Apple has officially launched its Apple Business Essentials program for small businesses.
The plans combine hardware, software, and services into one manageable hub for business owners.
Plans start at $2.99 per month or $9.99 with AppleCare+.
Apple wants to be an easy place to start and grow a small business.
Apple Business Essentials is now available for all small businesses.
In a press release, the company announced that the program is now available to all small businesses in the United States. The service, as explained by Apple, combines "device management, 24/7 Apple support, and iCloud storage into flexible subscription plans." The company also announced AppleCare+ plans that can be added to any plan for additional protection for devices. Apple is offering a two-month free trial for any small business that is interested in the service.
Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of Enterprise and Education Marketing, said that the service should lead to "invaluable time savings for customers — including those without dedicated IT staff — that they can invest back into their business."
"Apple has a deep and decades-long commitment to helping small businesses thrive. From dedicated business teams in our stores to the App Store Small Business Program, our goal is to help each company grow, compete, and succeed. We look forward to bringing Apple Business Essentials to even more small businesses to simplify device management, storage, support, and repairs. Using this new service leads to invaluable time savings for customers — including those without dedicated IT staff — that they can invest back into their business."
The service attempts to simplify the deployment and management of hardware, software, and services among workers through one subscription and interface for the business owners. Apple says that the service is already integrated with Azure Active Directory and plans to add Google Workspace later this spring.
Apple Business Essentials supports small businesses throughout the entire device management life cycle — from device setup, to device upgrades — while providing strong security, prioritized support, and data storage and backup. The complete solution begins with simple employee onboarding, allowing a small business to easily configure, deploy, and manage Apple products from anywhere. With the Collections feature, groups of apps can be delivered to employees or teams, and settings can be automatically pushed to devices, such as VPN configurations, Wi-Fi passwords, and more.
Employees simply sign in to their work account on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac using a Managed Apple ID. Once they sign in, they will have access to everything they need to be productive, including the new Apple Business Essentials app, where they can download work apps available to them. Managed Apple IDs can be created by federating with Microsoft Azure Active Directory and, coming later this spring, with Google Workspace identity services, allowing employees to log in to their device with a single business username and password. Apple Business Essentials works with company-provided and personally owned devices, and with Apple's User Enrollment feature, employees' personal information stays private and cryptographically separated from work data.
In addition to a streamlined setup, Apple Business Essentials provides a dedicated iCloud work account for simple and secure storage, backup, and collaboration on files and documents. Business data is automatically stored and backed up on iPhone or iPad, making it easy to upgrade to a new device. And iCloud Drive keeps information synced across Mac, making it easy to move between devices at work.
The company also announced that businesses can add AppleCare+ to their Business Essentials plan which will provide repair and software assistance 24/7.
Beginning today, businesses have the option to add prioritized support for employee devices with AppleCare+ for Business Essentials. This service includes 24/7 access to phone support, training for both IT administrators and employees, and up to two device repairs per plan — by individual, group, or device — each year. Employees can initiate repairs directly from the Apple Business Essentials app, and an Apple-trained technician can come onsite in as little as four hours to get their iPhone back up and running.1
Apple Business Essentials plans start at $2.99 per month without AppleCare+. With AppleCare+, plans start at $9.99 per month. You can learn more about Apple Business Essentials on the company's website.
Verizon's Disney Plus bundles are a great way to save money on one of the biggest carrier networks in the US. Not only do you get the excellent Disney Plus, but the deal also throws a whole year of Hulu and ESPN Plus to make it one of the most well-rounded sets of streaming options out there. If you wanted access outside of this freebie, it would actually cost you $168 a year! You can take advantage of this deal with multiple Verizon plans, but we think the Play More Unlimited option is the best for most people. Take a look below for further details on this plan and also the other options available to you.
Best Overall Verizon Disney Plus bundle: Play More Unlimited
The appropriately-named Play More Unlimited plan is a Verizon Wireless plan geared towards streaming. This is the cheapest plan with 720p video streaming. You'll get a good, high-quality stream that will provide more than enough clarity and color depth to enjoy premium content on Disney+. Luckily, if you want a more consistent high-quality video, you can download videos for offline viewing. This is true for many other video streaming services such as Hulu and ESPN+, which are included with this plan as well.
This plan comes with Premium Network Access, which ensures your connection will be as fast as possible with up to 50GB of monthly usage before slowing down. Premium Network Access also nets you 720p streaming so long as you remember to enable it in your account settings. Streaming on other devices such as a tablet is also hindered with only 15GB of hotspot data, which makes it feel like an oversight on a streaming focused plan.
5G Ultra Wideband service is included in this plan if you live in an area with it available. Ultra Wideband is completely unlimited premium data and will allow you to stream in the highest quality possible. Nationwide 5G will eventually come to Verizon and will work with this plan as well as all other postpaid unlimited plans. This plan also includes six months of Apple Music to round off your multimedia experience.
With Play More Unlimited, you get a plan geared towards streaming and plenty of data to download an entire series.
No Compromises: Get More Unlimited
The Get More Unlimited plan is the best of Verizon Wireless, but you have to pay for it. You get Verizon's Premium Network Access, which gives you a healthy 50GB of premium data as well as the option to enable 720p streaming on your account. 5G Ultra Wideband support is here, as well as support for Verizon's future nationwide 5G network.
You can also set your download quality to the max without worrying about data caps to keep your quality maxed out. 30GB of LTE hotspot data won't be enough to rely on it for 4K streaming on your TV but should be fine for tablets.
Apple Music is also included, making this a premium streaming experience for video and audio in one package. You're in for a great experience if you're willing to pay the entry fee.
The Get More Unlimited plan has everything a heavy streamer needs to keep going without giving up quality or speeds.
Best for Multiple Devices: Do More Unlimited
The Do More Unlimited plan is the same price as the Play More plan but it's geared more towards getting work done on more devices thanks to getting 50% off of an Unlimited connected device plan. This means that you can get a Verizon powered tablet online with plenty of data for less.
