Category: news

How to Find Someone’s Location on iPhone

 While this sounds a little creepy, there are benefits to knowing how to find someone’s location on an iPhone — both for the person you’re tracking and for yourself. You can check the location to make sure someone isn’t lost, or if you’re at a busy event like a festival, you can narrow down someone’s location among many others. Whatever the reason, finding someone’s location on an iPhone is pretty easy with the right sharing settings in place. We’ll cover everything in this tutorial.

How to Find Someone’s Location on iPhone

If you want to find someone’s location on your iPhone, that person must agree to share their whereabouts with you. This requires an understanding of how to use Find Finder to share your location on your iPhone, and it’s worth reading the tutorial to troubleshoot any issues you may have. You’ll need to get your friends to follow them, and you’ll need to follow these steps if you want to share your location with someone.

1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone. The quickest way to find it is to pull down on the screen to invoke Spotlight, then type “find my” in the search box. Tap the Find My Apps icon when it appears.

2. Tap the People tab at the bottom of the screen.

If you’ve never shared your location with anyone before, you can tap Start sharing. If you have shared your location before, you can click + and select Share my location.

3. Enter the name of the person you want to share your location with. Now hit send.

4. Choose how long you want to share your location. You can tap “Share for an hour,” “Share for the day,” or tap “Share indefinitely.”

5. The recipient is informed that you have shared your location with them and is invited to do the same. They will need to tap the notification and follow any further instructions on the screen to get started.

HOW TO TRACK SOMEONE’S LOCATION ON IPHONE

You can also ask someone to share their location with you. To do this, you’ll need to share your location with them first – so follow the steps above before moving on to this section.

1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone (see Step 1 above) and tap the Contacts tab at the bottom of the screen.

2. Select a person from the list. This will show everyone who can see your location.

3. Scroll down the Contact Information page and click Ask for Location. The request will be sent to your friend, so just click OK.

4. You will now need to wait until you receive a notification that your request has been accepted.

HOW TO FIND SOMEONE’S LOCATION ON THE IPHONE

Once someone has shared their location with you, you can see their location.

1. Open the Find My app on your iPhone and tap the People tab at the bottom of the screen.

2. Select the name of the person you are looking for and you will see their location on the map.

3. You can also use the option in the business card at the bottom of the screen. Tap Contacts if you want to get in touch with the person or select directions to show directions to the person’s location.

4. You can also receive notifications when someone performs a specific action. Click Add under Notifications.

5. Now select Notify me.

6. You can choose when to be notified. For example, you can choose to be notified when someone leaves a set location.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>iPhone battery

Android phones just got 5 new features to make your life easier

 December is here, so Google wanted to celebrate with some new Android features. While most of the features are pretty useful, the company isn’t letting the holidays go thanks to some new emoji in Gboard. Of course, the main focus is on some of the new features in Android and Wear OS, which we’ll break down here later. Whether it’s a new reading mode, a YouTube search widget, or the arrival of digital car key sharing for the Pixel and iPhone, Google has a lot of neat little things for most Android phones. Here’s what’s coming to your Android phone.

Holiday Emoji and Photo Collage Design

It wasn’t that long ago that Google introduced collages to Photos, but over the holidays, it teamed up with some artists to create some nice new designs. Simply create your collage and scroll to a new design to showcase your pictures. If you want to spread some holiday cheer in your messages, Gboard’s Emoji Kitchen now includes some new holiday emoji to create creative sticker combinations.

Easy access to your content

Android finally has its own Reader mode, similar to iOS 16’s. This is a minimal rendering of a web page, easier to parse for accessibility reasons. Some people prefer it because it’s easier to read. You can customize appearance such as font, size and contrast.

YouTube also now has a home screen search widget. It might seem odd that it won’t come until 2022, but we’ll take it anyway. Here’s what it should look like on your Android 12 or Android 13 home screen.

You can cast Google TV content to compatible TVs with just one tap—we’re not entirely sure which of the best Google TVs include this content. You can continue browsing content or use your phone as a remote control while content plays on the big screen.

