How to

How to use the Home app visual status for accessories

Home App Visual Status iPad

Controlling your smart home from your iPhone and iPad is simple with the Home app. And with iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and macOS  Big Sur, you have a clearer way to see and manage your HomeKit accessories.

What used to be written summary section at the top of the Home app is now a visual summary of your connected devices. This allows you to quickly take action or more easily control your accessories. Here’s the scoop on using the visual status section for devices in the Home app.

macOS Big Sur: How to make Dark Mode even darker on your Mac

The dramatic Dark Mode look arrived to the Mac with the October 2017 release of the macOS 10.14 Yosemite software update. Fast forward three years and users can now force Dark Mode to become a bit darker thanks to a new setting in macOS 11.0 Big Sur. Follow along with our tutorial for step-by-step instructions for how to to make Dark Mode even darker on your Mac.

How to get a sneak peek at upcoming Apple Arcade titles

iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV with Apple Arcade games

Wouldn't it be great if you could see upcoming games that will launch soon on Apple Arcade, the iPhone maker's game-subscription service? With the new App Store features available on iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and macOS 11 Big Sur, you can do just that. Follow along with our quick tutorial as we show you how to get a sneak peek at upcoming Apple Arcade games.

How to use the new automation triggers in Shortcuts

Updated Personal Automations in Shortcuts iPad

Automations in the Shortcuts app give you awesome ways to make tasks simpler. With automations, you can do things like open an app, play music, or make a phone call, all automatically based on triggers you set up.

The Shortcuts app offers both personal and home automations to make your life a little easier. And with iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, you have even more triggers available. Here, we’ll show you how to use some of these new personal automation triggers in Shortcuts.