Apple reveals iPhone 14 Pro and Watch Ultra

Apple has unveiled the iPhone 14, with emergency satellite connectivity and car crash detection technology, at a launch event in the US.

The company revealed four versions of the new handset at its Cupertino headquarters, with an audience attending in person for the first time since the pandemic.

It also showed off a new extreme sports wearable – the Watch Ultra.

The event focused on next generation iPhone, Watch and AirPod products.

Apple CEO Tim Cook was on stage at the Steve Jobs theatre inside the tech giant’s California campus – but the presentation itself was entirely pre-recorded.

Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8 has a number of new features, including car crash detection, temperature sensors for tracking ovulation cycles and a new low-power mode option.

People have been cautious about menstrual trackers since changes were made to abortion legislation in the US and there are concerns that data about periods could be used by law enforcement. Apple says the data on its devices will be encrypted and only accessible via a passcode or biometrics.

“We are taking our commitment to women’s health even further,” said Jeff Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Apple.

Apple said a new automatic retrospective ovulation notification could help those who are trying to conceive.

If activated, the new watch can monitor body temperate every five seconds overnight, and detect tiny changes which can signal ovulation.

Another new feature is car crash detection. Using sensors, the watch will be able to identify a severe crash and will automatically connect its wearer with emergency services, provide their exact location and notify emergency contacts.

The Series 8 now also features a low power mode, a feature borrowed from the iPhone, that promises up to 36 hours of battery life on a full charge.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is priced from $399 in the US, £419 in the UK.

Apple Watch Ultra
Swim proof, dust proof and crack resistant – Apple has announced its rival to the likes of Garmin, Polar and other rugged watchmakers.

Ultramarathoner Scott Jurek from Born to Run appeared in the presentation for the new watch, which focused on a larger face design for extreme sports use.

All Ultra watches have up to 36 hours battery life on a single charge and an extended battery life of 60 hours, with Apple promising enough power for its customers to complete an ultra-triathlon which includes swimming, cycling and running.

The Apple Watch Ultra is priced from $799 in the US, £849 in the UK.

iPhone 14
The company is releasing the iPhone 14 in two sizes, the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Plus.

The new handsets are capable of sending an emergency call for help via satellite. The phone will display the whereabouts of passing satellites overhead and demonstrate how to point the device at them correctly.

It can take from 15 seconds to a few minutes to send a basic message.

“The investment to add satellite capability should not be underestimated,” said Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight.

“It will likely have taken Apple years to put all the pieces of the puzzle in place, including a commercial agreement with satellite provider Globalstar, and the creation of the infrastructure needed to pass messages to the emergency services.”

Tech analyst Paolo Pescatore said he believed the innovation was good news for consumers “in hard to reach areas”.

“It is encouraging to see providers starting to get serious about using satellite – ultimately reliable and robust connectivity is still highly sought after among all users,” he said.

iPhone 14 camera
The tech giant announced a new 12-megapixel camera, capable of taking photos of fast-moving subjects, and the company claims a 49% improvement in low-light capturing.

The front camera also included auto-focus for the first time, to help sharpen selfies.

According to Apple, iPhone users took more than three trillion photos in the last 12 months.

The iPhone 14 is priced from $799 (US), £849 (UK).

iPhone 14 Pro
The biggest change in iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max design is the top of the screen which is now a pill shaped cut-out.

A feature called the Dynamic Island has replaced the black notch, which many iPhone users complain about – and it can change shape depending on what notifications there are.

The other big change is that the handset can always remain on.

When the phone is not in use, the screen dims and the refresh rate is lowered.

The handset comes in a deep purple colour alongside black, silver and gold.

The iPhone 14 Pro is priced at $999 (US), £1099 (UK).

AirPods
AirPods Pro are easier to find than their predecessors. Each pair comes with a new system for finding individual lost earphones, which play a chime when dropped outside of the case.

Additionally, the case itself gets its own speaker, which will play a louder sound when prompted by the Find My app.

The new AirPods Pro are priced at $249 (US), £249 (UK).

Being here in person, among an enthusiastic crowd of Apple fans, certainly made for a more interesting launch than recent years. But nothing was announced today that is going to revolutionise the tech industry.