Sharing digital car keys

Google talked about digital car keys at I/O earlier this year, and now you can share them with family members who own a Pixel or iPhone. You can easily see who has access to your car in the Digital Wallet app and control access from there.

Wear OS tiles and apps

Wear OS also got some love this holiday season. Google is adding some extra tiles to its wearable operating system for watches running Wear OS 3 that let you get more information at a glance. You can already use map tiles for quick navigation, but now there are sunrise/sunset and contacts tiles, which will make navigation even easier for those with a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 or Google Pixel Watch.

The Wear OS Keep app has also been overhauled to be more consistent with the phone app. It will show tags and collaborators, as well as backgrounds, photos and drawings. If you use the adidas running app, you can start over 30 workouts from the Google Assistant on your watch.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>Google battery

The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a secret wireless charging upgrade

 Compared with iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro bring several upgrades. But there may also be a subtle MagSafe charging upgrade that Apple hasn’t mentioned before.

Tests conducted and published by ChargerLAB show that the iPhone 14 Pro Max charges faster, with higher peak speeds, and lasts longer than the iPhone 13 Pro Max when powered through Apple’s own MagSafe charging stand.

Since its debut on the iPhone 12, MagSafe for iPhone has been officially rated at 15W (when using a 20W wall charger) (though slower on the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini). However, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is still an improvement over its predecessor, taking 2 hours and 18 minutes to fully charge, compared to 2 hours and 26 minutes for the iPhone 13 Pro Max. It was a similar story in the half-hour sprint test, with the iPhone 14 Pro Max hitting 35%, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max was 30% behind.

We also saw this small difference in our own wired charging tests. The iPhone 14 Pro Max charges to 42 percent in half an hour, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max charges to 40 percent, both using the same 20W Apple charger.

The increase in speed could be attributed to changes in power and thermal management in the iPhone 14 Pro’s A16 chipset and battery. The difference in battery size may have played a slight role as well. According to a third-party teardown, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 4323 mAh battery, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max uses a 4352 mAh battery.

The enhanced MagSafe speed might not be enough to warrant an upgrade or envy iPhone 14 Pro Max owners, but it’s still a benefit of Apple’s yet-to-be-announced new model.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>iPhone battery

iPad Pro 2022 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: Which tablet should you buy?

 Comparing the Apple iPad Pro 2022 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra makes sense. After all, they both boast big displays, powerful performance, and sleek, modern designs. They also have optional attachable keyboards that can help them double as laptop replacements.

There’s no doubt that the iPad Pro 2022 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra are versatile devices and some of the best tablets you can buy. But which one is right for you? We will detail each of their main functions to help answer this question.

iPad Pro 2022 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: Prices

iPad Pro 2022 is available at the Apple Online Store. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,099. Since this is an entry-level model, it only offers Wi-Fi connectivity.

You can buy the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra starting at $1,099 from Samsung‘s website. This configuration has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage and is made of graphite. Like the Galaxy Tab S8, Samsung is only selling a Wi-Fi model of the Tab S8 Ultra.

iPad Pro 2022 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: Design

In terms of design, the iPad Pro 2022 is no different from the iPad Pro 2021 and iPad Pro 2020. Measuring 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches and weighing 1.5 pounds, the iPad Pro 2022 is exactly the same as last year’s model. Without the keyboard attachment, the tablet is lightweight and easy to hold for extended periods of time.

Buttons and ports haven’t changed in any way. There’s a button on the top right for locking the screen and using Touch ID, two buttons on the right for volume up or down and a Thunderbolt 4/USB-C port on the bottom edge of the device.

At 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 inches, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a massive tablet, but it’s surprisingly light at 1.04 pounds. While it’s difficult to hold with one hand, it’s comfortable to hold with two.

The Tab S8 Ultra has the same thin and light body as Samsung‘s flagship tablet. Even when attached to the Book Cover Keyboard, the tablet maintains its overall svelte appearance. It’s easy to carry, whether it’s in a backpack or held in your hand.

