Apple unveiled iOS 12 today at the WWDC 2018 Keynote, and we can expect exciting improvements and features when the iOS update is released in the fall. From overall upgrades to performance, privacy, and security, to app overhauls for the News and Stocks apps, to fun additional Animoji choices, as well as the brand-new Memoji option, Apple engineers have put together a well-balanced crowd-pleaser of an operating system that we can't wait to upload to our devices! Let's go over which devices are compatible with iOS 12, discuss all the new iOS features, and learn how to sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program to try out iOS 12 before the official release date.
Apple Events
Apple Watch Series 4: Rumors, Release Date & Features
By Leanne Hays
Since WWDC 2018, we've been eagerly awaiting the release of WatchOS 5 this September. Now that Apple has confirmed the official date for the September announcement (that's the 12th of September for those of you keeping score) we're more excited than ever to dive into the rumors surrounding the Apple Watch. What might the new design feature, and what do we already know about WatchOS 5? Read on to dig into all the rumors leading up to the big announcement.
What to Expect from Apple's September iPhone Launch
By Sarah Kingsbury
In the 91st episode, the iPhone Life team unpacks the latest blast of rumors as Apple's fall iPhone event quickly approaches. Tune in to learn when the September product launch will take place and how you can follow it. Plus, get the details on the three new iPhones we expect Apple to release, iPad Pro with Face ID, an upgrade to the Apple Watch line, and the likelihood of the AirPods 2 arriving this year.
Apple’s Struggle for Software Stability: Can iOS 12 Win Back Our Trust?
By David Averbach
Apple didn’t invent the personal computer. Nor did it create the first smartphone or tablet. Throughout the tech company’s history, from its origins with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak tinkering in a garage all the way to the present, the key to its success has been in taking emerging technologies and making them user-friendly for the masses. One of Jobs’ catchphrases when introducing a new product was, “It just works.” He said it so frequently it might as well have been Apple’s motto. Apple’s ability to create user-friendly products has not only allowed it to sell products to the masses, but also to charge a premium in the process. Today there are countless Android phones and tablets on the market that cost a fraction of what Apple sells its products for. For example, you can buy a brand-new Kindle Fire for $80 whereas an iPad costs anywhere from $329 for an entry-level model to $1,279 for a fully loaded iPad Pro. It’s no exaggeration to say that Apple’s reputation for making easy-to-use products is its most valuable asset. In the past year, Apple has struggled to meet its own standard. With iOS 12, Apple is attempting to repair the damage incurred by iOS 11 and reclaim its mantra of “It just works.”
iPad Mini 5? New iPad Release Date, Features & Pricing
By Leanne Hays
The iPad mini 5; to be released, or not to be released, that is the question. I'd already come to my own conclusion about Apple's iPad mini line; I felt that with the advent of larger displays on iPhones, plus the less expensive 2018 iPad that was released earlier this year, iPad minis will be discontinued. It turns out that the Apple fans who vehemently disagree with me were correct, though; the iPad mini 5 was just announced! Below are the ideas we had about features to expect if and when the latest in the mini 5 was released, including release date and features might we expect to see in a new version of the iPad mini. Finally, we wondered how much the latest iPad mini would cost. Let's get started discussing the iPad mini 5 rumors, then you can compare them to the newly-released tablet and see how close we were to accuracy!
WWDC 2018 Recap: iOS 12, watchOS 5, tvOS 12 & macOS Mojave
By Sarah Kingsbury
In this live recording of the 85th episode of the iPhone Life Podcast, Sarah, Donna, and David sit down to analyze everything Apple announced at today's Worldwide Developers Conference. They analyze the event and explain all the coolest features of the forthcoming iOS 12, tvOS 12, macOS Mojave, watchOS 5, and more.
The 29th Annual Worldwide Developers Conference is taking place June 4–8 in San Jose, and Apple enthusiasts the world over are excited to hear whether rumors about software, tech, and services will be met, or even exceeded. The annual Apple conference features over 100 seminars and hands-on labs presented by Apple engineers, as well as special events including the WWDC Bash, an epic party and concert on the final night. Only Apple developers were allowed to enter the lottery for a chance to pay $1,599 for a WWDC ticket, and a select group of 350 students and STEM teachers earn a full scholarship to the event each year. For those of us who can't make it to one of the biggest Apple events of the year, the keynote address is the highlight of WWDC. This is because the Keynote speech is when we'll all finally learn about upcoming versions of iOS, macOS, and other Apple software, as well as rumored new devices like the AirPods 2, StudioPods, and 2018 iPad Pro. Let's round up all the 2018 WWDC rumors and make some educated guesses about what the Keynote will bring this year!
WWDC Rumors: New iPad Pro, AirPods, iOS 12, watchOS 5 & More
By Sarah Kingsbury
In the 84th episode, members of the iPhone Life team tell you everything you can expect Apple to announce at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference June 4. Other topics include tracking a fitness streak with the Apple Watch, storing passwords and credit cards in iCloud keychain, and trying to have a better relationship with Siri.
The New iPad Will Have Apple Pencil Support
Apple unveiled a new 9.7 inch iPad for 2018 with lower educator pricing and an expansive package of classroom-management and curricular apps at its recent "Let's Take a Field Trip" event. The new hardware and applications are designed to launch teachers, students, administrators, and the classroom itself into an integrated, streamlined future where educational and creative opportunities are expanded, organized, and optimized.