It also includes six months of Disney+ and Apple Music. Premium Network Access gets you 50GB of premium data as well as optional 720p video streaming. If you have 5G service in your area, all other concerns dissolve and you get unlimited service with full quality videos while streaming. 5G Ultra Wideband and nationwide 5G will work on this network.
Unless you want to get another device connected, you'll likely find a better value in the Play More Unlimited plan for the same price. Still, for the right customer, this plan is nice to have in the lineup.
The Do More Unlimited plan is geared more to downloading large amounts of data than streaming.
Best Value: Start Unlimited
Start Unlimited is the most basic unlimited plan available at Verizon Wireless. It gets rid of the bells and whistles like premium data, hotspot, 720p video, and 5G but it keeps the most important bit: unlimited LTE data.
If you plan ahead and download your videos to your phone you can still get a great Disney+ experience for the six months you get for free and $7 per month after that. You also get six months of Apple Music to use, which is a nice addition. 480p video streams should still work fine if the towers aren't congested, meaning this is great for streaming if you don't need high-definition video available at a moment's notice.
Start Unlimited is a more basic plan but it has the essentials and the lower costs help more people get in.
Bottom line
All of these plans come with some amount of Disney+ and if you're using Wi-Fi, you can even watch from up to 10 unique devices. The quality limitations of Start Unlimited will be much less of an issue with Wi-Fi. Premium data is really only an issue for people that live in an area with a ton of cell traffic that can bog down during peak times.
Still, if you want to watch a lot on the road or simply not worry about switching to Wi-Fi everywhere you go, the Play More Unlimited plan is the best bet for streaming. With 720p video streams and Apple Music thrown in, it's the best of Verizon and will be more than enough for most people.
Premium Network Access and 720p
On your older Verizon unlimited plan, you may have noticed that some of your data is described as premium. This was used to describe an amount of data you would get without any sort of deliberate network slowdown. While before it was one of the main differentiators between plans, it has now taken a back seat and been reduced simply to Premium Network Access.
Premium Network Access includes premium data as well as streaming quality improvements. Premium data is 50GB across the board which should really be enough for the vast majority of users, It's not like you're out of luck if you exceed 50GB however, it just means that if the tower is at or near 100% usage, your data takes a back seat until things calm down. Kind of like using an MVNO. For most people, it will be fine.
Don't forget too that AT&T and T-Mobile exist and have grown by leaps and bounds in network capacity in the past few years and may be less congested in your area. Not to mention both of these carriers have a growing sub-6 5G network that increases total network capacity.
Premium Network Access also adds a 720p video quality option to your line. You will need to specifically enable the feature on your line so remember to do this when signing up so you can stream in the best quality possible.
What is Disney Plus and how does it work?
Disney+ is a streaming service from Disney that includes content from Marvel, Lucasfilm, Fox, and National Geographic, on top of multiple Disney properties. There is a ton of video content to watch right out of the gate from TV Shows to movies. It's been a toss-up for a while whether you would be able to find free legal streaming for Disney shows and movies, but now there is a great source for all this content. It also works on a ton of devices from Android and iOS phones to smart TVs.
Verizon home internet services Fios and 5G Home get 12 months of Disney+. Start Unlimited and Do More Unlimited get six months of standard Disney Plus service while the more expensive Play More and Get More Unlimited plans come with Disney+, ESPN+, and ad-supported Hulu.
Apple has released iOS 15, the latest OS version for iPhone. Update now!
Apple has just released iOS 15.4.1 to everyone. This update isn't as significant in terms of features, but but packs in some bug fixes and security updates.
What's new in iOS
March 31, 2022: Apple releases iOS 15.4.1
There's a new version of iOS 15 on the block as Apple has just released iOS 15.4.1. There don't seem to be any major new features, but this update does provide some bug fixes and security updates.
March 14, 2022: Apple releases iOS 15.4
Apple has just released iOS 15.4. This release brings Face ID with a Mask, Tap to Pay on iPhone, and other improvements.
February 10, 2022: Apple releases iOS 15.3.1
Apple has just released iOS 15.3. The release is relatively minor, as it just includes bug fixes.
January 26, 2022: Apple releases iOS 15.3
Apple has just released iOS 15.3. The release is relatively minor, as it just includes bug fixes and improvements.
January 12, 2022: Apple releases iOS 15.2.1
Apple has just released iOS 15.2.1. This is a small update that fixes issues with Messages sent through an iCloud link that won't load, as well as unresponsive third-party CarPlay apps.
December 13, 2021: Apple releases iOS 15.2 to the general public.
Apple has released iOS 15.2 for iPhone and it comes with a host of new features. You can download the new software now by following the steps below.
November 16, 2021: Apple releases iOS 15.1.1
Apple has released iOS 15.1.1 for iPhone. The update is meant to address issues with iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models dropping calls. Hopefully, if you've been affected by this issue you can update now following the steps below and sort it out.
October 26, 2021: Apple releases iOS 14.8.1
Apple has released iOS 14.8.1 for iPhone. It is a small update for the company's older operating system version for the iPhone and includes some security updates. It is recommended for all users.
Users who have a compatible device can also upgrade to iOS 15, which is currently on iOS 15.1 for the current version.
October 25, 2021: Apple releases iOS 15.1
Apple has released iOS 15.1 for iPhone. This update adds support for SharePlay, ProRes video recording on iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, and vaccination cards in the Wallet app. There are also a few new Shortcut actions, Mandarin Chinese support in the Translate app, and some bug fixes.
October 11, 2021: Apple releases iOS 15.0.2
Apple has released iOS 15.0.2 for iPhone. Apple says that this update fixes a number of bugs that have cropped up, including the inability of the new MagSafe Wallet to be found in Find My, CarPlay disconnection issues, and problems with the device restore and update using Finder or iTunes on a Mac with iPhone 13 models.