You’ll find the power and volume buttons on the right side of the slate. There’s also a microSD card slot near the bottom right corner, but you’ll need to use the included tool to open the compartment where the slot is located. The back of the Tab S8 Ultra has a rear camera and a magnetic strip for securing the S Pen. A USB-C port and two speakers sit along the bottom edge. There’s no headphone jack to speak of, which means you’ll need to connect headphones via the USB-C port or wirelessly via Bluetooth.

iPad Pro 2022 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: Display

The iPad Pro 2022 has a massive 12.9-inch Mini LED display with a resolution of 2,732 x 2,048 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The massive 14.6-inch (2960 x 1848) AMOLED display is the Tab S8 Ultra’s signature feature. Its screen is bright and vibrant, and no matter what you’re looking at – it looks absolutely stunning. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling of webpages and quick opening of apps, but you can lock it to 60Hz to save battery power.

iPad Pro 2022 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: Performance

The iPad Pro 2022 features the Apple M2 chip, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU.

On the graphics front, the iPad Pro 2022 scored 25,259 on the 3D Mark Wild Life Unlimited test and hit 151 frames per second. The Tab S8 Ultra couldn’t come close, scoring 9,152 and achieving 54 fps on the same test.

On our Adobe Premiere Rush video transcoding test, the new iPad Pro took 23 seconds to the Tab S8 Ultra’s 47 seconds.

iPad Pro 2022 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: Battery life

On the Tom’s Guide battery test, the iPad Pro 2022 lasted 10 hours and 39 minutes on Wi-Fi at 150 nits of screen brightness and continuous surfing. In the same test, the Tab S8 Ultra lasted 9 hours and 22 minutes.

In our tests, it took 15 minutes to charge the iPad Pro to 10 percent and 30 minutes to reach 20 percent battery capacity. The Tab S8 Ultra charges to 15% in 20 minutes and 41% in 30 minutes.

iPad Pro 2022 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: Keyboard and Pencil

The Apple Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2 are two of my favorite peripherals. The former gives the iPad Pro laptop-like functionality, while the latter lets you write or draw on the tablet.

iPad Pro 2022 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: Software

iPad Pro 2022 comes with iPadOS 16 pre-installed. Features like Stage Manager and Apple Pencil Hover preview add versatility to Apple’s tablet.

The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra comes with Android 12 pre-installed. I found that the latest version of the OS is functional. It’s no better than previous versions, and it’s not worse. The tablet also comes with the usual array of Samsung apps.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>Tablet Battery

Pixel Fold: rumors about Google’s foldable phone

 Google could be the next big tech company to jump into the foldable space. It’s been rumored for a while that a bendable Pixel phone might be on the way, especially given the company’s focus on hardware in recent years. While the name of the potential Google foldable phone is far from confirmed — it could be called the Pixel Fold or the Pixel Notepad — rumors seem to have settled on a release timeline. According to reliable display analyst Ross Yong, it could launch as early as spring 2023.

So far, the company has been mum on the possibility of a foldable phone. But that didn’t stop the rumor mill from churning and Pixel fans hoping. Remember, Google confirmed that it was prototyping folding technology back in 2019. Before that, it filed a patent application for a foldable device.

Let’s not forget that Google isn’t the only company reportedly jumping on the foldable phone bandwagon. It appears to be an open secret that Apple is preparing to do the same, although that may not appear until 2025. Samsung, meanwhile, appears to be going full steam ahead with its foldable phones. The South Korean company unveiled its fourth-generation foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4, at its Unpacked event in August.

Pixel Fold design: More Oppo Find N than Galaxy Z Fold 4

Animations in Android 12L, Google‘s software designed for large-screen devices like tablets and foldable phones, have hinted at what the Pixel Fold might look like. Based on this, Google’s foldable phone will be in the form of a book-style foldable dual screen. Google’s foldable phone was initially rumored to resemble the taller, leaner design of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3, with an aspect ratio of around 22.5:18. But according to 9to5Google and other media reports, the Pixel Fold that opens is more like the square shape of Oppo’s foldable phone, the Find N. When closed, it is believed to have an aspect ratio closer to 18:9. If true, it would mean that, like the Find N, the Pixel Fold could more naturally function as a regular phone when closed.

