How-to

iOS 18 takes gaming further with a dedicated Game Mode for iPhone and iPad. The new feature redirects system resources to maintain high frame rates, improves Bluetooth controller responsiveness and audio with AirPods, and more. Here’s how to use Game Mode on iPhone in iOS 18.

Apple Arcade launched with close to 100 titles and the service is seeing new games added almost every week with over 200 games now in the library. Follow along with our guide on all the available Apple Arcade games plus the latest releases.

Apple is improving iPhone security and privacy with iOS 18. One of the valuable new features is the ability to require Face ID for individual apps as well as putting them in a hidden folder. Read along for how to lock and hide apps on iPhone in iOS 18.

Along with letting users customize app colors, organize them anywhere, and more natively, iOS 18 brings a subtle new feature that cleans up the Home Screen. Here’s how to hide app names on iPhone in iOS 18.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are Apple’s latest and greatest devices. While the iPhone 15 Pro is naturally more feature-rich and powerful, it may be overkill for many. And the iPhone 15 has gained pro features of its own this year like the Dynamic Island, 48MP main camera, and more. Follow along for a deep dive into the iPhone 15 vs 15 Pro for all the differences and advice on which to buy for yourself or someone else.

Update June 2024: During the announcement of Apple Intelligence, we learned the new AI features will only be available with iPhone 15 Pro/Max and later. That marks a major new distinction between Apple’s smartphones.

• What is Apple Intelligence? Here’s how iOS 18’s AI features will change the way you use your iPhone, Mac, and iPad

This story is brought to you by Copilot Money, the best money tracker for iOS and macOS that gives you full financial clarity. Try Copilot Money today to track your App Store subscriptions and use the code 9TO5MAC to get a 2-month free trial.

Curious about what services you’re subscribed to through Apple’s App Store? Or maybe you want to cancel a trial right after signing up so you don’t forget? Read along for how to track and manage your Apple and App Store subscriptions.

Apple has made it seamless to subscribe to services through your Apple ID. But the flipside is it’s easy to forget what you’re paying for, what’s on a trial, monthly, or yearly subscription.

Want to install iOS 18 this summer but not ready to spring for the developer beta? Apple shared the iOS 18 public beta will arrive in July, but when exactly? Here’s when to expect the iOS 18 public beta release date.

Apple’s Notes and Voice Memos apps gain the handy feature of live audio transcription in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. Join along for a look at how to use audio transcription in iOS 18 including search, export, and more.

9to5Mac is brought to you by the all-new iMazing 3. The world’s most trusted app for managing Apple devices from a Mac or PC is now even better. Try it now.

USB-C/Thunderbolt display options have really expanded over the last couple of years. While Apple’s Pro Display XDR isn’t the best fit for most Mac users at $5,000+, it also offers the more affordable Studio Display. But there are also lots of solid choices from LG, Samsung, BenQ, and more. Here are the best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays with many available in the $400-$1,600 range.

Update 6/17/24: Samsung is running a limited-time promo with 38% off the 5K ViewFinity S9.

Apple Maps is upgraded with topographic hiking trails in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia. The feature offers detailed planning and guidance for custom hikes, the ability to save the maps offline, elevation details, and more. Here’s how to use Apple Maps topographic hiking trails.

macOS Sequoia comes with a simple but very useful new native tool: automatic window tiling. The new feature can be invoked in several different ways and comes with keyboard shortcuts. Here’s how to use automatic window tiling in macOS Sequoia.

9to5Mac is brought to you by the all-new iMazing 3. The world’s most trusted app for managing Apple devices from a Mac or PC is now even better. Try it now.

iOS 18 includes several new accessibility features for iPhone with the headlining one being the ability to control the smartphone with just your eyes. Whether you have an accessibility need or just want to tinker with the new feature, here’s how to turn on iPhone Eye Tracking in iOS 18.

Apple brings a range of new features to the Messages app with iOS 18. One of those is the handy capability to schedule messages to Send Later. Here’s how the feature works, where to find it, and more.

Apple’s most powerful smartphone chip is the A17 Pro. But how much different is it compared to the A16 Bionic for speed, efficiency, and capabilities? Read along for an in-depth A17 Pro vs A16 Bionic comparison.

I recently had to Google how to get color text in the Apple Notes app, because the way to do this in iOS 17 is rather deeply hidden!

Especially if you want to do it in the iPhone or iPad app, you have to use one of three workarounds, because – strangely – the feature isn’t directly supported …

Update: Color text highlighting is now supported in iOS 18 beta 1, with some limitations. See the end of the piece for details.

Apple is known for its impressive attention to detail and a simple but important iPhone feature has received some of that love. Here’s how the all-new iPhone flashlight in iOS 18 works with the Dynamic Island and new functionality.

iOS 18 brings a major update to Control Center that expands both capabilities and customization. The quick access controls go from a single page to multiple ones that you can smoothly slide through, third-party integration, and more. Here’s how to customize and use Control Center in iOS 18.

For more than a decade, it’s taken jailbreaking or other workarounds to customize iPhone apps with a unique look. Now, iOS 18 includes the ability to change iPhone app colors and more natively. Here’s how it works.

The iOS 18 beta is officially here for developers (for free). Like last year, it’s super simple to install the software thanks to a toggle in your iPhone settings. Follow along for how to install iOS 18 beta, as well as some tips and tricks.

Apple’s yearly developer conference kicks off today, June 10 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET. Here are 4 ways to watch the WWDC keynote including in this post below. We’ll also look at how to set a reminder, what to expect, and more.

Sonos has launched its first headphones and they compete directly with Apple’s AirPods Max. So what do you get with the Sonos over-ears? Here’s a detailed comparison of specs, features, battery life, and more for Sonos Ace vs AirPods Max.