October 1, 2021: Apple releases iOS 15.0.1
Apple has released iOS 15.0.1 for iPhone. This update is said to fix the Apple Watch unlock bug, so if you've been experience issues with the Apple Watch unlocking your iPhone, now is the time to update. Don't miss out on our review of iOS 15 to learn more.
September 20, 2021: Apple releases iOS 15
Apple has released iOS 15 for iPhone, a major new release that brings new features like Focus, SharePlay, a redesigned Safari, and more. Don't miss out on our review of iOS 15 to learn more.
September 13, 2021: Apple releases iOS 14.8 containing security updates
Apple has released iOS 14.8 for iPhone, a small update with several new security fixes.
July 26, 2021: Apple releases iOS 14.7.1 with bug fixes
Apple has released iOS 14.7.1 for iPhone, a small update with a few bug fixes.
July 19, 2021: Apple releases iOS 14.7 with MagSafe Battery Pack support and more
Apple has released iOS 14.7 for iPhone. This update adds support for Apple's new MagSafe Battery Pack, which will be available this week. This update also includes support for combining credit limits in Apple Card Family and managing timers set on your HomePod inside the Home app. There are also several bug fixes in this release.
May 24, 2021: Apple releases iOS 14.6 with podcast subscriptions, Apple Card Family
Apple has released iOS 14.6, an update which brings with it podcast subscription support, Apple Card Family, and readies the iPhone for the introduction of Apple Music Lossless at some point in June.
May 3, 2021: Apple releases iOS 14.5.1 with App Tracking Transparency fixes
Apple has released iOS 14.5.1, a minor update that fixes some bugs with App Tracking Transparency that could prevent a user from seeing prompts from an app if they turned ATT on after previously having it off.
April 26, 2021: Apple releases iOS 14.5 with AirTag support, App Tracking Transparency, and more
Apple has released iOS 14.5, a major update to the iPhone operating system that adds support for Apple's new AirTag trackers, new Siri enhancements, and App Tracking Transparency. Apple Watch owners who also download watchOS 7.4 will now be able to unlock their iPhone (after the iOS 14.5 update) using Face ID while wearing a mask. This update also allows you to stream Apple Fitness+ content to any AirPlay 2-enabled TV or device.
March 26, 2021: Apple releases iOS 14.4.2 with security further updates
Apple has released iOS 14.4.2, another small update for iPhone. This update again brings security patches on top of those released earlier this month. Apple has also released iOS 12.5.2 for older devices.
March 8, 2021: Apple releases iOS 14.4.1 with security updates
Apple has released iOS 14.4.1, a fairly small update for iPhone. This update brings a small set of security fixes.
January 26, 2021: Apple releases iOS 14.4
Apple has released iOS 14.4, a relatively minor iPhone update that brings number of bug fixes, as well as a few small new features. The QR code scanner on iPhone can now recognize smaller QR codes, and you can now select a classification (like headphones, car stereos, and hearing aids) for Bluetooth accessories in Settings. Owners of iPhone 12 series devices will now also get notifications when their camera can't be verified as a new, genuine Apple camera, which would likely occur in the case of a third-party repair.
January 11, 2021: Apple releases iOS 12.5.1 for older iPhones
Apple has released iOS 12.5.1, an update for older iPhones that couldn't update to iOS 13 or later. This update fixes issues that some users were encountering with Apple's COVID-19 exposure notifications.
December 14, 2020: Apple releases iOS 14.3
Apple has released iOS 14.3 for iPhone. This is a major update that brings Apple Fitness+ and AirPods Max support for all iPhone users. This release also brings ProRAW on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max devices. It also includes Privacy information on the App Store, as well as other features and bug fixes for the iPhone.
November 19, 2020: Apple releases iOS 14.2.1
Apple has released iOS 14.2.1 for iPhone. It's a fairly minor update that nevertheless fixes a few major bugs. An issue that caused some MMS messages not to be delivered has been corrected. Made for iPhone hearing devices should now work properly when you're listening to audio on your iPhone. Finally, an problem that caused the Lock screen on the iPhone 12 mini to become unresponsive has also been resolved.
November 5, 2020: Apple releases iOS 14.2
Apple has released iOS 14.2 for the iPhone. This update comes with a number of new features, as well as several bug fixes. There are over 100 new emoji in iOS 14.2, as well as eight new wallpapers. This update also brings support for Apple's new Leather Sleeve MagSafe accessory for the iPhone 12 line, as well as use of the Intercom feature in the Home app first introduced in the previous HomePod update. The AirPlay controls have also seen a revamp to make it easier to start playing something on an AirPlay device.
October 20, 2020: Apple releases iOS 14.1
Apple has released iOS 14.1 for the iPhone. This update features several bug fixes, as well as the ability to play back and edit 10-bit HDR video in the Photos app on the iPhone 8 or later. There are fixes for widgets, sending email, Music, and more.
September 24, 2020: Apple releases iOS 14.0.1
Apple has released iOS 14.0.1 for the iPhone. This minor update fixes some bugs found in iOS 14, including one that would reset your chosen default web browser and email apps back to Safari and Mail, respectively, once you rebooted the device.
September 16, 2020: Apple releases iOS 14
Apple has released iOS 14 for the iPhone. The next generation of Apple's iPhone software platform, iOS 14 is full of exciting updates and new features. There are new widgets, which you can put on the Home screen. There's App Library, to help you better organize your apps. There are also features like CarPlay improvements, and, if you didn't download the iOS 13.6 update earlier this year, support for digital car keys.
September 1, 2020: Apple releases iOS 13.7
Apple has released iOS 13.7 for the iPhone. This update adds the ability to opt-in to COVID-19 exposure notifications even if you don't have an app installed, depending on your region. The feature currently works in Washington D.C., Virginia, Nevada, and Maryland.
August 12, 2020: Apple releases iOS 13.6.1
Apple has released iOS 13.6.1 for the iPhone. This seems to be a fairly minor update to the iPhone experience, with bug fixes and performance improvements.