Much of Apple’s new tech seems ideal if you find yourself in some kind of peril on a regular basis. The new iPhone 14 will be able to send texts by satellite when off the grid. The Ultra Watch design is chunky with extra long battery life – the company says this is perfect for multi-day remote trips. Apple also announced a new crash detection system on new watches and phones, which will alert the emergency services when it detects an impact. The strategy here is pretty clear. Apple is continuing to pitch its hardware as a health and safety aid. Not surprisingly, Tim Cook describes the products as “essential”.

But in reality these are interesting but fairly niche updates – features that users will hope they’ll never have to use.

iOS 16 Compatibility: Not Every iPhone Will Get It. Will Yours?

Apple is rolling out iOS 16 very soon — to most iPhones, at least.

When Apple launches the iPhone 14 on Wednesday at its “Far Out” event (CNET’s live blog of the iPhone 14 reveal is already rolling), the new phone will undoubtedly come with Apple’s fresh iOS 16 software upgrade already installed. Following Apple’s yearly cycle, iOS 16 for compatible iPhones will also shortly roll out.

I’ve been playing with iOS 16 beta for months and can tell you right now that features like unsending text messages and automatically removing people and objects from photos are early highlights. Apple is expected to reveal even more as it launches the iPhone 14.

Alas, not every existing iPhone will be compatible with Apple’s latest software — some owners simply won’t be able to install iOS 16, especially on older devices you may be hanging onto or have repurposed to use in other ways to give your old iPhone new life. We’ll walk you through what we know right now about iOS 16 compatibility for your iPhone once Apple makes the new software available to the general public. Also, here’s every new iPhone feature iOS 16 hints at so far and how to bring back the battery percentage to your iPhone status bar using iOS 16.

Every iPhone model that will support iOS 16

The following iPhones will be compatible with iOS 16 after Apple makes the new software available for you to download.

iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone X
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone SE (second generation and later)
It’s also expected that every model in the iPhone 14 series will run iOS 16 when it arrives.

Find out which iPhone model you have
Not sure which iPhone you own? You can easily figure out the model from within your settings to check if it will run iOS 16.

To find your iPhone model, launch the Settings app and go to General > About. Next to Model Name, you should see what type of iPhone you own. Underneath that, you’ll see a Model Number, which you can use to find out more specifics about your model, such as capacity and year introduced, but that’s not necessary (only for iPhone SE) for checking whether your phone will support iOS 16 or not.

What happens to older iPhones like the iPhone 7 Plus?
Unfortunately, any iPhone older than the iPhone 8 will not support iOS 16, including the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Many people on Twitter were surprised by this, because many expected at least the iPhone 7 Plus to support iOS 16. Instead, the iPhone 7 series and some older models will only support up to iOS 15.

Will my iPad work with iOS 16?
Yes, the iPad has its own version of iOS 16 that’s known as iPadOS 16. This newest operating system will be supported on the following iPad models:

iPad Mini (fifth generation and later)
‌iPad‌ (fifth generation and later)
iPad Air (third generation and later)
iPad Pro (all models)

Whether you’re going to keep your current iPhone or buy a new iPhone 14, here are 22 little known iPhone settings you should know about to make their phones faster, safer and more fun to use.

Not All iPhones Will Work With iOS 16: How to Find Out if Yours Will

The latest iPhone operating system will be rolled out to most users automatically.

The waiting for the new iPhone 14 and related iOS 16 operating system upgrade is almost over. We’re expecting to get all the details on the new iPhone for 2022 and iOS 16 at Apple’s “Far Out” event, this Wednesday, Sept. 7.

While the majority of current iPhone users will enjoy features like automatically removing people and objects from photos and unsending text messages, not everyone will get the chance to install iOS 16. If you’ve got an older iPhone, Apple’s latest mobile operating system might not be compatible with your device. Here’s everything we know about whether you’ll be able to install iOS 16 on your iPhone once it’s available to the general public.

If you want to get your hands on iOS 16 right now, you can download the sixth iOS 16 public beta, which also brings back the battery percentage back to your status bar.

The iPhone models that will support iOS 16
The following iPhones will be compatible with iOS 16 when it’s released later this year:

iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone X
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone SE (second generation and later)
It’s also safe to assume that every model in the iPhone 14 series will run iOS 16 when it arrives. Apple is expected to announce and release its latest flagship device sometime in September during an annual special event keynote address.

How to see which iPhone model you have
Not sure which iPhone you own? You can easily figure out the model from within your settings to check if it will run iOS 16.

