Get the most from Apple Watch notifications by adjusting these settings

Do Not Disturb mode isn't the only way to manage notifications on Apple Watch; there's more option in the Settings app.

One of the things that makes the best Apple Watch so great is the ability to receive notifications on your wrist. If someone texts you, you can quickly look on your Apple Watch to see who it was and what it says — that's super convenient. The same goes for a plethora of apps that can send notifications to your Apple Watch in watch OS 7. Whether it's about your upcoming appointment, a message from a friend, or a notification from your favorite weather app saying it's going to rain, getting a notification on your wrist is a real time-saver. However, there are some notification settings in watchOS 7 that you may not know about, and you can change them right on your Apple Watch. Here's how to manage Apple Watch notification settings.

How to manage Apple Watch notification settings:

• How to turn off Notifications Indicator
• How to turn off Always Show Short Looks
• How to turn on Notification Privacy

How to turn off Notifications Indicator

The Notifications Indicator is that little red dot you see at the top of your Apple Watch face that lets you know you have unread notifications on your Apple Watch. In watch OS 7, the feature is turned on by default, but you can turn it off in the settings app.

1. Launch Settings from your Apple Watch Home screen.
2. Tap Notifications.

3. Tap the Notifications Indicator On/Off switch. When the button is gray, the feature is turned off.

   

You can easily enable this feature again any time you want by following the same instructions above. The button will turn green when the feature is on.

How to turn off Always Show Short Looks

Whether your Appel Watch is locked or unlocked, you should receive Short Looks of the notifications on your Apple Watch screen because, by default, Always Show Short Looks is enabled. You can turn it off in settings.

1. Launch Settings from your Apple Watch Home screen.
2. Tap Notifications.

3. Tap the Always Show Short Looks On/Off switch. When the button is gray, the feature is turned off.

   

You can easily enable this feature again any time you want by following the same instructions above. The button will turn green when the feature is on.

How to turn on Notification Privacy

If you want to be extra private about your Appel Watch notifications, you can turn on Notification Privacy, which only shows a notification detail when you tap on the alert. Here's how to turn it on.

1. Launch Settings from your Apple Watch Home screen.
2. Tap Notifications.

3. Tap the Notification Privacy On/Off switch. When the button is gray, the feature is turned off.

   

You can easily disable this feature again any time you want by following the same instructions above. The button will turn gray when the feature is off.

Any questions?

Let us know in the comments down below!

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iPhone 12 more popular than iPhone 11, installed base figures show

"The iPhone 11 series' share in the total iPhone installed base was at 15% in Q1 2020 compared to the iPhone 12 series' 16% in Q1 2021."

What you need to know

• New figures suggest the iPhone 12 is outperforming the iPhone 11 in terms of popularity.
• It is in more hands than the iPhone 11 was this time last year despite a delayed launch and iPhone SE competition.
• Figures show 54% of iPhone 12 models are the 'Pro' and 'Pro Max' models.

A new report says the iPhone 12 is outperforming the iPhone 11 at a similar stage in its lifecycle based on installed base figures.

From Counterpoint:

Apple iPhone's installed base increased by only 2% in Q1 2021 compared to Q1 2020. Unlike sales or shipments data, the installed base figure tells us about the number of units of a product actually in use. Expansion in its installed base is not part of Apple's strategic focus. Rather than reducing ASP (average selling price) to increase installed base, Apple maintains its ASP and gets good revenue from accessories and services. Comparing the Q1 2021 iPhone installed base with that in Q1 2020, initial sales of the iPhone 12 series were better than the iPhone 11 series. The iPhone 11 series' share in the total iPhone installed base was at 15% in Q1 2020 compared to the iPhone 12 series' 16% in Q1 2021. It may be noted here that the iPhone 12 series' release date was one month later than that for the iPhone 11 series. Further, the iPhone 12 series also competes with the low-tier iPhone SE 2020.

Despite a delayed release and competition from the iPhone SE, Apple's iPhone 12 is in more hands than the iPhone 11 was this time last year.

The figures also reveal a very interesting switch, in that 54% of iPhone 12 models are the iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max. By contrast, the iPhone 11 was more popular than the 'Pro' version last year.

The top 5 iPhone models in Q1 2021 in terms of installed base were the iPhone 11, iPhone XR, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, and the iPhone 12. The best iPhone in recent memory, Apple is expected to replace the iPhone 12 with the iPhone 13 later this year.

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Jony Ive helped design the new M1 iMac, but Apple won't say when

". Jony Ive was involved in the design of this new iMac, despite having left Apple back in 2019."

What you need to know

• Apple released a head-turning new M1 iMac last month.
• A review from Wired claims Jony Ive was involved in the device's design.
• Apple won't say whether he worked on it after leaving the company in 2019 or not.

A new review of Apple's new M1 iMac states Jony Ive was involved in the design of the desktop, but that Apple won't say exactly when.