July 15, 2020: Apple releases iOS 13.6.
Apple has released iOS 13.6 for the iPhone. This version of iOS adds support for Apple News+ Audio, which lets you listen to select professionally-narrated stories on Apple News+ if you're a subscriber. Apple is also launching its new digital car key feature announced at WWDC.
June 1, 2020: Apple releases iOS 13.5.1
Apple has released iOS 13.5.1 for the iPhone. This version of iOS brings a number of 'important security updates' following on the heels of the release of iOS 13.5, which, among other things, introduced Apple and Google's exposure notification API.
May 20, 2020: Apple releases iOS 13.5
Apple has released iOS 13.5 for the iPhone. With this update, Apple has released the exposure notification API that it developed alongside Google, as well as updates that make the Face ID experience better if you're wearing a mask, and an option to automatically share your essential medical information with medical personal when you place an emergency call.
April 7, 2020: Apple releases iOS 13.4.1
Apple has released iOS 13.4.1 for the iPhone. This update comes with a set of bug fixes for FaceTime, Bluetooth, and more.
March 24, 2020: Apple releases iOS 13.4
Apple has released iOS 13.4 for the iPhone. This update features new Memoji stickers, iCloud Drive folder sharing, new controls in the Mail app, support for third-party navigation apps in the CarPlay dashboard, and more.
January 28, 2020: Apple releases iOS 13.3.1
Apple has released iOS 13.3.1 for the iPhone. While mostly focused on a number of bug fixes, if you have an iPhone 11 series device, this update gives you greater control over the data collected by the U1 Ultrawideband chip with a new setting.
December 10, 2019: Apple releases iOS 13.3 for iPhone
Apple has released iOS 13.3 for the iPhone. This update introduces additional parental controls in Screen Time, letting parents set additional limits over who their kids can call, FaceTime, or message. There are new layouts in Apple News+ stories from top newspapers. You can now use FIDO2-compliante NFC, Bluetooth, and Lightning security keys with your iOS device. There are also a number of bug fixes present in this release.
November 18, 2019: Apple releases iOS 13.2.3 for iPhone
Apple has released iOS 13.2.3 for the iPhone. The update fixes an issue with system search in Mail, Files, and Notes. It also addresses an issue where photos, links, and other attachments might not display in the Messages details view, and fixes an issue that may prevent apps from downloading content in the background, The update also resolves issues that may prevent Mail from getting new messages, and fail to include and quote original message content in Exchange accounts
November 7, 2019: Apple releases iOS 13.2.2 for iPhone
Apple has released iOS 13.2.2 for the iPhone. This update fixes a bug that saw apps put into the background completely close too quickly.
October 28, 2019: Apple releases iOS 13.2 for iPhone
Apple has released iOS 13.2 for the iPhone. This update introduces Apple's new machine learning-powered Deep Fusion technique to the Camera app, adds the ability for Siri to announce and read incoming SMS and iMessages when you're wearing AirPods or Powerbeats Pro, new privacy settings for Siri, and more.
October 15, 2019: Apple releases iOS 13.1.3 for iPhone
Apple has released iOS 13.1.3 for the iPhone. This update fixes a number of bugs.
September 30, 2019: Apple releases iOS 13.1.2 iPhone
Apple has released iOS 13.1.2 for the iPhone. This update fixes several bugs, including some found in the iCloud Backup process, opening the Camera, and trying to use shortcuts with HomePod.
September 27, 2019: Apple releases iOS 13.1.1 iPhone
Apple has released iOS 13.1.1 for the iPhone. This minor update features a number of bug fixes, and follows on the heels of iOS 13.1, which launched earlier this week.
September 26, 2019: Apple releases iOS 12.4.2 for older iPhones and iPads that can't update to iOS 13
Apple has released iOS 12.4.2 for iPhones and iPads that can't be updated to iOS 13. This update is available for the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhon 6 Plus, as well as the iPad Air, iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3. Even though this is for a version of iOS 12, the update instructions remain the same as iOS 13, so you can follow them below.
September 24, 2019: Apple releases iOS 13.1 for iPhone
Apple has released iOS 13.1 for the iPhone. This update follows closely on the heels of iOS 13, and adds features like the ability to automate actions in the Shortcuts app, send your estimated time of arrival using Maps, bug fixes, and tweaks.
September 19, 2019: Apple releases iOS 13 for iPhone
Apple has released iOS 13 for the iPhone. This is a major update, bringing new features like Dark Mode, important updates to the Photos app, support for security features like Sign In with Apple, the new Look Around feature in Maps, and a redesign for CarPlay.
August 26, 2019: Apple releases iOS 12.4.1 for iPhone
Apple has released iOS 12.4.1 for the iPhone. This update features "important security and stability updates," as well as a patch for the recent exploit used by some groups to jailbreak iOS 12.4.
July 22, 2019: Apple releases iOS 12.4 for iPhone and iPad, iOS 10.3.4 and 9.3.6 for older devices
Apple has released iOS 12.4 for the iPhone and iPad, which introduces a number of fixes for News+ and a new wireless data migration tool. At the same time, Apple has also released iOS 10.3.4 and iOS 9.3.6 for older iPhones and iPads that cannot download the current software updates. These patches for older devices fix a GPS bug, as well as implementing a number of security fixes.
June 10, 2019: Apple releases iOS 12.3.2 for iPhone 8 Plus with Portrait mode fix
Apple has released iOS 12.3.2 for the iPhone 8 Plus (and only the iPhone 8 Plus), which fixes a bug found in Portrait mode on that device. iOS 12.3.1 remains the current version of iOS for all other compatible devices.
May 24, 2019: Apple releases iOS 12.3.1 with fixes for VoLTE, Messages bugs
Apple has released iOS 12.3.1, which fixes a bug that could prevent users from placing or receiving VoLTE calls from their iPhone. There are also two bugs fixed in Messages, one that could prevent the Unknown Senders filter from functioning properly, and one that could stop the Report Junk link in messages from unknown senders from appearing.