To find your iPhone model, launch the Settings app and go to General > About. Next to Model Name, you should see what type of iPhone you own. Underneath that, you’ll see a Model Number, which you can use to find out more specifics about your model, such as capacity and year introduced, but that’s not necessary (only for iPhone SE) for checking whether your phone will support iOS 16 or not.

What happens to older iPhone models like the iPhone 7 Plus?
Unfortunately, any iPhone older than the iPhone 8 will not support iOS 16, including the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Many people on Twitter were surprised by this, because many expected at least the iPhone 7 Plus to support iOS 16. Instead, the iPhone 7 series and some older models will only support up to iOS 15.

Will my iPad get iOS 16?
Yes, the iPad has its own version of iOS 16 that’s known as iPadOS 16. This newest operating system will be supported on the following iPad models:

iPad Mini (fifth generation and later)
‌iPad‌ (fifth generation and later)
iPad Air (third generation and later)
iPad Pro (all models)

Turn Your Android Into a Google Home and More. Here’s How

Repurpose your old Android phone to become your new wireless mouse, photo storage device or even a Nintendo Game Boy.

If you typically get a new Android phone every year, your options are to either trade in your old phone or keep it. So if you choose to keep your older Android, what should you do with it? Some options are to stash it in a drawer or try to sell it. But you may like the idea of making it useful — you did spend money on it, after all.

If your phone’s too old to command a high trade-in value, or you’re looking to save some money on a webcam, a Google Home, a wireless mouse, or you just like to tinker, there are some pretty ingenious ways to repurpose your old device and turn it into something you’ll actually want to use.

After all, smartphones are small, powerful computers with storage space and a camera. Your phone makes a handy substitute for lots of other electronics — you can even turn it into a home security camera or diagnose your car’s mechanical problems. Read on for tricks that will give your old Android new life.

Turn your old Android into a webcam
Now is a great time to turn your old phone into a webcam. You can use a number of free apps — including Zoom or Skype — to improve the quality of your video chats during quarantine. Getting started is easy, and we give you all the tips you need for a top-notch setup. Remember, even an older phone’s main camera could still be better than your laptop’s built-in webcam — or no webcam at all.

Convert your old Android into a Nintendo Game Boy
You can play video games everywhere you go when you turn your Android into a Nintendo Game Boy. All you need to get started is a compatible Android phone and a $50 Hyperkin SmartBoy Mobile Device.

In order to play the games, you’ll need to buy Game Boy cartridges (unless you still have them). But you can also play Game Boy Advance apps if you don’t have the retro cartridges.

Store your photos on the old phone
Images take up so much storage space on your device, so store them on your old phone. You can use your new device to take the photos and then send them to your older phone to free up space.

You can also use your old phone as a camera and take it places you normally wouldn’t want to take your new phone. For example, if you go to the lake or beach, you can take photos without worrying as much about dropping your phone in the water.

Read more: These 5 Phone Camera Tricks Will Add Some Flair to Your Instagram

Use your Android as a universal remote
It’s great having one remote that can do everything — think Click, the Adam Sandler movie. OK, maybe not that extreme. But being able to control all of your devices from one remote is a relief. Download a remote control app, such as iRule, and then sync your phone to devices including your Xbox One, Roku and Apple TV.

If you have smart light bulbs, you can sync your phone to those as well. Follow these tips on how to turn your device into a universal remote so you never have to wonder where your TV remote is hiding again.

Turn your Android phone into a Google Home
Repurposing your Android phone to be a Google Home smart speaker is simple and requires no app downloads. Make sure your phone is updated to the latest Android OS so you have “OK, Google.” Next, you’ll need to find a Bluetooth speaker to pair your phone with. Make sure both devices stay plugged in and on at all times. You’ll be ready to give Google commands in no time. The best part is you won’t have to spend $129 on a Google Home. Learn more about what you can do with a Google Home here.

Your Android can double as a home security camera
Feel secure by turning your old phone into a home security camera. Download a security camera app, like Alfred (also works with an iPhone), to get started. Check on your house while you’re at work to make sure all is well. Place the phone in the main room of the house in a spot where you have the best view.

When you’re home, set it up outside (hidden, of course) to see who’s knocking on your door or to see any suspicious activity. Maybe you’ll find it’s just a raccoon that’s been leaving candy wrappers in your yard and not your neighbor’s kid.

Use your old phone as a baby monitor
Instead of running into your child’s room every time you think you hear crying or a strange noise, check to see if your baby is OK by turning your old phone into a baby monitor.

