YC Bookstore Now Apple Product Seller

The Yavapai College bookstore is now an official Apple product seller. Some of the computers must still be purchased online but it looks like they will have some of the smaller items as well as cables, chargers, adaptors, covers, tags, and iPods in stock. The prices seem to match those of the Apple Store, nice and handy.

https://www.bkstr.com/yavapaistore/shop/electronics/computers-tablets/apple?cm_sp=AppleFY25-_-PersistentComponentBTSPromo-_-218

Apple gives you one main reason to use Safari in new ad

José Adorno

In a new global ad campaign, Apple is highlighting the privacy features of the Safari browser. While Google Chrome is the most popular browser, Apple wants to ensure users of its ecosystem are aware of the benefits of its built-in solution.

In this almost two-minute ad, Apple shows pesky birds and bats transformed into security cameras. They hover around smartphone users while they browse the web on their Android smartphones. People try to avoid this surveillance at all costs by running, shouting, or hiding their phones.

However, the only way to actually protect themselves from this plague is solved by an iPhone user when they open Safari, and these cameras explode in mid-air. The ad ends with Apple’s slogan: “Privacy. That’s iPhone.”

See great article, but even better ad…


https://bgr.com/tech/apple-gives-you-one-main-reason-to-use-safari-in-new-ad/

Submitted by Frank Croft, Jul 17, 2024

MacOS TIP: Keychain vs Keychain Access

Author: You.com AI enhanced with Claude 3 Sonnet, July 14, 2024

Editor: John Carter

Apple's Keychain and Keychain Access have been integral parts of macOS for securely

storing and managing passwords, encryption keys, and other sensitive information.

Here's an overview of their historical and present usage:

Keychain

The Keychain is a secure storage system introduced in macOS (previously called Mac

OS X) to store passwords, encryption keys, certificates, and other sensitive data. It uses

robust encryption to protect this information, which can only be accessed with the user's

login password or a specific keychain password.

Keychain Access

Keychain Access is a macOS application that provides a user interface for managing

the various keychains on a Mac. It allows users to view and edit the contents of their

keychains, including passwords, certificates, and secure notes. Keychain Access has

been a part of macOS since its early versions, providing a convenient way for users to

manage their sensitive information.

Historical Usage

The Keychain system and Keychain Access app have been integral components of

macOS since its inception. They have evolved over time to enhance security and

functionality:

1. Early Versions: In the initial releases of Mac OS X, Keychain Access was a basic

tool for managing passwords and encryption keys.

2. Improved Security: With each subsequent macOS release, Apple has

strengthened the security of the Keychain system, introducing features like access

control lists (ACLs) and better integration with other Apple services.

3. iCloud Keychain: With the introduction of iCloud Keychain in macOS Sierra

(2016), users could sync their passwords, credit card information, and other secure

data across their Apple devices.Present Usage

In the latest versions of macOS, Keychain and Keychain Access continue to play a

crucial role in password management and secure data storage:

1. Password Management: Keychain Access stores passwords for websites,

applications, and services, allowing users to autofill login credentials securely.

2. Secure Notes: Users can store encrypted notes, such as credit card information or

secure documents, within their keychains.

3. Certificate Management: Keychain Access manages digital certificates used for

secure communication and authentication.

4. iCloud Keychain Integration: iCloud Keychain synchronizes passwords, credit

card information, and other secure data across a user's Apple devices, ensuring

seamless access.

While the terminology and specific features have evolved, the core functionality of

Keychain and Keychain Access remains essential for macOS users to securely store

and manage their sensitive information across devices and services.

Creating a New Keychain:

When you create a new keychain using Keychain Access, it serves as an additional

secure storage location separate from the default keychains. To create a new keychain,

right-click in a blank part of the left sidebar of Keychain Access and select an option

(new or add) from the menu.

The main reasons for creating a new keychain include:

1. Separate Password: You can set a different password for the new keychain,

distinct from your user account password. This can provide an additional layer of

security if your user account password is compromised.2. Selective Access: You can control which applications or services have access to

the new keychain, allowing you to isolate sensitive information and grant access

only to specific applications.

3. Backup and Portability: New keychains can be easily backed up, copied, or

transferred to other Macs, providing a convenient way to manage and share

specific sets of credentials or secure data.