May 13, 2019: Apple releases iOS 12.3, bringing new TV app experience to iPhone and iPad
Apple has released iOS 12.3, which introduces the new TV app to iPhone and iPad. The app includes an updated design, channels, which you can subscribe to independent of any cable subscription and for which you don't need an app, and improvements to finding your favorite shows and movies.
March 25, 2019: Apple releases iOS 12.2, bringing News to Canada, Apple News+, new Animoji, and more
Apple has released iOS 12.2, which introduces the new Apple News+ subscription service, brings the News app to Canada, introduces new emoji, AirPlay support for third-party TVs, and support for the second-generation AirPods that Apple announced last week.
February 7, 2019: Apple releases iOS 12.1.4 with FaceTime bug fix
Apple has released iOS 12.1.4, which fixes a major vulnerability in FaceTime that allowed users to eavesdrop on other iPhone owners using Group FaceTime. Apple previous took Group FaceTime offline while working on a fix.
January 22, 2019: Apple releases iOS 12.1.3
Apple has released iOS 12.1.3, which fixes a number of small issues, including an issue in Messages that could affect scrolling through photos in the Details view of a message thread, a problem that caused audio distortion on 2018 iPad Pros, and a CarPlay error on the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.
December 20, 2018: Apple releases updated built of iOS 12.1.2
Apple has released an updated version of iOS 12.1.2 for those iOS users who had not yet downloaded the previous build, released earlier this week. If you've already downloaded iOS 12.1.2, you do not need to download this new version, and the update will not appear in the Settings app.
December 17, 2018: Apple releases iOS 12.1.2 with eSIM bug fix
Apple has released iOS 12.1.2, which fixes a bug with eSIM activation in the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. This update also fixes a bug that could affect cellular connectivity on those iPhones.
December 5, 2018: Apple releases iOS 12.1.1 with new FaceTime interface and more
iOS 12.1.1 has arrived with a new FaceTime user interface and FaceTime Live Photo capture. The update also brings support for Haptic Touch for notification on the iPhone XR.
October 30, 2018: Apple releases iOS 12.1 with group FaceTime calls and more
iOS 12.1 has arrived, complete with support for group FaceTime calls, new emoji dual-SIM, and more.
October 8, 2018: Apple releases iOS 12.0.1 with connectivity and charging fixes
While iOS 12.0.1 is an overall minor update, it does fix some notable issues that cropped up in the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, in particular, issues with Wi-Fi connectivity and charging.
September 17, 2018: Apple releases iOS 12
iOS 12 is a major update, with big gains in performance, Siri Shortcuts, Screen Time, and so much more.
How to install the iOS update using Software Update on your iPhone
The easiest way for most people to download iOS 14.3 is over-the-air, directly on their device. It's fast, it's efficient, and it's simple to do.
The download will begin automatically. If the download does not begin right away, you may see a notice: "Preparing to download." Give it a couple of minutes and the download will begin shortly.
How to install the iOS update using your Mac
If you have limited space on your device or software update isn't working for whatever reason, you can update using your Mac.
Make sure you have a recent backup. Make it encrypted so all of your passwords and other private data is preserved.
Plug your iPhone or iPod touch in using your USB to Lightning or USB to 30-pin Dock cable.
Under Finder, click on the device icon at the top left to go to the device tab.
Click on Check for Update in the Summary pane.
Click on Download and Update
Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Enter the Passcode on your iPhone or iPod touch, if prompted.
How to install the iOS update over the developer or public beta
Siri lets you take notes, even from across the room or in the car.
Every wanted to jot down a thought in the Notes app, but your hands are busy? Relax, Siri has got you covered.
In iOS 15, you can use Siri to take notes and even quickly search your notes, so you can always jot down your important thoughts. Here's how to take notes with Siri on iPhone and iPad.
How to dictate a note to Siri on iPhone and iPad
Press and hold the Home button, **Side Button*, or say "Hey, Siri" to launch Siri.
Say "Take a note."
Dictate your note to Siri.
Once you're done talking, Siri will automatically save what you dictated to the Notes app. Dictating notes to Siri may not be perfect in its current form, but it can often be much quicker than typing them out. Then, when you have time later, you can go in and add a title or make any needed changes.
How to find and view notes with Siri on iPhone and iPad
Press and hold the Home button, Side Button, or say "Hey, Siri" to launch Siri.
Say something like "Show me my notes" or "Show me notes from today" or "Show me notes about iMore" — just replace iMore with the keyword you want Siri to search.
Siri will present you with a list of notes in the Notes app that matches the description.
Tap on the note you want to open.
Quick Notes on iPad
While you can use Siri to take notes on both your iPhone and iPad, your best iPad has a different feature that may be useful to know about.
One of the new features in iPadOS 15 is Quick Note. With this, you can invoke a simple notepad on your iPad, quickly jot down any little bits of invaluable information, save links, and even add text and images from Safari.
Over the years, Apple has got the setup process for its devices down to a tee, especially for those that already have Apple devices in their home and can make the most of automatic setup.
However, that's not the case for everyone and there are plenty of reasons why you might want to set up your Apple TV manually. Whether this is your first Apple device, you want to use certain Apple ID credentials on your Apple TV, or you want to be very specific with your Apple TV settings, a manual Apple TV setup is the way to go.
Here's what you need to do to set up your Apple TV manually.
How to manually set up your Apple TV
Though it is especially easy to set up an Apple TV automatically using your iPhone, some folks can't or don't want to set it up that way.
Using the Siri remote, you can set up your Apple TV manually by setting up Wi-Fi networks, entering Apple ID credentials, and more. It's a little more fiddly and drawn out, but it's certainly possible.
Plug your Apple TV in to power and connect it to your TV via HDMI.
Click the center button or trackpad on your Siri Remote to pair it with your Apple TV.
Select the language you want to use on your Apple TV.
Select the country you're in.