You can set your old phone up in the room and access it from your current phone by installing Skype on both devices. You can also use a baby monitor app like Dormi. We haven’t tested them on real babies, but the customer ratings are excellent. You’ll feel better knowing that you can be in any room and still see your baby.

Turn your Android into a wireless mouse
It can be annoying when your wireless mouse dies on you with no warning. It helps to have a backup, and you can turn your phone into a mouse in no time. You’ll need to download an app, such as Remote Mouse, in order to do so.

Once you have the app, connect your phone and desktop to the same Wi-Fi network and say bye-bye to that old-school mouse. Keep it in your laptop case for when you’re on the go and stop by a coffee shop to get some work done.

Keep your old phone as a music player
Free up storage space on your new phone by using your old phone as a media player. Since you have a new phone, you can wipe all the data off your old phone (except your music and music apps).

You’ll be able to add as many songs as your old phone will allow without worrying about how much storage you’re using. Hook it up to your surround-sound speaker if you’re having a party and let the fun begin.

The great thing is you’ll be able to leave it in one place and won’t have to worry about incoming calls and messages interrupting your tunes.

Now that you’ve got some cool new ideas for your phone, here’s how to cast and mirror an Android screen to a TV, how to disinfect your device without damaging it and how to use the hidden features on Android 12.

Apple Watch Pro Rumors: Higher-End, Rugged Apple Watch May Launch Soon

Apple may soon add a new Apple Watch to the mix: the Apple Watch Pro. Reports from Bloomberg and other sources suggest Apple will launch a high-end Apple Watch marketed towards athletes with a larger display, sturdier design and longer battery life. If Apple does plan to release an Apple Watch Pro this year, we’ll likely find out about it at the company’s “Far Out” launch event scheduled for Sept. 7.

Launching a Pro version of the Apple Watch would be a wise move for Apple. Smartwatches like the Apple Watch are loaded with health and fitness features — some of which are more useful for sports enthusiasts than casual exercisers. An Apple Watch Pro would allow the company to reach those who are willing to pay more for extra durability while still offering more affordable options for people who’ll be satisfied with a more basic experience.

Here’s everything we know so far about what to expect from the Apple Watch Pro ahead of Apple’s event next week.

Get ready for Apple’s next event
How to Watch Apple’s September Event
What Apple Needs to Make the iPhone 14 Pro Max Worth It
Apple Watch Pro 2022: All the Rumors
Apple Watch Pro or Apple Watch Explorer Edition?
Among the biggest questions is what this new Apple Watch version will be called. There’s a chance Apple could call it the Apple Watch Pro, since it fits with the naming convention Apple has used for other products like the iPhone, AirPods, the iPad and Mac computers.

But an early Bloomberg report also said the watch was being called the “Explorer Edition” internally. Since Apple has launched special watches in the past under its Nike and Hermes collections, the Explorer Edition doesn’t seem like a stretch. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also speculated that it could be called the “Apple Watch Extreme” or “Apple Watch Max.”

A larger, more rugged design
The Apple Watch Pro’s bigger and more durable build is expected to be the biggest way it stands out from the rest of Apple’s lineup, according to Bloomberg. The Pro is expected to have a display that measures almost 2 inches diagonally and will have about 7% more screen area than the Series 7, reports Bloomberg. Ross Young, analyst and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants also tweeted that a new Apple Watch with a larger 1.99-inch display is in the works.

Apple will also outfit this new Pro version with a “strong metal material” rather than aluminum and a “shatter-resistant screen,” according to Bloomberg. That could make it more appealing for those who frequently go hiking or rock climbing or work in harsh outdoor conditions.

We might see other design changes, too. Japanese tech blog Macotakara reports that the new Apple Watch will have a flat design similar to the iPhone 13 Pro.

Longer battery life
The Apple Watch Pro will also have longer battery life compared to the standard Series 8 we’re expecting to see this fall, according to Bloomberg. However, the report didn’t specify the precise battery gains we might see, other than saying it will allow users to track workouts for longer periods of time. That would be a big deal for outdoor runners, considering tracking runs with GPS is known to be a battery-drainer for smartwatches in general. It could also be more useful for those who plan to track their sleep with an Apple Watch.

Bloomberg also previously reported on a new low-power mode for the Apple Watch that was expected to debut with WatchOS 9. We didn’t hear anything about it at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June, but there’s a chance Apple could mention it at its upcoming event.