Best New iOS 11.3 Features Coming This Spring
By Sarah Kingsbury
In the 79th episode of the iPhone Life Podcast, the team shares the best features coming to your iPhone and iPad this spring with iOS 11.3. Learn why this software update will make a difference for you, from battery performance settings to messages that sync with iCloud. Other topics include the never-ending Apple Maps versus Google Maps debate, mortifying tech mishaps, and a quick-and-dirty trick for deleting tons of emails in a snap.
Ready to Learn iOS 11? Become an Expert with Our Complete Guide
By Conner Carey
Apple has released the official public iOS 11 this fall, which means it’s time to figure out how to use all the new features! Each new version of iOS comes with a steep learning curve, but we want to make it easy for you. That's why we created The Complete iOS 11 Guide for iPhone Life Insiders, and you can gain access to this video guide immediately when you become a member. This guide is packed with all of the how-tos, tips, and tricks you need to become an expert in iOS 11. We’ll cover everything you need to know, and we'll make it easy to follow with guided videos that’ll show you exactly what your iPhone or iPad screen will look like every step of the way. You’ll be teaching your friends iOS 11 tricks in no time. Check out a preview of the guide and learn more about the iPhone Life Insider membership below.
It’s Time! You Can Pre-Order the iPhone X Now
By Conner Carey
We’ve been patiently waiting for the official release of Apple’s tenth-anniversary iPhone. Now, it’s just days away from being in stores— get it on November 3. But why wait in line when you can pre-order the iPhone X online now. I would hurry though; it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the shipping date gets moved further out very quickly. It’s Apple’s first thousand dollar iPhone, and many of you have said you’re all-in and ready to buy. Now’s your chance! The iPhone X is officially available for pre-order on apple.com.
Apple’s New Product Lineup—and Why It Matters
By Donna Schill
Under Tim Cook’s leadership, Apple has maintained a deep sense of reverence for its late CEO Steve Jobs. Yet never has an Apple event paid as much tribute to Jobs as during this fall’s tenth-anniversary iPhone release, which took place a decade after Jobs revealed the original “one more thing.” The event took place in the Steve Jobs Theater located in the heart of Apple Park, the company’s new Cupertino, California-based campus whose design Jobs masterminded during the last years of his life. As Cook opened the fall keynote, he showed uncharacteristic emotion as he said, “Steve’s spirit and timeless philosophy on life will always be the DNA of Apple.”
We’ve all anticipated wireless charging on the iPhone for many years. And to our surprise, Apple is using the standard Qi wireless charging system, which means any current wireless charging stations you own will work with the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. Next year, Apple will release its own wireless charging station for the iPhone, called the AirPower. But there are a lot of questions to answer. First of all, how does wireless charging work? Most importantly, which devices will be able to charge on the AirPower? And lastly, when does Apple’s wireless charging pad come out and how much is it going to cost. We’ve got all of the latest details below.
Now that Apple has announced the new iPhones, the big questions remain: when will the new iPhones come out and how much will they cost? We’ve got answers below. The new iPhone will have three different models to choose from: iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone X. So when does the next iPhone come out? Pre-orders for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will begin September 15. They’ll hit store shelves on September 22. But, what about the new iPhone X? When does it come out and how much is it going to cost? Let’s take a look.
Today Apple announced much of what many people expected after the Gold Master leak this past weekend. New features with three entirely new models are available, including a special model with some cutting-edge, innovative features. In the Cupertino, California event, at the new Steve Jobs Theatre, Apple announced iPhone pricing and release dates alongside its upgraded and new features.
The Apple Watch Series 3 might have been pushed aside a bit because of the huge iPhone announcements, but the news about the Watch is just as exciting—I promise! Here's everything you need to know about the new cellular Apple Watch and watchOS 4, including the price of the new Apple Watch, the watchOS 4 and Apple Watch 3 release dates, and more.
It’s Official! Wireless Charging Is Finally Coming to iPhone
By Conner Carey
It only took Apple years too long, but we finally will get wireless charging with the new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. Thankfully, this isn’t a feature reserved for the premium tenth-anniversary device. All of the new models Apple debuted today will have wireless charging, which means no more cables to required to charge up your devices. Just set your phone on any certified wireless charging pad and it’ll charge. Of course, after the company removed the headphone jack last year, you knew Apple had to come out with wireless charging. And to our surprise, your iPhone can charge with a standard Qi charging station instead of a proprietary wireless charging system as originally rumored.
The iPhone 8, 8 Plus & X Have a Glass Back & We're Here for It
By Conner Carey
Before the iPhone 5, all iPhones had a glass back. But that also made them more likely to crack or shatter. However, Apple has improved the glass back game by adding a reinforced aluminum band around the edge of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus and a surgical-grade stainless steel band to the iPhone X. Apple also used a special compound within the glass to provide added strength. It probably took more courage to reinstate the glass back than it did to remove the headphone jack last year, but we’re ready to give it a try. One thing is for sure, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X glass back looks stunning. And overall, it goes well with the new iPhone design. Let’s jump into some quick pros and cons of the glass-back iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X and see what you think.
The Apple Watch Series 3 Is Here & It’s Cellular Capable
By Conner Carey
Last year, Apple released the Apple Watch Series 2. The second generation of Apple Watches was a swim-proof model with a GPS chip. But it failed to deliver cellular capability. Well, welcome to 2017! At its fall event, Apple announced that the Apple Watch Series 3 will have a built-in cellular chip. Will you be able to resist the temptation of a cellular Apple Watch Series 3? Let’s check out its best new features.