From Wired:

This, of course, was the iMac that made Jony Ive a household name. The friendly, accessible design and simplicity of use made this the Mac you actually wanted in your home. As the mission for the new iMac is pretty much the same, why not copy that ad?

But Apple has another reason to reference this old campaign. Jony Ive was involved in the design of this new iMac, despite having left Apple back in 2019. Hardware design is a long process, so perhaps it's not surprising that Ive's fingerprints are all over this new desktop. But, interestingly, Apple would not confirm or deny if he worked on the 2021 iMac after he left the company – just that he had worked on it.

As the report notes, Ive left the company in 2019 but Apple won't comment on whether he had any input following his departure. Apple works on products years in advance of announcement and release, so it's certainly not a surprise that Ive may have had an input on design whilst he was still at Apple in 2019. Equally, Ive left the company in 2019 to form an independent design company, and Apple confirmed that it would be one of its primary clients.

The new M1 iMac marks a stunning overhaul in design compared to previous models, not least in part thanks to the range of bright colors available. The new M1 iMac is already available with some discounts in our best iMac 2021 deals roundup.

iMac (2021)

$1299 at Apple

The new iMac features a stunning redesign and the M1 processor in seven new colors.

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New mini-LED MacBook Pro shipments coming Q3 21, says Digitimes

Previous leaks indicate the new lineup could be announced next week.

What you need to know

• Multiple reports indicate Apple has a new MacBook Pro with a mini-LED display in the works.
• A new report says shipments may not begin until Q3 of 2021.
• Apple will reportedly unveil a new MacBook Pro range at WWDC featuring a 10-core Apple silicon chip.

A new report says that shipments of Apple's rumored upcoming MacBook Pro range may not begin until Q3 of 2021, following reports it could be unveiled at WWDC.

From Digitimes:

Light guide plate supplier Global Lighting Technologies (GLT) reportedly will kick off its shipments of light guide plates for illuminated keyboards on Apple's new-generation miniLED-backlit MacBook Pro series products in the third quarter of 2021...

The paywalled report seems to indicate the new MacBook Pro range will not be released until later this year. Recent leaks from Jon Prosser have previously stated Apple will announce the new MacBook Pro at WWDC.

A recent Bloomberg report claims the MacBook will have a 10-core Apple silicon chip that could support up to 64GB of RAM:

Anew report claims Apple's next MacBook Pro will feature a 10-core Apple silicon chip and support up to 64GB of RAM.

From Bloomberg:

Apple plans to launch the redesigned MacBook Pros in 14-inch (code name J314) and 16-inch screen (J316) sizes. They'll have a redesigned chassis, magnetic MagSafe charger and more ports for connecting external drives and devices. Apple is also bringing back the HDMI port and SD card slot, which it nixed in previous versions, sparking criticism from photographers and the like. For the new MacBook Pros, Apple is planning two different chips, codenamed Jade C-Chop and Jade C-Die: both include eight high-performance cores and two energy-efficient cores for a total of 10, but will be offered in either 16 or 32 graphics core variations. The chips also include up to 64 gigabytes of memory versus a maximum of 16 on the M1. They'll have an improved Neural Engine, which processes machine-learning tasks, and enable the addition of more Thunderbolt ports, which let users sync data and connect to external devices, than the two on the current M1 MacBook Pro.

The new MacBook Pro would likely exist alongside the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro, one of the best MacBook models in recent years.

As that report notes Apple has reportedly redesigned the new MacBook, adding HDMI and SD ports as well as removing the Touch Bar. The leak seems to suggest a new generation of Apple silicon is on the way bringing with it a huge performance boost. Other rumors suggest the new MacBook could feature colors like the recently-released M1 iMac.

If rumors of a WWDC announcement are true then we don't have long to wait!

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Apple reveals plans for more retail stores despite shift to online sales

"On our online site people can learn a lot about the products; in a store they can touch them and get a feel for them"

What you need to know

• Apple has confirmed it has plans to open more retail stores despite a shift to online sales during the pandemic.
• SVP of retail and people Deirdre O'Brien said Apple intends to add more stores to its lineup.
• That's because of the unique experience of seeing products in the flesh.

Apple's SVP of retail and people has confirmed Apple plans to add more retail stores to its lineup despite a shift in emphasis to online sales during the pandemic.

From Bloomberg:

Apple Inc. will add to its global retail presence even as stores in inner cities struggle with an accelerating shift to sales online during the coronavirus pandemic, Germany's Funke Mediengruppe reported. The Cupertino, California-based company operates about 500 Apple stores globally, including 100 in Europe. Retail locations offer an opportunity for people to experience new technology, ask questions and attend workshops on Apple's products, Funke said, citing Deirdre O'Brien, the iPhone maker's senior vice president of retail and people.

O'Brien reportedly told the outlet Apple intends to add more stores to its lineup, despite a shift in sales to online.

