Table of contents for 166 in iPad & iPhone User

Qualcomm has announced what it claims is the first 10 gigabit 5G modem, the Snapdragon X65. Or more accurately, ‘Modem-RF System’, as it includes the modem, RF transceivers, RF front-end, antenna module... it’s a matched set. If you’re excited about the prospect of this sort of speed in Apple’s autumn iPhone release (iPhone 12S? iPhone 13?), don’t hold your breath. It’s likely headed to next year’s iPhone, due to be released in the autumn of 2022. When it arrives, you can expect better peak performance and a host of other benefits, but some of it will require carriers to upgrade their networks. BENEFITS Qualcomm lists a host of improvements in its new modem. As usual, you should take any manufacturer’s claims of performance with a grain of salt. The Snapdragon…

While a new Apple Car is still likely many years away (see page 13), that’s not the only new product Apple is reportedly working on. A flurry of new rumours point to a possible release of an AR/VR headset early next year. While it’s not quite the sleek Apple Glasses that were recently rumoured, two reports say that Apple may launch an augmented- and virtual-reality headset in 2022 with seriously high-end specs. According to JP Morgan (via iMore), the headset will feature six cameras and an optical LiDAR scanner like the iPhone 12. The firm says the design of the unit is somewhat similar to HTC and Oculus with a head strap and enclosed front. That report was followed by tech news site The Information, which adds a few more…

If you’re desperate for an iPhone but your budget doesn’t quite stretch to Apple’s newest models, buying an old, used or refurbished iPhone is a great way to pick up a bargain. While this might sound like a risky route to take, it doesn’t have to be the case, as there are a number of specialist retailers that offer warranties and check all devices before sending them out. APPLE REFURBISHED STORE Now is a particularly great time to buy a refurbished iPhone, as Apple itself sells iPhones in its own Certified Refurbished Store in the UK. One of the main reasons for buying from the Apple Refurbished Store, aside from the lower cost, is that the devices all come with the same one-year limited warranty that you’ll find on the…

One of the iPhone 12’s most interesting new features is MagSafe – a ring of magnets, an NFC antenna and wireless charging at rates up to 15 watts. It can enable a whole new ecosystem of accessories, including cases, wallets, stands, and more. Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of third-party accessories marketed as ‘MagSafe compatible’, and you should know that this is not the same as being an actual officially licensed MagSafe accessory, which Apple calls ‘Made for MagSafe.’ Some of these chargers, wallets, and mounts may work perfectly well, but you should know what you’re buying, and ‘MagSafe Compatible’ is not MagSafe. ‘MAGSAFE COMPATIBLE’ IS USUALLY JUST MAGNETS There’s nothing Apple can do to prevent an accessory maker from throwing a ring of magnets on their wireless charger,…

Apple prefers that your private data stay on your devices. That philosophy has prevented and delayed a number of product features that some of Apple’s competitors have rolled out earlier, but the trade-off is often worth it. A few months ago, Apple enhanced its HomeKit Secure Video integration with iOS/iPadOS 14’s Home app to let you tie in your Photos library’s People app, while giving nothing away to Apple – or providing a hole for others to snoop. That’s a lot of terms to unpack, however. HomeKit Secure Video is Apple’s iCloud-based home security camera storage and monitoring system. Apple doesn’t sell cameras, but this system works with about 10 cameras across several manufacturers. (I switched my existing Logitech Circle from Logitech’s system to Apple a few months ago.) It…

With iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, Apple will solve one of the most vexing iPhone problems of the last year: the fact that Face ID doesn’t work when wearing a mask. The software is currently in beta, but when released, those who have an Apple Watch will be able to unlock their iPhone quickly and seamlessly when Face ID detects they’re wearing a mask. Here’s how it works. REQUIREMENTS First, you’ll need an iPhone that has Face ID and an Apple Watch. The iPhone must be updated to iOS 14.5 and the Apple Watch must be updated to watchOS 7.4. Furthermore, your Apple Watch must secured with a passcode, worn on your wrist, and unlocked. It must also be nearby to your iPhone. In other words, the requirements for unlocking…

