iPhone Life - Best Apps, Top Tips, Great Gear

How to Organize Your Calendar in 2025

(Sponsored Post) By Amy Spitzfaden Both on Thu, 10/31/2024

Apple is pretty good about updating its products, but it seems to have forgotten about the Calendar app and its many downsides. The makers of Informant 5, on the other hand, do not forget to regularly improve their app based on user experience. The latest updates to this calendar and task-management app are a productivity game-changer.

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.

I'm always on the lookout for the best iPhone 6 battery cases and I've always been happy with Moshi phone cases in general, so I was happy to try the new Moshi iGlaze Ion Battery Case for iPhone 6 and 6s ($99.95). It's quick to charge up and quick to power up your phone. The outer charging case can be removed when you don't need it, leaving the slim and beautiful inner shell to protect your iPhone 6 or 6s. 

Available in a selection of colors that perfectly match Apple's iPad line up, the Brydge Bluetooth keyboard ($129.99–149.99) melds seamlessly with whatever color iPad you happen to own. Its high-quality aluminum frame blends perfectly with the premium metal shell of the iPad. The Brydge keyboard also offers the convenience of backlit keys, as well as built-in speakers in the larger models.

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