Health and fitness tracking
The Apple Watch Pro sounds like it will be a more advanced version of the standard Series 8, meaning it will likely have the same health sensors and workout options. That means it will probably have the rumored temperature sensor planned for the Series 8, reports Bloomberg, and the ability to take an ECG and measure blood-oxygen levels from the wrist.

But the Apple Watch Pro may have enhanced hiking and swim tracking, says Bloomberg. That would make sense considering this watch will likely be tailored for sports enthusiasts.

Possible satellite connectivity
Apple has been rumored to be developing satellite connectivity for the iPhone, which would enable it to send emergency texts even when cellular coverage isn’t available. We don’t know if this feature will debut with the iPhone 14, although Apple’s space-themed “Far Out” event invite has certainly sparked speculation that such an announcement may be imminent. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also wrote in his Power On newsletter that Apple has internally discussed bringing satellite connectivity to the Apple Watch. He added that it would be a good fit for future Apple Watch Pro models, although it’s unclear if he’s referencing the Apple Watch Pro we’re expecting to see on Sept. 7 or a next-generation model.

Either way, Bloomberg’s reporting isn’t the only sign suggesting that satellite connectivity might be coming to upcoming Apple products. TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple has completed hardware tests on the iPhone 14, but its launch will depend on whether Apple has settled on a business model for bringing satellite communications to the iPhone.

Launch and pricing
Apple typically announces its new Apple Watch lineup alongside its new iPhones in September, so we’re expecting this year to be no different. Similar to the way Apple unveiled the iPhone X alongside the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, Apple could announce the Apple Watch Pro alongside standard versions of the watch, Macotakara reported, citing sources in China.

The Apple Watch usually launches shortly after Apple’s event, but there have been exceptions. For example, Apple announced the Series 7 on Sept. 14 but didn’t launch it until Oct. 8. That’s a departure from the Series 6’s debut in 2020, which launched on Sept. 18 after being announced on Sept. 15.

Although we won’t know for sure until Apple makes an announcement, we can probably expect the Apple Watch Pro to be more expensive than the regular Series 8 given its additional functionality. If Apple maintains the same pricing structure as the Series 7, the Series 8 will likely start at $400 for the non-cellular aluminum model. Since the stainless steel Series 7 starts at $700, we can likely expect the rumored Pro to cost more than that since it will likely be made of a more durable premium metal.

We’re expecting to find out more during Apple’s event on Sept. 7. Aside from new Apple Watch models, Apple will likely announce the iPhone 14 lineup and possibly the rumored AirPods Pro 2.

Apple’s iPhone 11 in 2022 Is Still a Great Value and Could Be Worth Buying

You should still wait for the rumored iPhone 14 announcement, but there is a lot to like about the iPhone 11.

It’s been a while since the debut of the iPhone 11 in 2019, with Apple debuting the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 in the years since. And in a few days, we’re likely to see the debut of the iPhone 14 at Apple’s event on Sept. 7. The iPhone 11 may be over two years old, but it might still be a good choice, especially since Apple discounted it to $499 last year. While we recommend that you wait for this next Apple event before buying any iPhone at all, especially since prices for current iPhone models will likely decrease afterward, the iPhone 11 does have a lot to like as a phone that’s under $500.

For instance, do you mind using an iPhone that feels a bit dated? Or do you think saving several hundred dollars is more important than carrying the latest phone? What about 5G — how important is that to you? If you’re shopping on a budget, the iPhone 11 is still a great choice. Although you’ll be missing out on some newer features, the iPhone 11 gives you all the basics you’d want from an iPhone, including battery life that’s on par with the iPhone 12, a great dual-lens camera that includes night mode and a processor that’s still fast enough for everyday tasks.

Get ready for Apple’s next event
How to Watch Apple’s September Event
What Apple Needs to Make the iPhone 14 Pro Max Worth It
Apple Watch Pro 2022: All the Rumors
But if you have some wiggle room in your budget, here are some questions to ask yourself. (For the purposes of this article, I’m going to assume that you are currently using an iPhone.) And if you’re still mulling over your decision after that, here’s how the iPhone 13 compares to the last five years of iPhones as well as our list of the best iPhones. Plus, check out all the differences between the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.