For years now, Apple has trumpeted its commitment to the privacy of its customers. Unlike most of its competitors, Apple’s business model (primarily selling products and services, not advertising) allows it to succeed without relying on collecting personal information from its customers. It’s a big advantage, and Apple knows it. But when I look at Apple’s product strategy, I’m surprised at all the ways that the company has failed to take advantage of its unique position. From operating-system features to new services, the company should double down on privacy – and widen the lead it has over its competitors. GET AGGRESSIVE IN OTHER APPLE APPS Apple has done a pretty good job of managing privacy inside Safari. Using the web leaks information in some fundamental ways, but Apple has done…

When Apple unveiled its new MagSafe magnetic accessory system for the iPhone 12, we were all thinking one thing: a smart battery pack. Instead, we got a wallet and an underwhelming portable charger. Now, a new report says the battery pack Apple is working on might never arrive at all. Bloomberg reveals that Apple is indeed working on a “magnetically attached battery pack” that would wirelessly charge the iPhone 12 throughout the day. The description of the product suggests it would look similar to the leather wallet and not cover the whole back of the phone like the previous Smart Battery Case. However, as the iPhone 12 enters its fourth month of availability, the question remains whether the accessory will actually reach shelves. According to the report, development has been…

Just when we thought the fabled Apple Car had driven off into the sunset, a flurry of recent rumours has given new life to the project. But despite some promising signs, we’re still likely many years away from driving one. The most recent rumour comes from well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via MacRumors), who writes that Apple is collaborating with several automakers on the Apple Car project, including Hyundai, GM and Peugeot manufacturer PSA. According to Kuo, “Apple will leverage current automakers’ resources and focus on self-driving hardware and software, semiconductors, battery-related technologies, form factor and internal space designs, innovative user experience and the integration with Apple’s existing ecosystem.” Specifically, he says Apple will be using Hyundai’s E-GMP battery electric vehicle platform for the foundation of the Apple Car. This isn’t…

It feels like the iPhone 12 only just landed, but we’re already looking ahead to the next one. While we’re not sure of the name – we’re calling it the iPhone 13 here but it might be the iPhone 12s – we’ve already heard a lot about what the next iPhone will bring. Stay tuned to this article as we’ll be updating with the newest and most credible reports as we hear them. Just remember, we won’t know for sure until Apple says so. 1TB STORAGE AND LIDAR EVERYWHERE If you’ve been frustrated by the iPhone’s limit on storage, a new rumour will make you happy: as noted by MacRumors, Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives, who analyses Apple’s Asian supply chain, claims the iPhone 13 will include an option to upgrade…

Apple has finally launched its own over-ear headphones in the form of the AirPods Max (you can read our review in iPad & iPhone User 165), but Beats headphones remain a solid choice – especially for iPhone users. Although Beats headphones work with any Bluetooth device, many feature the great W1 and H1 chips also found in Apple AirPods, which make connecting with Apple devices easier than ever. It’s no longer the case that Beats headphones are only available to those with plenty of cash to splash either. The Beats Flex, for example, are available for under £50. But which Beats headphones are right for you? Over the following pages, our expert reviewers test them for audio quality, fit, design, value for money and features. 1. BEATS STUDIO3 WIRELESS…

Price: £49 from fave.co/3bayewp Not too long ago, you would have been right to doubt the quality of any true wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling selling for less than £100. The £49 Aukey EP-N5 thus serve as a pleasant reminder that the technology is no longer as out of reach as it once was. These buds still fall short in features like mic quality and water resistance when compared to pricier competition from the likes of Apple, Samsung and Sony, but they’re worth checking out if you’re hunting for good sound and decent ANC above all else. From a distance, the EP-N5 earbuds look even more expensive than they actually are, in part because the design of both the case and buds pulls so heavily from Apple’s AirPods and…