Apple recently opened its new Via del Corso store in the heart of Rome, Italy, following a painstaking restoration process undertaken by the company. Apple is also reportedly working on a new retail location in Toronto.

O'Brien did not state where Apple plans to add stores but stated the company's retail operation gives customers an opportunity to "touch and get a feel" for its new products, adding value over the online experience. Apple's retail stores also host its Genius Bar repair service and community events like photo walks, workshops, and creative lessons.

Following a year of pandemic disruption around 99% of Apple's retail stores have now reopened, and customers can get their hands on new products like the Apple TV 4K (2021), the new iPad Pro (2021) with Liquid Retina display, and Apple's new colorful M1 iMac. The latter is also available in our best iMac deals 2021 roundup for those who prefer the online experience.

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Best iPad Mini Deals 2021: Up to $59 off in Amazon sale

If you're all-in on Apple tech and want a small, portable tablet to add to your setup, the iPad mini is the right choice for you. But, unlike other models in the line, iPad deals on the mini aren't quite as common and the most recent 2019 model has seen relatively few discounts since its release.

iPad mini | $369 at Amazon

With the iPad mini 5, you get a beautiful 7.9-inch Retina display, A12 Bionic chip, 64GB storage, and 9-hour battery. The base Wi-Fi model is down to $369 at Amazon which is a $30 discount. You can snag this price at Walmart too.

$369 at Amazon

iPad mini | $489.99 at Amazon

If you want a higher-capacity 256GB iPad mini, you can save even more. The Wi-Fi-only model is $59 off, marking one of its best prices of the year. Also available at Walmart.

$489.99 at Amazon

Despite being the tiniest iPad in the current lineup, the iPad mini is not actually the cheapest either. Perhaps as it's seen as a more niche product with a smaller audience, it actually commands a higher price than the 10.2-inch iPad.

Because of that, it's always nice to find a deal on one when you can. We've rounded up the best offers on the latest iPad mini on this page to make that super easy.

Best iPad Mini Deals

The 7.9-inch iPad mini is the smallest device running iPadOS. Don't underestimate it because of its size, though — the 2019 model is still feature-packed. It is equipped with Apple's A12 Bionic chip for a huge performance boost over previous-gen models. The display also supports True Tone and P3 wide color as well as Apple Pencil input.

Though iPad mini deals are pretty infrequent, this page is constantly updated with the latest price drops at a variety of retailers.

iPad Mini Price Tracking

iPad mini deals are fairly rare, though you can find periodic price drops throughout the year. Of course, the best time to buy one is during big sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday where retailers are competing for your dollars, though we keep tabs on iPad mini pricing all year round so we can bring any other discounts to you.

The iPad mini hit its record low price of $300 — $99 off — during Cyber Monday 2020. That one-day sale was truly a one-off and we haven't seen it go that low before or since. Its best price outside of that sale is $335, though we'd say any discount of $30 or more is worth jumping on.

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EPOS' new microphone was created with video game streamers in mind

Premium audio for streaming.

What you need to know

• EPOS is a premium gaming audio brand with a large assortment of gaming accessories.
• Today, EPOS revealed the B20 streaming microphone.
• It features four microphone pickup patterns and is compatible with Mac, PC, and PS4.

EPOS has long been a trusted name in the audio industry, so it's always exciting to see what new products the company comes out with. Today, EPOS revealed the B20 streaming microphone, a brand new accessory specifically made with video game streaming in mind. It comes with a desk stand for easy use while recording and is compatible with Mac, PC, and PS4.

Category	Spec
Compatibility	Mac, PC, PS4
Recording sample/bit rate	24bit - 48kHz
Playback sample and bit rate	24bit - 96kHz
Speaker frequency response	20 - 20,000Hz
Microphone frequency response	50 -20,000 Hz
Microphone pattern	Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo
Thread size	3/8 inch
Cable length	9.5 ft.
In box	Microphone, desk stand, USB cable, quick start guide
Warranty	2 years

As with many computer microphones, this one comes with a long 9.5-foot USB cable giving users plenty of leeway to get it in a good position. It also comes with a simple deskstand and has a 3/8 thread on the bottom if buyers want to connect it to a scissor arm stand for better reach.

To help you get the audio just right, the B20 features four microphone pickup patterns to choose from. By experimenting, buyers can discover which option works best for their projects. It also has an impressive 24bit record and playback bit rate for smooth sounding audio.

With the help of a reliable microphone, like the EPOS B20, and one of the best capture cards out there, you can be streaming in no time. We can even help you with our guide for how to stream Nintendo Switch on Twitch with a capture card.

Premium mic

EPOS B20

Price at EPOS

Game streaming and podcasting

If you want to stream your gameplay or host podcasts you're going to want a reliable microphone. Afterall, you don't want your audio to sound choppy or echoey. EPOS is a trusted brand in the audio industry and its new B20 streaming mic will do just the job.

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