5G connectivity: iPhone 11 doesn’t have 5G. But do you really need it right now?
One of the iPhone 11’s biggest missing features compared to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 is 5G connectivity. The iPhone 11 is an LTE-only device, and if you don’t care for the next-gen wireless tech just yet (service is patchy in the US after all), then the iPhone 11 should suit you just fine. Remember that 5G debuted on the iPhone 12 lineup and getting access to faster bands of 5G depends on where you live, so going for the iPhone 12 makes your purchase more future-proof.

Software support: How long will the iPhone 11 get iOS software updates?
Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 15, is supported on many older iPhones, and the oldest is the 2015 iPhone 6S (Here’s how to download the new OS, but you may want to wait.) Based on that and some quick mental math, we can deduce that Apple plans to provide iPhone support for up to six years from launch. As a result, with the iPhone 11, unveiled in 2019, you can rest comfortably knowing that you can expect updates through 2025.

Read more: iOS 15’s biggest new features: FaceTime, Apple Wallet and Notifications get new tricks

Durability and water resistance: How durable do you want your iPhone to be?
If you do opt for the iPhone 11, you will miss out on a few durability features that are available on the newer iPhone models. One of the iPhone 12’s big improvements is the material of its display. Apple calls it “ceramic shield” glass. Made by Corning, the ceramic shield glass covering the phone’s display is apparently harder than most metals. Indeed, we can confirm that the iPhone 12’s ceramic shield is tough. Our iPhone 12 drop tests show it protected the hardware from drops as high as 9 feet. (CNET’s iPhone 12 Mini drop tests yielded similar results.) The iPhone 13 also has the same ceramic shield glass on its display.

So if you’re a big klutz and are prone to slips and drops, springing for the iPhone 13 or iPhone 12 is a wise move (or just get a really nice iPhone case). Keep in mind, the iPhone 11 isn’t a delicate darling, either. It also survived CNET’s drop and water tests and earned a CNET Editors’ Choice Award. You can read our iPhone 11 review for more details.

Read more: Farewell iPhone case: The case for the caseless phone

Price and budget: How much do you want to spend on an iPhone?
As I said earlier, Apple is selling the nearly two-year-old iPhone 11 for $300 less now than when it first launched, making it a great choice for those shopping on a budget. But, as also mentioned previously, the iPhone 11 could become even cheaper once Apple debuts its 2022 line of iPhone models. Also of note, the current iPhone 12 and 12 Mini might come down in price and hit that $499 level, as typically Apple lowers the price of existing iPhone models once the newest model goes on sale.

It’s also worth considering carrier deals from Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T, all of which may subsidize the price of an iPhone in exchange for committing to a cellular service plan. Last year the three companies offered hundreds of dollars off with those contracts, and possibly pay off the phone entirely with a device trade-in. Just keep in mind that there are plenty of caveats to those deals, like commitments ranging from 24 to 36 months.

Still Using an iPhone 5S or 6? You Better Download This iOS Security Update

The patch is intended to fix a security vulnerability that, according to Apple, snagged at least one user.

Most Apple devotees are readying for the imminent release of the iPhone 14 on Sept. 7. But if you’re still rocking an iPhone 5S, 6 or 6 Plus, it’s time to download a security patch intended to block malware.

On Wednesday, Apple released an updated version of iOS 12, which was first launched way back in September 2018. The fix in iOS 12.5.6 is intended to patch up a security vulnerability that could let a malicious website run unchecked code if you opened it on a browser on your phone.

“Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution,” reads a note on the Apple support site. Without giving details, Apple said the flaw “may have been actively exploited.”

The WebKit vulnerability was already fixed in iOS 15.6.1, iPadOS 15.6.1 and MacOS Monterey 12.5.1 updates, according to MacRumors.

You can find and download iOS 12.5.6 by going to Settings on your phone, clicking on General and selecting Software Update.

The iPhone 5S was first unveiled in September of 2013, followed by the 6 and 6 Plus a year later. The update is also available for several other antique devices, including the original iPad Air, the iPad Mini 2 and 3, and the sixth-generation iPod Touch.

What Apple Needs to Make the iPhone 14 Pro Max Worth It

Apple is expected to fit its rumored iPhone 14 Pro Max with a higher resolution camera, a new processor and a giant 6.7-inch screen like the current iPhone 13 Pro Max. While those all sound like welcome improvements, the new top-of-the-line iPhone needs to do more to stand out this year.