Depending on your region, you may be asked if you want to automatically switch display format for local content. If you do, click Switch to Match.
When prompted whether to set up your Apple TV automatically with your iPhone or to do so manually, choose Set Up Manually.
Choose whether or not to use Siri by selecting Use Siri or Don't Use Siri.
If you choose to use Siri, you'll be asked whether you want to Share Audio Recordings or not in order to improve the service.
Select your Wi-Fi network and enter its password.
Enter your Apple ID and password, then click Continue.
If you have separate iCloud and iTunes credentials, click Use different Apple IDs for iTunes and iCloud? and follow the prompts to enter each.
Choose when to require your Apple ID password for purchases by selecting Always Require, Require After 15 Minutes, or Never Require.
In some regions, you might be able to sign in with your TV or cable provider. Click Sign In to find your TV provider and enter your credentials or click Not Now to skip this step.
Click Turn On to activate One Home Screen. Click Not Now to skip this step.
Select which room in your house this Apple TV is in.
Select Enable Location Services or Disable Location Services.
Select Automatically Download or Not Now to choose whether or not to automatically load Apple's Aerial screensavers.
Select Send to Apple or Don't Send on the Analytics screens.
Select Share with App Developers or Don't Share on the App Analytics screens.
Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
That's it, your new Apple TV is now up and running! If any of the settings aren't quite right, you can dive into the Settings app on the device and see what you can change from there. Alternatively, you can always reset your Apple TV and set it up from scratch again.
Time to stream
Now your Apple TV is up and running, it's time to get to grips with the best Apple TV features, start watching some content from your favorite streaming services, and play some terrific games on the big screen.
Since you're using Apple's hardware, why not dive into the library of Apple TV+ shows and movies or try out a few Apple Arcade titles? There's plenty to get started with there.
Here's a hot one. Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) and Chris Evans (Captain America) are set to star in buzzy new movie package Project Artemis, we can reveal, with Ozark star, director and exec-producer Jason Bateman aboard to direct.
The deal was reportedly worth more than $100M. The plot of the movie is "being kept tightly under wraps" but will reportedly be set against the space race. Screenplay will come from Rose Gilroy and Johansson will also help produce the movie. The report says it will be a welcome big-screen reunion for Evans and Johansson:
Evans and Johansson have been looking for projects to team up on following the end of their Avengers days and came close on Ghosted, another hot package that Apple scooped up. Johansson fell off after scheduling conflicts with Ana de Armas stepping in. That film is currently filming but everything works out in the end as the two A-listers and old friends get a second chance at teaming up again.
Apple TV+ this week became the first streaming platform to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, and this movie lives up to its hype, Apple could have another critically acclaimed blockbuster on its hands.
100% exclusive content for the price of a cup of coffee.
With TV+, you can watch well-produced, big-budget TV shows from famed directors, and starring award-winning actors and actresses across all your Apple devices and with up to six members of your Family Sharing group.
The iPhone 13 mini is a fantastic phone with a compact form factor loved by many. Unfortunately, a small handset means a small battery. While the iPhone 13 mini improves on its predecessor, the iPhone 12 mini, in the battery department, a single charge may not last you all day if you're a heavy user. In that case, one of the best battery cases for the iPhone mini will come in handy.
Slim and nicely priced
MAXBEAR Battery Case for iPhone 13 Mini, 6000mAh
Staff Pick
Get up to 150% more battery life with this slim and protective case from MAXBEAR. No need to remove the case; you can sync and charge while the case is on your iPhone. Four LED lights on the back let you know how much power the case has left.
A battery case doesn't have to be plain. Casely collaborates with various artists to create some gorgeous iPhone cases. Get up to 100% extra power with this beauty. You can even charge it wirelessly. There are so many designs to choose from, you'll be sure to find one that suits your taste.
Charge and sync your iPhone without removing this non-bulky case. The four LED lights on the back let you know how much juice you have left. Choose from three colorways: blue, black, and pink.
This 6000mAh battery case is easy to slide on and off since the top portion is soft and flexible. A security chip inside the case protects your phone from short-circuiting, overheating, or over-charging. The LED lights let you know when power is getting low.
Slabao Battery Case for iPhone 13 Mini, 5000mAh Charging Case with Kickstand
Not only do you get extra power, but you also get a kickstand for propping up your iPhone 13 mini at the perfect angle for watching videos. You can quickly charge the case alone, or charge the case and your iPhone together if you're not in a rush.
One of the great advantages of MagSafe is that you can snap a great MagSafe battery pack like this one onto the back of your phone and it will stay put and charge on the go. When you're not using it, pop it off. Just be sure you're using a good MagSafe-compatible iPhone 13 mini case so the magnets will work properly.
Which of the best battery cases for iPhone 13 mini should you pick?
We love the iPhone 13 mini for its advanced dual-camera system, Cinematic Mode, A15 Bionic Chip, HDR Display, and other great features. But what makes it really special is that you get a cutting-edge iPhone in a tiny package, easy to operate one-handed. However, the compact size means a smaller battery, so having one of the best battery cases for your iPhone 13 mini is a great option.
We like the price point, slim form factor, and protective design of the MAXBEAR Battery Case for iPhone 13 Mini, 6000mAh. This case will give you an extra 150% charge, which gives you peace of mind on the go. Like most battery cases, you can charge it and your iPhone at the same time. You can also sync your iPhone 13 mini to your MacBook without removing the case. The four LED lights on the back give you an indication of how much power is left in the case.
Another option to consider is the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack. While it isn't a battery case, per se, it's a convenient way to charge your iPhone 13 mini when you're on the go. It has all the advantages of a battery case, plus you can just pop it off when you don't want to use it. Just be sure to use a MagSafe-compatible case (or go without a case if you're daring) in order for the MagSafe magnets to work properly.
"But the latest survey indicates new iPhones in 2023 & 2024 may not adopt under-display Touch ID. Face ID with a mask on iPhone is already a great biometrics solution."