In the past few years, smart home tech has gone from a niche category to one that’s started to worm its way throughout our entire world. Apple’s HomeKit has played a part in that, but as the market becomes more advanced, Cupertino’s implementation is starting to strain at the seams. Perhaps it’s time for a serious re-think of HomeKit: not just how it works, but the very fundamentals that have taken us this far. The good news is that there’s some evidence Apple may be headed down that road already, and hopefully, we’re getting closer to seeing exactly what that reality might look like. CHIP AHOY! In December of 2019, Apple teamed up with Amazon and Google to announce the launch of Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP). The top…

The iPhone may be the top-selling smartphone with 5G, but a new job posting discovered by Bloomberg suggests that Apple is already looking ahead to the next generation of wireless networks. Apple has posted ads looking for “wireless system research engineers for current and next-generation networks” at its offices in California. According to the ad, candidates “will be at the centre of a cutting-edge research group responsible for creating next-generation disruptive radio access technologies over the next decade”. The job description states that hires “will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to craft next-generation wireless technology that will have a deep impact on future Apple products”, and specifically lists “next-generation 6G wireless communication systems” as a focus. With 5G only just beginning to roll out, 6G is likely a decade…

Deciding which iPhone to buy has always been tricky. Which screen size is best for you, and how much storage do you need? Should you save money by selecting an older model, or should you splash out on the latest iPhone 12 or 12 Pro – or even the 12 Pro Max? Is the iPhone SE or the 12 mini the best compromise between specs and value for money? In this article we talk you through each of the phones currently available from Apple, to help you decide which is best for you. We discuss price, specs and features, and you should leave feeling much more confident about your buying decision. Here’s Apple’s current range: iPhone 12 Pro Max: 128GB, £1,099; 256GB, £1,199; 512GB, £1,399 iPhone 12 Pro: 128GB, £999;…

The iPhone 12 and iOS 14 might have closed the Android feature gap with 5G, OLED displays, and home screen widgets, but it’s still missing one feature that we’ve wanted for years. According to serial leaker Max Weinbach, that might finally be changing with this year’s iPhone. The well-known and oft-accurate leaker spilled some secrets on the EverythingApplePro YouTube channel on Valentine’s Day, and among the numerous details revealed is the possibility of an always-on display. According to Weinbach, it won’t be anywhere near as customizable as it is on Android phones, but it will prevent the biggest annoyance we have with our iPhones: “Current design basically looks like a toned-down lock screen. Clock and battery life are always visible. Notifications seem to be displayed using a bar and icons.…

Price: £159 from fave.co/2NOOpXJ Elgato is a brand best known in the game streaming community. Its video capture devices are the go-to solutions for Twitch superstars and YouTube gaming channel creators. Not satisfied with enabling great home video capture, the company teamed up with Lewitt to produce a USB microphone that aims to give content creators professional results at an affordable price. The result is the Wave:3, a £159 USB microphone that delivers remarkably good sound quality for vocal recordings (a simpler Wave:1 is also available for £130). While Elgato aims many of its other products at PC gamers, the Wave mics are equally marketed toward podcasters and YouTubers, where the Mac has a much larger presence. A combination of high quality, affordable hardware along with an excellent software mixing…

The iOS Magnifier tool has had its light (and magnifying glass and high-contrast mode and other features) hidden under a bushel. The feature was added in Settings > Accessibility in iOS 10, and you could choose to add it to your Control Panel in iOS 11. In iOS 14, however, it was promoted to be a full app, as well as provide distance ranging of people with certain iPhone 12 models. You can access Magnifier in two different ways: • In Settings > Control Centre, swipe down to find Magnifier and tap the ‘+’ next to it to add to your Control Centre. You can then drag it for priority in the Included Controls list. • In Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier, tap the switch on, and Magnifier is available…

Relatively few people buy stand-alone scanners these days unless they work with printed documents, photos or photographic negatives, and most financial, medical and legal documents show up in digital form – but not all. That’s particularly true if you have kids in school and are tasked with endlessly filling out variations of the same form, by hand and often submitting as paper. Apple has built in a scanner into Notes for a few releases, which lets you capture pages or images as documents, and then edit them directly (via the embedded Markup tool) or export them as PDF to fill in forms or make other modifications. Based on reader email and online questions in forums, relatively few people seem aware of the power hidden away there. Like most iOS/ iPadOS…