Pixel Fold Design: Only 2 Colors

 Front Page Tech published renders based on images of the Google Pixel Fold online in November. The renders of the phone show two colors, one is the obsidian model (black) and the other is the chalk model (white).

Pixel Fold camera: Camera module could be downgraded from Pixel 6

There aren’t many rumors about the Pixel Fold’s camera, but there’s still room for some speculation, courtesy of 9to5Google. The site reports that the Pixel Fold will have two front-facing 8-megapixel lenses, one likely on the cover and another for the inside, as well as a 12-megapixel rear camera. The main sensor is expected to be down from the Pixel 6 series, as it is rumored to rely on the Sony IMX363 sensor used in the Pixel 3 in 2018, as opposed to Samsung’s top-of-the-line GN1 sensor, from the Pixel 6 series’ primary 50-megapixel camera. If I had to guess, the logic for this potential decision comes down to the size of the GN1 sensor, which is one of the larger camera sensors on the market. This means that foldable phones are difficult to carry around without adding to the overall weight of an already heavy foldable device. Another rumor points to the Pixel Fold having a 50-megapixel main camera along with two 12-megapixel cameras and an 8-megapixel camera.

Pixel Fold price: $1,400 to $1,800

There’s no telling what the phone’s price will be until the launch date — if that happens at all. But according to a report by 9to5Google citing unnamed sources, the Pixel Fold will be priced below the $1,800 mark. Another report spotted by BGR in March seemed to confirm this view, putting the price down to $1,399, below Samsung’s $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 4 . These rumors seem plausible, as they seem to be in line with Google‘s strategy to undercut its rivals in terms of price.

Pixel Fold Processor: Tensor

Given the complex and expensive trouble Google has had with developing its own system-on-a-chip technology, the Pixel Fold will almost certainly run on the Tensor chipset that debuted on the Pixel 6 series.

>>>>>>>>>>>Google battery

iPhone 15 Pro rumors — everything we know so far

 Apple has made some big changes to the iPhone 14 Pro, and it looks like the upgrade will continue on the iPhone 15 Pro. Of course, there are also rumors of a so-called iPhone 15 Ultra, which some believe will follow in the tradition of the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Now, some Ultra rumors seem to apply to the iPhone 15 Pro as well. Some of these include things like solid-state buttons, USB-C and faster data transfer speeds, but Apple could divide the gap even further between its models — similar to the case with the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. We’ve rounded up what to expect from the iPhone 15 Pro. Let’s take a look below!

iPhone 15 Pro: Release date

Apple likes September as its iPhone launch time frame, so we’re betting on the iPhone 15 Pro launching in mid-September 2023. The iPhone 14 Pro will be released on September 16, 2022, while the iPhone 13 Pro will be released on September 16, 2022 and September 24, 2021.

iPhone 15 Pro: Design and display

The iPhone 14 Pro truly changes the iconic design of the iPhone. Dynamic Island replaces the infamous notch with a responsive UI thanks to features like iOS 16’s Live Events. We expect Dynamic Island to be here for a long time.

There’s also no reason to believe Apple will change the screen size of the iPhone 15 Pro. The 6.1-inch form factor has stood the test of time and is loved by many. And the always-on display is likely to stay.

But the design could change quite a bit. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman noted in one of his op-eds that Apple likes to change the iPhone design every three years. The flat-edged look we have now has been around since the iPhone 12, which is three generations older than the upcoming iPhone 15.

That means 2023 could be a new look, but what? Apple may return to rounded edges on the iPhone 15 Pro, which are more ergonomic, especially when considering the weight of modern iPhones. This could also give the iPhone 15 Pro a slimmer appearance. The chassis could be made of titanium, a long-rumored iPhone feature.