That’s because the iPhone 14 Pro Max won’t be the only super-size iPhone in Apple’s lineup anymore, if the latest scuttlebutt is to be believed. Apple is expected to release a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max as well this year, meaning those who love large screens won’t have to splurge on the Pro Max just to get a bigger display.

Aside from the difference in screen size, there’s typically little that separates Apple’s “Pro” iPhones from its “Pro Max” devices. I’m hoping that changes with the Phone 14 Pro Max, which we’re expecting to learn about during Apple’s upcoming Sept. 7 event. With inflation putting a dent in smartphone shipments, companies like Apple may have to work harder to convince consumers to spend more on high-end devices.

iPhone 14 Pro Max: What to expect
If Apple does release an iPhone 14 Pro Max in September, it’s likely to be a sequel to Apple’s current iPhone 13 Pro Max. As such, it will probably have a 6.7-inch screen and a triple-lens camera that includes wide, ultrawide and telephoto lenses. In an effort to further distinguish its Pro iPhones from its standard iPhones, Apple will reportedly give the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max an upgraded 48-megapixel camera sensor, a faster A16 Bionic chip and a redesigned camera module on the front that removes the notch.

These features are said to be exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, meaning they won’t appear on the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max. That’s all according to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, both of which have strong track records when it comes to reporting on unreleased Apple products.

Provided Apple maintains its current pricing structure, the iPhone 14 Pro Max will likely start at $1,100 for the 128GB model. The iPhone 14 Pro will likely begin at $1,000.

Why the iPhone 14 Pro Max needs to stand out
If the reports turn out to be true, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max could include one of the biggest camera improvements we’ve seen on the iPhone in years. That alone could make them appealing to those in the market for a new device.

The problem, however, is that the iPhone 14 Pro Max could end up getting lost in the shuffle. Shoppers who just care about having the best camera could get by with the cheaper iPhone 14 Pro, while those who primarily want a large screen may opt for the rumored iPhone 14 Max. Both devices will likely be cheaper than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

The launch would also come at a time when people are seemingly spending less on mobile devices and being more careful about their purchases. Smartphone shipments are expected to decline by 3.5% in 2022, according to estimates from the International Data Corporation published in June. The NPD Group reported in May that more than eight in 10 consumers are planning to reassess their product spending in the next three to six months. A recent NPD survey also indicated consumers plan to seek less-expensive items, look for promotions and cut back on overall purchases in the next few months.

These factors could make it more difficult to convince consumers to spend more than $1,000 on a new phone, especially when they may be able to get some of the same benefits (a larger screen or a triple-lens camera) on cheaper models. With the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple would likely be counting on the fact that consumers are willing to pay a premium to get both a larger screen and a better camera.

How Apple could make the iPhone 14 Pro Max feel special
There are a few things Apple could do to make the iPhone 14 Pro Max stand out alongside the regular iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Max. As I’ve written in the past, I’d love to see Apple implement iPad-like software features that make better use of the Pro Max’s giant screen. For example, it could add a multitasking mode that makes it easier to view more than one app simultaneously. I’d also like to see an always-on display option, similar to the one available on newer Apple Watch models and many competing Android phones.

Samsung has done a better job of distinguishing its premium Galaxy S22 Ultra from the regular Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus. Even though the $1,200 Galaxy S22 Ultra is likely too expensive for most people, it offers distinct features you can’t get on Samsung’s less-expensive models. The Ultra has a built-in stylus for notetaking and drawing, a 6.8-inch screen that’s larger than any other phone in Samsung’s S22 lineup, a higher resolution 40-megapixel selfie camera and main camera system with two telephoto lenses and a 10-times optical zoom.

None of those characteristics are available on Samsung’s other S22 devices, including the $1,000 Galaxy S22 Plus. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, by comparison, has a lot in common with the iPhone 13 Pro, aside from its larger screen and longer battery life. In other words, Apple is relying on the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s 6.7-inch screen to distinguish it from the regular Pro.

But if Apple does release a 6.7-inch version of the standard iPhone, just as reports from Nikkei Asian Review, Bloomberg and Ming-Chi Kuo indicate, the iPhone 14 Pro Max might feel less unique in this year’s lineup. The rumored iPhone 14 Max likely won’t have the same extras as Apple’s Pro iPhones, such as a triple-lens camera and a screen with a higher refresh rate for smoother scrolling. But it might be compelling enough to entice shoppers that simply want a larger screen and don’t care as much about having a telephoto lens.

