. The iPhone SE 4 will take this a step further with the newer A18 chip and 8GB of RAM. This means it will be able to handle Apple’s latest AI features without any trouble.

    4. USB-C Charging

    • The iPhone SE 4 will switch from the old Lightning port to USB-C for charging, just like the iPhone 16. This change is required by new rules in the European Union and makes charging more universal.

    5. Apple’s Own Modem

    • For the first time, the iPhone SE 4 will use a modem made by Apple instead of one from Qualcomm. This is a big step for Apple, but users likely won’t notice any difference. If everything works smoothly, it’s a success for Apple.

    Final Thoughts

    • After more than a year of rumors, the iPhone SE 4 might finally be announced soon, possibly next week, according to Bloomberg. Instead of a big event, Apple is expected to share the news through a simple press release on its website.

    What do you think about the iPhone SE 4? Does it fit well in Apple’s lineup, or should Apple rethink its strategy for budget phones?

  • New iOS Update Coming Soon: iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    New iOS Update Coming Soon: iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    We might see the first beta version of Apple’s next big update, iOS 18.4, as early as next week. This news comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg.

    What to Expect Next Week

    Next week will be action-packed with the release of Apple’s new Powerbeats with heart rate sensors and the iPhone SE 4. Despite this busy schedule, the iOS 18.4 beta could still appear on February 12 or 13. If Apple decides to wait, the update might come out on February 18, since February 17 is Presidents’ Day, a holiday in the U.S.

    Release Schedule

    Usually, Apple rolls out new betas after software updates, but there’s been a bit of a wait since iOS 18.3, which was released 11 days ago on January 27. We’ll reach the two-week mark on February 10, but Apple sometimes takes longer between updates, especially when they’re packed with new features.

    What’s New in iOS 18.4?

    Rumors are swirling that iOS 18.4 will introduce significant updates to Siri, focusing on what Apple calls “Apple Intelligence”. This includes making Siri more aware of what’s on your screen, understanding your personal context, and improving how it works within and across different apps. Given Siri’s past challenges with performance and accuracy, Apple is likely taking extra care with these enhancements.

    More Features

    Besides Siri improvements, the update might include new emojis, changes to default apps in the European Union, and the expansion of Apple Intelligence features to more languages and countries. Apple has already mentioned plans to broaden Apple Intelligence to additional countries in an April update, so we expect iOS 18.4 to be in beta testing until March, setting the stage for a full launch in April.

    This update promises to be a significant step forward for Apple’s mobile operating system, enhancing user interaction and expanding its global reach.

    Source

  • New iPhone update coming soon: iOS 18.3.1

    New iPhone update coming soon: iOS 18.3.1

    Apple is quietly working on a new update for iPhones called iOS 18.3.1. We know this thanks to our website’s tracking, which has proven to be a good sign of what updates are coming next. You can expect this update to roll out in the coming weeks.

    About iOS 18.3.1

    This update isn’t going to be a big one. It’s mainly about fixing small problems and making sure your iPhone is safer by patching up security holes. One thing to note, the feature that gives you quick summaries of notifications for news and fun apps was turned off in the last update because it wasn’t working right. We don’t know yet if this will be fixed in iOS 18.3.1 or if we’ll have to wait for another update.

    Looking Ahead to iOS 18.4

    We’re also on the lookout for the first test version of iOS 18.4, which should come out this month. This update is set to bring some cool new stuff like better AI features for Siri, new emojis, and the option for people in the EU to choose their favorite map or translation apps by default. According to Apple’s site, we might see iOS 18.4 in April, after some testing.

    So, keep an eye out for these updates if you want your iPhone to run smoothly and securely!

  • New iPhone tool helps find lost luggage at more airports

    New iPhone tool helps find lost luggage at more airports

    A new tool on iPhones is making it simpler for travelers to locate their lost or delayed bags at airports, and now more airlines are using it.

    Tracking Luggage with AirTags

    With the latest update to iOS 18.2, the Find My app now lets you share the location of your luggage if it has an AirTag attached. This means if your bag gets lost, airport staff from participating airlines can help find it more easily.

    This week, airlines like Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings started supporting this feature. Before this, airlines like Delta, United, Air Canada, and Air New Zealand were already on board.

    Sharing the Location

    If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, or macOS Sequoia 15.2 or newer, you can link the Find My app to share your luggage’s location. Anyone with this link can check a webpage that shows where the luggage is on a map, which updates as the bag moves. Apple has ensured that sharing these links is both private and secure. Only a few airport workers can see the link, and they need to log in with an Apple Account or a partner email to access it.

    The sharing stops as soon as you get your bag back, or it automatically ends after one week.

    Expansion Plans

    Apple released iOS 18.2 in December, and they’re planning to work with more airlines in the coming months to expand this helpful feature. This tool is a game-changer for travelers, making the stress of lost luggage a thing of the past.

  • Good News for Old iPhone 7 Users: You might get some money back

    Good News for Old iPhone 7 Users: You might get some money back

    If you owned an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus back in 2016 or 2017, you might be in for a treat. These phones were pretty great, but some had a problem called “Loop Disease.” This issue led to a class action lawsuit a few years back, which got the green light last year. Now, in 2025, those former owners are starting to see some cash.

