iPhone Life - Best Apps, Top Tips, Great Gear

How to Add Apps to Apple Watch

By Rachel Needell

How to Add Apps to the Apple Watch (iOS 17)

Most apps on the Apple Watch need to be downloaded via the iPhone before you can download them directly from the App Store. However, if you've downloaded the app previously and it's still in your iCloud, you can re-download it to your Apple Watch without your iPhone. But did you know that you can automatically download the companion watchOS version of an app you’ve added to your iPhone? You can also turn this feature off and choose only specific apps to download to your Apple Watch if you'd like to save space. Here's how it works!

It seems like there are thousands of fitness apps to choose from and little advice on where to get started. Meanwhile, the most difficult part of any workout routine is to begin. Running, in particular, can feel daunting when you’re sitting on the couch, but nothing beats the movement of propelling one’s body through the air. Here’s a list of four running apps to help beginners feel like pros.

I use reading glasses for some things, a concession to middle age, but fortunately I don't ever need them when I'm using my iPad. That's because I've adjusted the settings so that the text is larger and bolded, making it much easier to see. These settings apply to all of Apple's apps and to third-party apps that support Apple's Dynamic Type. Ever since iOS 8 was introduced, Apple has gathered text size, bold, view, and brightness into a single panel in Settings.

How to Hide Subscriptions on iPhone & iPad

Want to keep your subscriptions private? Many people want to know how to hide subscriptions on their iPhone or iPad, but it's not completely possible at this time. We can show you how to hide subscriptions from your Family Sharing group, though! Of course, keeping your iPhone locked goes a long way toward keeping your subscriptions and subscription history private; we'll show you how.

Rumor of Apple doing away with the headphone jack in favor of a thinner iPhone 7 has caught the Internet on fire. Apple devices have had some wild, unfounded rumors in the past, but this one seems likely as our smartphones continue to flatten like pancakes. Plus, as mentioned in our previous iPhone 7 rumors post, Apple filed a patent for a D-shaped headphone jack. But the rumors have spun out of control and I hear talk of a single lightning connector for dual purpose, charging and headphones. So what is Apple really up to?

Reviewing the iPad Pro, I can’t help but feel like it was made for artists. The best apps I’ve seen optimized for the device are sketching apps. One such app is part of Adobe’s creative cloud, Adobe Photoshop Sketch (free). It’s still too early to find art solely made on the iPad Pro, but I decided to scour Behance for art specifically created with Adobe Photoshop Sketch on the iPad. Here’s my favorites.

I've always admired the RUNNUR bandolier-style messenger bags when I've seen them at various tradeshows. At the recent New York City Comicon, I saw RUNNUR's exhibit and noticed an iPad-specific offering, which I was fortunate enough to try. The Shoulder Sling Case ($60) is a nylon case for an iPad or iPad mini, with the screen exposed for easy access. There are four different D-ring metal loops to connect the included padded strap. There's a handy hand grip that also doubles as a stand.

One of the interesting new features of iOS 9 is its "proactive" smarts. Apple wants your device to anticipate what you want to do depending on the context. A good example of that is how your iPhone or iPad now responds when you plug in earbuds or headphones. Your device figures that you want to listen to something, and a small icon appears in the lower left corner of your lock screen that shows the most recent audio app you've been using, whether that's Apple Music, Spotify, Podcasts, or any other app.

Twelve South has easily become one of my go-to places for fantastic and gorgeous iPhone and iPad accessories. This time, the company is pushing innovation with a sleek charging stand that can charge any lightning device you have for it: the HiRise Deluxe ($34.99). From charging your iPhone (in its case) to the new Apple Pencil, this may be Twelve South’s most useful accessory yet.

5 Best Apps for iPad Pro

By Conner Carey

The new iPad Pro is out and available for order. There’s much talk as to whether or not the iPad Pro can replace your PC, but the answer to that question could very well change over time as more apps are optimized with the iPad Pro in mind. Some developers are ahead of the game and have already released apps to show-off the new iPad’s capabilities. Here are five of the best iPad apps you can download now.

Say goodbye to searching for a friend’s contact info when you want to call or email them. With 3D Touch (only on the iPhone 6s or 6s Plus), you can view contact information in any app where the circle containing a contact’s initials or image appears. You’ll be able to call, FaceTime, message, or email your friends and family without having to open a separate app.

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