iPad

From the latest news to the most comprehensive tutorials, learn how to get the most out of your iPad with our step-by-step guides and expert tips.

15 iMessage apps and sticker packs to download on iOS 10

One of the headlining features in the just-released iOS 10 update is the new Messages app. It now includes support for iMessage animations, sketches, enhanced emoji, and third-party apps and sticker packs.

As such, there has been a number of app updates and new releases today with a focus on the new iMessage platform. And we thought it'd be handy for our readers if we rounded up 15 of our favorite downloads. 

iOS 10 software update now available

As promised, Apple on Tuesday released iOS 10 for its mobile devices. The software update is free and technically compatible with the iPad 4, iPad mini 2, the iPhone 5, the iPod touch sixth-generation, and all subsequent models.

If you have one of these devices, you can update to iOS 10 by navigating to the Settings app > General > Software Update, and it will install automatically. The update is also on our Downloads page, and you can install it manually by plugging your device into a computer with iTunes installed. Obviously if you're jailbroken, you'll want to steer clear of iOS 10.

Super Mario Run stickers now available on the iMessage App Store

Nintendo on Monday released its Super Mario Run sticker pack for iMessage. The company announced the move during its surprise appearance at Apple's keynote last week, promising the stickers would be available on day 1 of the iOS 10 launch.

Folks running iOS 10 beta on their device can install the sticker pack for free via the iMessage App Store. Simply open the iMessage App Drawer, tap on the Store icon, and search for 'Mario.' The pack includes 12 fun Mario-themed sticker images.

Instagram rolls out keyword-based comment filtering

Instagram today announced it has rolled out a new anti-harrasment comment moderation tool in its refreshed mobile app for iOS and Android. This feature requires Instagram 9.3 for iOS, available at no charge from the App Store. In addition to comment moderation, Instagram 9.3 includes an enhancement for Stories where you can add color to your text by swiping the colors above the keyboard to revel more. Or, simply tap and hold a circle to select a custom color.

Google’s new app lets you capture three-dimensional panoramas on your iPhone and iPad

Google today released a brand new camera application on the App Store, allowing iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users to take three-dimensional panoramas in 360-degree freedom. The interactive VR photography app is called Cardboard Camera and in addition to capturing 360-degree images, it also lets you share VR photos online and enjoy them in virtual reality with Google's Cardboard and similar accessories along with VR photos taken by other people.

Google Photos for iOS gains Live Photos stabilization feature

iPhone photography fans who use Google Photos for iOS as their go-to photo management and backup solution will be delighted to learn that the latest version of the iPhone and iPad application now integrates advanced stabilization and rendering features that can make Live Photos smoother. Borrowed from Google's Motion Stills app which debuted in June 2016, this feature can freeze the background in your Live Photos or create sweeping cinematic pans.

How to disable Direct Message read receipts on Twitter

Twitter has made some new changes to the Direct Message system that lets its users communicate with one another privately. Among those changes is the addition of sending and receiving read receipts.

In this tutorial, we'll show you how you can disable those read receipts so you're not letting everyone know when you see their Direct Messages.

Apple’s free app of the week: Blek

Apple on Thursday updated its App of the Week promotion with the game Blek. This critically-acclaimed title is an Apple Design Award-Winner, and for the next few days you can get it for free on both iPhone and iPad—a solid savings of $3.

The goal in Blek is simple: shape a line that collects all colored circles while avoiding black holes on its route. There are no specific moves to master, and potential level solutions range from delightfully simple to exceptionally deep and complex.