    The payments are around $200 for each claim, which isn’t too shabby. This money comes from a $35 million settlement, with the lawyers who pushed the lawsuit getting the largest slice of the pie.

    The time to join the lawsuit was up last summer, so if you missed it, you’re out of luck. Apple didn’t admit they did anything wrong but agreed to settle anyway.

    “Loop Disease” supposedly came from pressing on a specific part of the phone, leading to bad sound during calls, especially on FaceTime. How much money you get depends if you had to pay for fixing the phone due to this issue. Those who didn’t pay for repairs will likely get less, with the highest possible payment being $350.

    This isn’t the first time Apple has settled over hardware issues. Last fall, MacBook users with problematic butterfly keyboards also started getting their share from a separate settlement.

    So, if you were one of those affected iPhone 7 users, check your mail or bank account; you might find a pleasant surprise waiting for you.

  • Beware of sneaky software thieves on your Mac

    Beware of sneaky software thieves on your Mac

    Mac computers are facing a growing problem with a type of harmful software known as “stealers.” A recent report from 2025 by Malwarebytes, a company that specializes in malware defense, highlights this trend.

    Traditionally, Mac users have mostly dealt with annoying adware or browser hijackers like VSearch or Genieo. However, 2024 marked a shift with a rise in more dangerous malware, specifically information stealers.

    These stealers are crafted to hunt down valuable data such as credit card details, login cookies, cryptocurrency, and passwords. This information is gold for cybercriminals looking to profit from their theft.

    Often, these malicious programs sneak onto your Mac when you’re looking to download legitimate software. Criminals use deceptive ads on search engines like Google or Bing, where you might click on what seems like a real download link but ends up installing malware instead. They target users by customizing ads based on your location, what software you’re looking for, and even your operating system.

    One notorious stealer, called Atomic Stealer or AMOS, first appeared in 2023. Its variant, Poseidon, has become quite popular among hackers. Poseidon claims it can swipe cryptocurrency from over 160 different digital wallets, plus steal passwords from various browsers and some password managers. It disguises itself as popular Mac apps, like the Arc Browser, to fool users into downloading it.

    Malwarebytes warns that with stealers like Poseidon, attackers can not only steal your information but also use it to craft sophisticated scams.

    To protect yourself, always check the source of your downloads. Make sure you’re getting software from trusted developers and not from questionable websites that mimic real ones. This vigilance can help keep your Mac safe from these sneaky thieves.

    Source

  • macOS Sequoia 15.3 update solves backup problem

    macOS Sequoia 15.3 update solves backup problem

    Apple has just released macOS Sequoia 15.3, and it seems to have fixed a problem with the backup software SuperDuper. This update tackles a glitch that stopped SuperDuper from making bootable backups on Macs, as reported by the software’s creator, Dave Nanian.

    The problem started with macOS 15.2, where SuperDuper would hit a snag known as a “Resource Busy” error while trying to copy important system files needed for booting up from a backup. This error was due to Apple’s own backup tools not working properly.

    “With macOS 15.3 out now, the issue with the copying tool is fixed,” Nanian shared on his blog. “This means you can again use ‘Erase, then copy’ for your backups.”

    Despite this good news, Nanian warns that even with the bug fixed, booting from these backups isn’t guaranteed to work every time. This is because Apple has tightened security measures in both the macOS software and new Mac hardware.

    For instance, if you have an Apple Silicon Mac, the internal SSD must be working for you to boot from an external backup. If your Mac’s internal drive fails, you won’t be able to start up from a SuperDuper backup, no matter how well it’s made.

    This update is a step forward for those relying on SuperDuper for their backup needs, but users should still be aware of these hardware and software changes affecting how backups are used.

  • New feature in Outlook for Mac: Undo Your Sent Emails

    New feature in Outlook for Mac: Undo Your Sent Emails

    Microsoft is now adding a handy feature to Outlook for Mac that lets you take back emails you’ve sent, similar to a great feature Apple introduced for Mail. This update makes sure that the Mac version of Outlook matches up with what’s available on Windows and online. This new feature is called “Recall” – not to be confused with another Microsoft product of the same name. It works much like Apple’s “Undo Send” option, which was added to Mail back in 2022.

    The concept is simple: you’ve sent an email and then you spot a typo, or maybe you’ve said something you wish you hadn’t. You want to stop that email from being read. Apple’s method is pretty basic. It gives you a small window of time, a few seconds before the email leaves your outbox.

    Microsoft’s Recall, however, goes a bit further but with some restrictions. Here’s how it operates:

    • The recall only activates after you hit “Send”.
    • It only works if both you and the person you’re emailing use Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Exchange accounts within the same company.
    • If you’re sending to or from personal email services like Hotmail, Gmail, or live.com, you won’t be able to use this feature.

    This means you can retract an email well beyond the initial send buffer, but only if everyone involved uses Microsoft professional accounts within the same organization. It’s perfect for workplace communications where you might need to correct a message. Currently, Recall for Outlook on Mac is in its testing phase but will soon be available to all users.

    Source