The first iPhone XR reviews are in. Not surprisingly, these early reviews focus almost exclusively on the differences between the iPhone XR and the more expensive 2018 handsets, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max and whether paying $250 extra for the latter is worth it. The near-universal answer: not so much.
Bryan M. Wolfe
Bryan considers himself a well-rounded techie, having written articles @makeuseof @knowtechie, @appadvice, and now, @idownloadblog. When he's not sitting at his Mac typing, he's being a single dad and rooting for his alma mater, Penn State, or cheering on the New England Patriots. You can find Bryan on Twitter or by email at bryan@idownloadblog.com.Apple will fix the iPhone XS ‘beauty mode’ in iOS 12.1
Apple has confirmed it’s fixing the controversial “beauty mode” process when taking selfies on the 2018 iPhones. The Verge has learned the feature, which smooths a subject’s skin automatically in selfies, will be no more in the upcoming iOS 12.1 update.
Popular GasBuddy app causing issues on some iPhones
The popular GasBuddy app is causing problems for some iPhone users. In a memo to employees, Apple says it's working with the app developer to get the issue resolved. In the meantime, the app has been pulled from the App Store.
Apple HomePod lags behind other smart speakers in the US
Nearly nine months after it was first released, the Siri-based Apple HomePod is now found in four of 100 homes that own a smart speaker in the United States. This compares to 23 percent of users who say they own at least one of the most popular smart speakers, the Amazon Echo.
Apple releases beta 5 of iOS 12.1, tvOS 12.1 and watchOS 5.1
Apple has released iOS 12.1 beta 5 to developers. The company also released tvOS 12.1 beta 5 and watchOS 5.1 beta 5. Registered developers can get the updates now.
AppleCare+ iPhone XR pricing announced, optional theft and loss coverage available
Apple has introduced AppleCare+ pricing for the recently released iPhone XR. Like with the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, Apple is offering a plan that covers theft and loss this year for the first time.
Apple’s revised jobs site highlights innovation, corporate culture
Apple's corporate culture is on prominent display on the company's recently updated jobs site. The biggest change is the introduction of a new video that welcomes possible recruits to the company.
Tim Cook calls for Bloomberg to retract its Big Hack story
In an interview with Buzzfeed News, Tim Cook made it clear Bloomberg should retract its Oct. 4 Businessweek story that said Chinese spies breached the supply chain of 30 U.S. companies including Apple. The Apple CEO says since the story isn't true, it should be removed.
Content restrictions in iOS 12 still need some work
Less than two months after it was first introduced, Apple's Screen Time continues to catch flack for what it does and doesn't do. First, kids figured out a way around the tool's time limitations. Then, it was accused of draining iPhone batteries too quickly. Now, the tool's parental controls are being criticized for blocking (or allowing) the wrong content.
Best Wi-Fi mesh network systems for your home
Unlike traditional routers, a Wi-Fi mesh network uses multiple access points or nodes that are placed at different spots around your home. Based on the setup of your home, mesh network systems automatically guide your devices to the node that's ideally suited at the time. In doing so, Wi-Fi dead zones are removed.
Here are the best Wi-Fi mesh network systems you can buy for your home and the reasons to buy them.
Apple now sells a one-foot USB-C charging cable for Apple Watch
There's a new Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable available that features USB-C. Compatible with the Apple Watch Series 1 through Apple Watch Series 4, the cable measures 0.3 meters or 1 ft, and is available now to order on the Apple website.
Tweetbot 5 update offers refreshed design, optimized dark theme, and more
Tapbot is out with its latest app update for Tweetbot 5. Version 5.0 arrives just weeks after Twitter's recent API changes forced the popular third-party service to remove key features on both its iOS and macOS apps.