Regardless, the iPhone 14 Pro Max will be a top seller if its predecessors are any indication. The iPhone 13 Pro Max landed in the top five smartphone models in regions such as the US, UK, France, Germany and China, according to Counterpoint Research. The iPhone 12 Pro Max was also the second best-selling phone globally in 2021, Counterpoint Research also reported.

Still, until a foldable iPhone comes along, the iPhone Pro Max will be Apple’s most expensive and most premium iPhone. That also means it should be the best showcase of Apple’s technology, which is why I’d like to see more exclusive features that you can’t get elsewhere.

How to Install Android 13 Right Now on Your Android Phone

Here’s how you can download Google’s latest mobile software update.

Android 13 is here, and Google Pixel owners can now download and install the software update to their supported phones.

The update won’t reach Samsung Galaxy and Motorola devices until later this year, but you could possibly get your hands on the Android 13 beta if you have a compatible non-Pixel device, like the OnePlus 10 Pro.

Google released the first Android 13 developer beta back in February, following that up with the first Android 13 public beta in April. In June, Google dropped the fourth and final Android 13 beta — and now the full Android 13 release is here.

Android 13 brings several new features to Android, including a redesigned Material You with automatic color schemes based on your wallpaper, a kill switch that prevents third-party apps from accessing your camera and mic, end-to-end encryption for group conversations and a universal clipboard feature between various devices.

If you want to get your hands on Android 13 as soon as possible, here’s a list of which Android phones support the latest software update, and how to download and install the new software.

Want to learn more about Android? Check out these seven tips and tricks to improve your Android’s performance and settings to change to get the most out of your Pixel 6.

Which Android phones support Android 13?
For now, the Android phones that can run Android 13 are limited to recent Pixel models, including the:

Pixel 4
Pixel 4 XL
Pixel 4A
Pixel 4A (5G)
Pixel 5
Pixel 5A
Pixel 6
Pixel 6A
Pixel 6 Pro
Later this year, Android 13 will roll out to other devices from Samsung Galaxy, Asus, HMD (Nokia phones), iQoo, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, Xiaomi and more.

How to download and install Android 13 on your phone
To download and install Android 13 on your Pixel phone, first make sure your phone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and is plugged into power. The battery needs to be at least 50% charged for an over-the-air update to work.

To start installing Android 13, launch the Settings application. You might have the app directly on your home screen, but if you don’t, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access your app drawer and scroll through your apps until you find Settings.

Next, scroll down and tap System > System Update. If an update is available, it should load up here after a few seconds. If not, tap Check for update. Also, make sure your device has enough storage to download and install the update, or else you won’t be able to proceed. Usually the update file size is a few gigabytes.

Finally, tap the green Download and install button in the bottom right. The Android 13 system will then begin to download and install, which can take up to 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and condition of your phone. Once your phone reboots, you’ll be running Android 13.

If you don’t see the Android 13 update just yet, don’t fret. As long as you have a compatible Pixel phone, you’ll get it — it just may take some time to arrive.

Apple Is Reserving Names for AR Headset, Trademarks Filings Suggest

Applications focus on names such as “Reality One,” “Reality Pro” and “Reality Processor,” Bloomberg reports.

Recent applications for a variety of trademarks that include the word “Reality” suggest Apple is stocking up on potential names for its much-rumored augmented reality headset, Bloomberg reported Sunday. The applications, for names such as “Reality One,” “Reality Pro” and “Reality Processor,” were filed in the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica and Uruguay.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has indicated the company is preparing for a big future in AR, saying it’s a technology that’s potentially as important as the iPhone. While Apple has made no secret of its interest in the emerging AR sector, it’s been mum on its rumored AR/VR headset.

Apple hasn’t made any headset announcements, but the company is expected to unveil its headset during a January 2023 event, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The iPhone maker is looking to ship 1.5 million units of the face-mounted device in 2023 at a price of up to $2,000.

The trademarks weren’t registered to Apple by name but rather to Immersive Health Solutions, believed to be an Apple shell company, according to Bloomberg. Immersive Health Solutions was in turn registered by the Corporation Trust Co., another Delaware shell corporation typically used for filings by firms looking to avoid detection.

Rumors suggest the Apple VR headset will have 8K displays, eye-tracking cameras, external cameras for a mixed-reality experience and Apple’s M1 computer processor, like the one found in 2020’s MacBook Air and last year’s MacBook Pro.

Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.