What you need to know
Apple's rumored Touch ID display may be further off than we thought.
New inside information indicates it may not debut on the iPhone until 2025.
Ming-Chi Kuo says Face ID with a mask is a great biometrics solution.
New inside information claims that Apple may not adopt an under-display Touch ID fingerprint scanner in its iPhones until as late as 2025.
I previously predicted iPhones would support under-display fingerprint sensing/Touch ID in 2023 at the earliest. But the latest survey indicates new iPhones in 2023 & 2024 may not adopt under-display Touch ID. Face ID with a mask on iPhone is already a great biometrics solution.
As Kuo notes this was previously rumored as a feature for next year's flagship iPhone, the iPhone 15, but it now seems that we may be three or more years away from the technology. Kuo cites the success of the Face ID with a mask on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.
Previously we had heard the feature would debut on the iPhone 13, however, the timeline seems to keep slipping away from public release.
Later this year Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 14 with an unchanged design and a new 48MP camera lens in the 'Pro' versions of the phone, which are also expected to get a new processor. Apple is expected to ditch the 'mini' variant of its iPhone in favor of a larger regular 'Max' model.
The Keychron Q3 is now available for order with prices beginning at $154.
The Q3 comes in three colors and can be ordered with or without switches and keycaps.
The Keychron Q3 has a lot to like in a larger configuration than other Q-model keyboards.
Say hello to the new Keychron Q3, a mechanical TKL keyboard that gives you more room to breathe. More space to spread out into, if you will, than the Q1 and Q2 offerings. Like those keyboards, this new keyboard is still a premium product complete with QMK firmware support and more.
The Q3 is larger thanks to its tenkeyless (TKL) layout and there's an aluminum construction and gasket-mounted design that will be familiar to those who have checked out the Keychron Q1 or Q2.
As you might expect, the switches can be swapped out and you can choose from Gateron G Pro Blues, Reds, and Browns out of the gate. You'll get the option of buying a barebones version as well, should that be your preference.
The Q3 is a fully customizable mechanical keyboard to push your typing experience to the top. With the classic tenkeyless layout, full aluminum CNC machined body, double-gasket design, and QMK/VIA support, the Q3 is designed for premium typing comfort and endless possibility.
Prices start at $154 for the barebones version — the one where you'll need to provide your own keycaps and switches. Things can go from there if you want to start adding bits and bobs and there's a re-programmable knob that can be added to both the barebones and assembled versions of the Q3, too.
The Q3 will no doubt wind up being one of the best Mac keyboards around for those who want something larger than the standard fare and you can place an order for one of your very own now. All you need to do is pick which color you want — Carbon Black, Silver Gray, or Navy Blue.
After updating the Apple Watch 7 to WhatchOS 8.5 it stopped fast charging with Belkin BoostCharge PRO. It used to charge very fast and now is very very very slow (about 5% in one hour). Any idea of how to solve this issue?
Thanks!
Another said:
I can also confirm, the boost pro stopped charging my Series 7 altogether after updating to watchOS 8.5. It'll charge normally on Apple chargers, but the Belkin fast charger recently released no longer works. Considering the absolute desolate landscape that third party fast charging for Series 7 is currently, how quickly Apple releases a fix for this is critical for Belkin and others to keep customer trust.
Reddit users reported much of the same, as did those on the MacRumors forum:
I'm having issues with fast charging since the 8.5 install.
Essentially, fast charging does work with the dedicated USB C cable included in the Series 7 box and 20w adapter, but does not work with the Belkin fast charge dock introduced as it did previously.
I've become accustom to quick charging, and am curious if others are having this issue?
One interesting workaround found by a user states that fast-charging does work plugged into another Apple device, like an iPad or Mac. The issue is interesting because lots of the reported issues seem to pertain to third-party accessories, with some noting they weren't experiencing similar problems with Apple's own charging gear.
You can buy the Apple Watch from Amazon if you prefer. Just remember you may be limited to only certain band combinations and models on Amazon. Plus, it's possible they will have less stock than buying from Apple directly.
Kirby games have had far more misses than hits, but Kirby and the Forgotten Land is an undeniable winner. Developer HAL Laboratory has taken the best parts of the iconic sidescrolling platformer and brought it into a more 3D experience. The characters are adorable, Kirby has some ridiculously fun new abilities, and while the co-op mode isn't perfect it provides a fun time for two players.
Now, the playstyle found in Kirby games isn't everyone's cup of tea. Instead of offering an extremely difficult challenge like most other platformers, Forgotten Land is relatively laid back. In many ways, it's the perfect game to introduce people to the platforming genre or to just unwind with after a long day. I was having a pretty rough week when I started playing Kirby and the Forgotten Lands, but this silly adventure helped lighten my mood.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Bottom line: Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a simple yet satisfying platformer that's fun for people of all ages and skill levels. Mouthful Modes are hilarious and upgrading Copy Abilities provides something fun to work towards whether you're playing alone or with a friend.
Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a code provided by Nintendo. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land: What's good
Kirby is one of the most recognizable Nintendo characters but Kirby games are polarizing for one of the strangest reasons: Some people dislike how breezy they are. This pink puffball can float to better reach platforms he initially missed, can swallow most of the enemies he faces, and in Kirby and the Forgotten Land he gains new abilities that allow him to be even more cute and destructive than ever before. I'll admit, Kirby is so powerful that I often felt like I was playing in God Mode using cheats. However, that's also what makes Forgotten Land so charming.
Category
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Title
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Developer
HAL Laboratory
Publisher
Nintendo
Genre
Action, Platformer
Game Size
6.2GB
Play Time
8-10 hours
Players
Single/Two player
Format
Download/Game Card
Launch Price
$60
There are two difficulty modes to choose from: Spring Breeze, which is the easy setting, or Wild Mode, which is the normal setting. I played in Wild Mode where enemies are more difficult to beat and Kirby has less health, but even that didn't feel all that challenging. This is easily one of those games that you can play while watching a show for a relaxing time, kind of like Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Kirby and the Waddle Dees are sucked into a strange vortex in the sky and brought to a world filled with ruins. Here our pink friend meets a blue flying creature named Elfilin and sets out to save the captured Waddle Dees from the Beast Pack's clutches. Along the way, Kirby will discover what brought him to this strange land and will learn to use brand new abilities.