Another recent Kuo rumor claims that “two high-end iPhone 15s” will feature solid-state buttons. Replacing mechanical buttons with buttons without any moving parts, and instead using haptic feedback could make phones more durable, last longer, and better resist water and debris. If you want an example of this, look back at the iPhone 7’s home button, which is fully tactile.

iPhone 15 Pro: USB-C

Many, including us, expect 2023 to be the year Apple finally phases out the Lightning port on the iPhone in favor of USB-C instead of the EU requirement. Of course, it could also be the year Apple introduces the dockless iPhone, but that’s a vague guess at best. According to reports, the high-end iPhone will get faster data transfer speeds from its USB-C connector, while the regular version will be stuck at the same speed as Lightning, which is equivalent to the ancient USB 2.0 standard.

iPhone 15 Pro: Camera

The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max rank among the best camera phones you can buy, thanks in part to a new 48MP primary sensor. It can take some great photos, even using the full 48 megapixels in RAW photos.

However, we currently know very little about the iPhone 15 Pro’s camera. One thing we’ve heard is that Apple will use Sony’s new “state-of-the-art” sensor for the iPhone 15. The sensor could double pixel saturation levels, potentially improving overexposure and underexposure compensation on the iPhone 15 Pro. That’s great, because the iPhone 14 Pro struggles a bit with exposure control in challenging scenes.

iPhone 15 Pro: Performance

It is likely that the iPhone 15 Pro will be equipped with a new chipset when it is released. It’s safe to assume this will be the A17 Bionic. A report from TrendForce suggests that the iPhone 15 Pro series will feature the rumored A17 Bionic, while the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will retain the older A16 Bionic chipset.

In fact, the A17 Bionic is rumored to be built on a 3nm process, which could theoretically improve performance and power efficiency. So while the A16 Bionic is pretty impressive, its successor might be even more so.

We’ve long heard that Apple wants to build its own wireless modem for the iPhone, breaking away from Qualcomm. The Cupertino phone maker even bought Intel’s struggling modem business in 2019. Some say 2023 is the year we finally get Apple modems, but that may not be true.

Qualcomm says it expects to supply the “vast majority” of Apple modems in 2023, something we’d rather bet on than analyst forecasts. If that’s the case, we think the iPhone 15 Pro will use the X70 modem.

>>>>>>>>>>>iPhone battery

Apple may use Sony’s most advanced image sensor for iPhone 15

 Apple launched the 2022 iPhone lineup a few months ago, and we’ve already heard news about the next-generation iPhone lineup. The series, which could be called the iPhone 15, is expected to feature Sony sensors for improved camera performance. According to Nikkei, Sony Group will supply Apple with its latest state-of-the-art image sensor. The component is expected to appear in the next line of iPhones due in 2023, the report said.

The new sensor is said to roughly double the saturation signal level in each pixel compared to conventional sensors. This will allow the sensor to capture more light and reduce overexposure or underexposure in certain settings. This in turn will enable smartphone cameras to click sharper photos, even when the subject is standing in strong backlight.

Sony is reportedly using a new semiconductor architecture that places photodiodes and transistors in separate substrate layers, allowing the sensor to add more photodiodes to dedicated layers.

Sony Semiconductor Solutions will produce the new image sensor at its Nagasaki plant. The sensor will be shipped to Apple and other smartphone makers. According to reports, incorporating the new image sensor into the iPhone 15 series is crucial for Sony, as it will allow it to consolidate its competitive advantage in high-definition photography. Biggest rival Samsung Electronics has stepped up pressure on Sony in this area, which already supplies image sensors to Apple.

Sony controls a 44 percent global share of CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensors in 2021, followed by Samsung with 18.5 percent, according to U.K.-based analytics firm Omdia. In May, Sony said it wanted to capture 60 percent of the market for CMOS image sensors by fiscal 2025, reiterating a goal the company first announced in 2019, when it had a 53 percent market share.

Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly planning to replace the clickable volume and power buttons on the iPhone 15 series models with solid buttons. The company may also remove the Lightning port in favor of USB Type-C.