Mouthful Modes and Copy Ability upgrades add more depth
When I first downloaded Forgotten Land, I wasn't in the best mood. Some things in my personal life weren't going all that well and I was stressed out. However, I perked up every time I saw another one of those ridiculous new Mouthful Modes that involve Kirby wrapping his mouth around an object to use it. The most notable example is Car Mouth, which allows Kirby to speed into enemies and obstacles while being, you guessed it, a car. There are even more Mouthful Modes than what Nintendo showed in its trailers. I won't spoil what they are, but I will say seeing new Mouthful Modes delighted me each time and I couldn't wait to see what new problem-solving options they opened up.
Kirby is so powerful that I often felt like I was playing in God Mode.
Puzzles were usually simple to solve and just required me to use whatever Copy Abilities or Mouthful Modes were around. However, if I lost a necessary Copy Ability by the time I reached a puzzle area I would have to replay the level in order to complete certain missions. There are also secrets hidden in just about every level, so the game offers replay value in that way. Levels usually only take about 5-10 minutes to complete, so it's easy to run through them again.
Several of Kirby's most famous Copy Abilities make a return including Cutter, Sword, Needle, Fire, and Ice. But what makes them fun is that you can upgrade them by spending items, Blueprints, and Rare Stones at the Weapon Shop in Waddle Dee Town. The Blueprints necessary for upgrades are hidden in various levels throughout the game while the Rare Stones are mostly acquired by completing Treasure challenges found on the map within a certain amount of time. Upgrading not only makes Copy Abilities more powerful but completely alters the look of Kirby's headgear.
By the end of the game, my attacks were incredibly powerful and most enemies were no match for me. Speaking of which, another thing that brought a smile to my lips was coming into an area only to discover some baddies doing something silly, like taking a lunch break at the mall and eating cake. You'll want to keep your eye out for these charming little elements as you run through the story.
Two-player co-op fun and limitations
I also played with my husband in two-player co-op. We traded controllers at each new level so we could experience the differences between playing as Kirby or Bandana Waddle Dee. On the whole, I felt like both characters were easy to control, but as you'd expect playing as Kirby is more fun.
Unlike his pink friend, Bandana Waddle Dee cannot use Copy Abilities or Mouthful Modes. However, he does have a spear that he can throw for ranged attacks, jab close enemies in melee, or float around and rain down spears of light on enemies below. Whenever Kirby upgrades his Copy Abilities, Bandana Waddle Dee gets stronger as well. During some Mouthful Modes, Bandana Waddle Dee will even hold onto Kirby and can toss spears at passing obstacles and enemies making the two very powerful together. When one of them eats food, they can even come together to do an adorable high five and share that health.
The frustating thing for Player 2 is that the camera follows Kirby, so if Bandana Waddle Dee gets too far away, he'll be forced into a bubble and brought back to Kirby's side. I often bubbled as Bandana Waddle Dee when I didn't think I was that far away. I also couldn't solve any Mouthful Mode puzzles and had to wait for Kirby while he got to do all of the fun. However, Bandana Waddle Dee can run through doorways to bring us to new locations, collect any items, or save any Waddle Dees he found first (as long as he's in range).
Despite these limitations, or even because of them, this is the perfect game to share with a small child or anybody just getting into gaming. They likely won't get too frustrated with the levels and you can assist them when necessary. Otherwise, it's just a fun time people can have while playing on the same couch and using the same Switch.
The amiibo perks are actually worth it
Usually when a Switch game offers amiibo functionality, scanning the compatible figures just gives you some simple in-game rewards. However, in Kirby and the Forgotten Land scanning the most useful Kirby amiibo feels like entering cheat codes to make the game even easier for both players.
Scanning a Kirby NFC figure unlocks a Life Up item, which doubles players' health bars. Meanwhile, a Meta Knight amiibo unlocks an item that inceases both players speed for a short time, and a King Dedede amiibo unlocks a short-termed attack boost. The Waddle Dee figurine simply gives you a potion. However, I can scan up to five amiibo in a row and can even rescan an amiibo as many times as I want in a day as long as I've cleared a stage between scannings. With all of these boosts in play, Kirby goes from being a powerful force to being almost unstoppable.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land: What's not good
While I thoroughly enjoyed Kirby and the Forgotten Land, it did find it surprising that I beat the game within just eight hours. If I go back and 100% complete all of the challenges or collect all of the in-game figurines it could add a few more hours to that total. There is also some post-game content that can keep you busy after you beat the the final boss.
I don't think people should equate play time length to the price of any game, but I can see how it could be hard for some people to justify paying $60 for a shorter one. Something to keep in mind with Forgotten Land is that it has lots of replay value since you can go back and take on baddies using different attacks or look for previously missed secrets hidden throughout the levels. So if you're the kind of person who likes to replay your games it will be a good fit for you.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Should you play it?
4.5out of 5
If you've never really cared for Kirby's relaxed platforming, that's not likely to change with Forgotten Land. However, it's a great game for existing fans or people who want entertainment they can relax with. Forgotten Land takes the best mechanics from Kirby games and brings them to the next level. The two-player co-op also allows for a fun multiplayer experience to share with a buddy. Just be aware that it doesn't take that long to complete the main story.
The silliness of the Mouthful Modes and all of the options made available to you through upgrading Kirby's Copy Abilities really make this stand out as the best Kirby game yet. If you're interested, I highly recommend you check it out.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Bottom line: Kirby has been sucked into a strange world, but luckily he has all new abilities to help him through. If you're looking for an adorable, relaxing time, you can't go wrong with Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