>>>>>>>>>>>iPhone battery

How to Check Your Battery Capacity on Windows and MacOS

When you spend hours charging your laptop only for it to die faster than it did when you first got it, that’s a clear indicator that you’re facing a battery problem. Checking your laptop’s battery health will rule out whether or not this is in fact the case. While both MacOS and Windows devices will warn you when it’s time to replace the battery with a service pop-up or warning, this message normally comes a bit too late. If you’re noticing rapid battery drain, check on the health of your laptop battery yourself.

If you find your laptop’s battery not performing as it should, but you’re still satisfied with how your computer runs, don’t buy a new device—get a replacement battery instead.

Swapping out the battery is easy on most Windows laptops and MacBooks. With that said, older models can be a pain to work with due to their stronger adhesive. 

What to Do When You Need a Battery Replacement

Open macbook pro ready for battery replacement. When your laptop’s battery no longer holds a charge, or if its battery health falls below 25%, it’s time to replace it. Here’s what you can do.

1. Check Your Warranty

The warranty is the first thing you should check if your laptop’s battery is already defective. That’s because if your service warranty covers battery life and it’s still within the coverage period, then you can have the battery replaced for free.

2. Head to Your Nearest Authorized Service Center

Whether the warranty is still in force or not, this is the best place to have your battery replaced. While replacement may cost a bit more here, these authorized service centers ensure that you get an original or OEM battery.

These batteries will tend to last as long as the original one in your laptop did when it was new. And since they’re an authorized service center, they know the exact part number of the battery that your laptop needs. That way, you’re sure that they install the correct battery on your computer, avoiding the possibility of frying your laptop due to the installation of an incorrect or incompatible battery.

3. A Little Bit of DIY

If your laptop is out of warranty and has a removable battery, you no longer have to bring it to the service center. All you need is to find the correct part number and order it from the manufacturer. If the original maker no longer has it in stock, you can also search for OEM parts online—just ensure that you’re buying from a reputable shop and you’re good to go.

To ensure that you choose the correct battery for your laptop, you have to find its part number. You can usually find it printed on the battery itself. Unfortunately, battery part numbers are not usually included in the laptop’s user manual, so you must have the battery on hand to check it. Alternatively, you can contact your laptop’s service center and directly ask for the part number.

But if your laptop uses a permanently installed battery, you would need to disassemble it to get the information you need. Usually, you just need to remove its backplate to access the battery, so ensure you have the right tools available when taking your computer apart.

Once you can see the battery, you can then look for the correct part number and order it. You also have to check how to connect the battery to the motherboard, as that may require additional tools. But if you’re unsure about what you’re doing, it’s best to bring the laptop to a professional.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Laptop Battery

Should you buy a cellular Apple Watch? Here’s everything to consider

 The Apple Watch lineup comes in many different options and configurations, including different case materials, colors, sizes, and more. However, one of the most important things to consider is whether you should buy an Apple Watch with cellular connectivity.

Apple Watch with LTE allows you to be on the go without your iPhone while still staying connected. This is a useful feature, but it comes at a price.

Which Apple Watch models offer cellular capabilities?

Apple currently sells the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch Ultra. The Apple Watch SE starts at $249 with GPS connectivity and $299 with GPS and cellular. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 8 GPS starts at $399, and cellular and GPS start at $499.

One thing to consider, however: the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Series 8 Hermès, and Apple Watch Ultra only offer GPS and cellular connectivity. This means your Apple Watch will have the hardware required for cellular connectivity, but you’ll have to decide whether to pay the monthly fee.

Cell Phone-Associated Expenses

Most plans cost around $10 a month, which is still significantly cheaper than many iPhone plans. If you buy the watch directly from a carrier like Verizon or AT&T, you might get a discount on a cellular plan.

It’s also important to remember that if you buy a standard Apple Watch with GPS, you won’t be able to add a cellular plan later. You must purchase Apple Watch GPS + Cellular to access the plan now or in the future.

No need to carry your iPhone with you

Having a cellular plan makes sense for those who want to get into the habit of moving away from their iPhone for an Apple Watch. Especially for those who run or walk, with the cellular model, you can access calls, text messages, music, and more without having to carry around a bulky iPhone. When paired with AirPods, you can take calls, listen to music, and more even when your iPhone isn’t around.

But if you find yourself always carrying your iPhone with you, cellular may not be worth it for you. When making your decision, consider your current iPhone usage to see if a cellular Apple Watch makes sense.

Emergency SOS on Apple Watch

If you want to make emergency services calls from your Apple Watch and you don’t have a cellular number, you can still do so, but only if you’re connected to a known Wi-Fi network.

This is one of the most important things to consider. If you’re not planning to bring your iPhone, the cellular Apple Watch can give you peace of mind. The Apple Watch offers a range of health features, and cellular is arguably a health feature as well.

Family settings

Family Setup is popular with parents who want to be able to connect with their kids without an iPhone. With this feature, parents can set up cellular Apple Watches for their kids on their personal iPhones. The child can then use their Apple Watch to make calls, text messages, or use any other available feature, all of which require their own phone number and Apple ID. With Family Setup, the parent’s iPhone doesn’t need to be nearby.

Some reasons to choose this option include that it is more cost-effective. Not only is the device less expensive than most iPhones, but it’s also cheaper to add a data plan and Apple Care+ insurance. Also, because Apple Watches are worn on the wrist, they tend to be harder to lose.

Finally, choosing an Apple Watch over an iPhone allows your kids to spend less time behind the screen, a goal of many parents. There are parental controls to make the Apple Watch work for you.

For most people, an Apple Watch with cellular capabilities is probably the right decision. While the associated cost is higher, it unlocks many of the Apple Watch’s best features and helps it become truly independent from your iPhone.

>>>>>>>>>>>>Apple Watch battery

The iPhone 15 Pro may do away with tactile physical buttons — here’s what we know

 Last month, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that Apple would ditch physical buttons on “two high-end iPhones,” widening the gap between Pro and non-Pro phones in 2023. Now, a second source backs up the report – albeit with a bit of reading between the lines to come to the same conclusion.

This time, it’s analysts from Barclays analysts whose forecasts are based on Cirrus Logic’s comments in a letter to shareholders and then on the most recent earnings call. Context: Cirrus Logic is responsible for much of the haptic technology that currently powers the iPhone, which may be necessary for the buttonless iPhone 15 Pro to function.

As MacRumors discovered, the letter said the company aims to “bring a new HPMS component to the smartphone market next year.” HPMS stands for “High Performance Mixed Signal,” and the company’s existing components include the haptic drivers that power the iPhone’s Taptic Engine.

However, “next year” is a large window, and the earnings call narrowed it down to “the second half of next year.” Notably, this is in line with Apple’s usual September release date for iPhones, and we fully expect the iPhone 15 series to arrive.

Blayne Curtis and Tom O’Malley of Barclays took advantage of these two data points. While acknowledging that “the company isn’t saying much here,” the analyst still concluded that the component is likely part of the Taptic Engines on the iPhone 15 Pro’s haptic buttons.

“When looking at potential use cases, the biggest change for next year’s new iPhone models is the elimination of buttons, which will require additional haptic engine drivers, making it the most likely use case for new content,” the analysts wrote.

Haptic case

While personally I’m a huge fan of physical buttons and their tactile clicks, there are undoubtedly several advantages to fully embracing haptics. Fewer moving parts means wear is no longer an issue, and more importantly, it reduces the risk of water damage to equipment by reducing the number of vulnerable points.

However, if Apple only considered this for the iPhone 15 Pro, as suggested here and by Ming-Chi Kuo, then we might think about it more from an aesthetic point of view. Just as Dynamic Island, an iPhone 14 Pro exclusive feature that looks neat but doesn’t offer much in terms of practical advantages, I suspect tactile buttons will be a similar way to show off the more desirable iPhone 15 Pro’s ownership.

Not that there aren’t more practical reasons to choose the Pro. We fully expect other advantages such as faster chipsets, 120Hz screens and better camera systems to persist in 2023. But for some, having a top-of-the-line iPhone is as much a fashion statement as it is a fashion statement, and tactile buttons will make that statement even more pronounced.

>>>>>>>>>>>>Apple battery