4. Organization: Creating multiple keychains can help you organize your sensitive

information based on different categories or purposes, such as separating work-

related credentials from personal ones.

While the default login and system keychains are essential for storing and managing

your day-to-day passwords and credentials, creating additional keychains can offer

more flexibility, security, and organizational benefits, depending on your specific needs.

1. Selecting "New": When you choose "New" from the "File" menu in Keychain

Access, it allows you to create a brand new keychain file. This is essentially a

separate container or database that can store passwords, certificates, and other

secure items independently from your existing keychains. You can create a different

password for each Keychain or use the same password used to log in. All Keychains

are stored in ~/Library/Keychains (where “~” is the user’s Home directory).

Creating a new keychain is useful when you want to:

• Organize your secure items into different logical groups or categories.

• Set a different password for the new keychain, separate from your login or

system keychain.

• Share or transfer a specific set of secure items with others by providing them

with the new keychain file.

2. Selecting "Add": When you choose "Add" from the menu, it allows you to add a

new secure item (like a password, secure note, certificate, or key) to an existing

keychain that is already open in Keychain Access.

Adding a new item is useful when you want to:

• Store a new password, secure note, or other sensitive information in your login

or system keychain.

• Add a new certificate or encryption key to an existing keychain for authentication

or encryption purposes.

• Organize your secure items within the same keychain by creating categories or

folders.

In summary:"New" creates a brand new keychain file, which acts as a separate container for storing

secure items.

"Add" allows you to add new secure items (like passwords, notes, certificates) to an

existing keychain that is already open and accessible in Keychain Access.

The choice between "New" and "Add" depends on whether you need to create a

separate keychain for organizational or sharing purposes, or if you simply want to add

new secure items to an existing keychain that you're already using.

The Proposed Apple Passwords App

Apple is set to introduce a new standalone app called "Passwords" that aims to

enhance and streamline the password management experience across its ecosystem of

devices and platforms.

Key Features and Functionality

Unified Password Manager:

The Passwords app will serve as a centralized hub for managing all your saved

passwords, passkeys, and verification codes across Apple devices, including Macs,

iPhones, iPads, and even the upcoming Vision Pro headset.

It will replace the current method of accessing passwords through individual app

preferences or system settings.

Cross-Platform Synchronization:

Passwords will sync seamlessly across macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Vision Pro devices

using iCloud Keychain.

Notably, it will also sync with Windows PCs via the iCloud for Windows app, expanding

password management capabilities beyond Apple's ecosystem.

Improved Organization and Accessibility:

The app promises better methods for organizing and accessing your saved passwords,

logins, and other secure information.

It aims to provide a more user-friendly interface compared to the current iCloud

Keychain experience.

Security Alerts and Recommendations:

Passwords will likely incorporate security features like compromised password alerts

and recommendations for improving password strength and enabling two-factor

authentication.

Passkey Support:In line with Apple's push for passwordless authentication, the Passwords

app will support managing and using passkeys, which leverage public-key

cryptography for secure sign-ins.

Potential Benefits

1. Centralized Management: A dedicated app for managing passwords across

devices can streamline the user experience and make it easier to access and

update login credentials.

2. Cross-Platform Accessibility: Extending password synchronization to Windows

PCs addresses a long-standing limitation and caters to users who operate in multi-

platform environments.

3. Enhanced Security: Features like security alerts, recommendations, and passkey

support can help users maintain better password hygiene and adopt more secure

authentication methods.

While the Passwords app is still in development, it represents Apple's commitment to

improving password management and security for its users across various platforms

and devices.

-o-

Upgrading Your iPhone

If you plan to upgrade your iPhone, either now or perhaps later on, the following tips from the Malwarebytes newsletter might be helpful. The last sentence mentions using Malewarebytes on your iOS device as a security protection. I use, and like, Malwarebytes on my computers, but hadn't thought about using it on my iPhone or iPad. I plan to take a further look into doing this, as a security measure..

Jim Hamm

Upgrading your iPhone? Read this first

Posted: September 14, 2023 by Pieter Arntz

Apple's Wonderlust event on Tuesday saw the launch of the company's top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro Max with a titanium chassis and an improved telephoto camera, as well as other iPhone 15 models and new Apple Watches.

Also this week, Apple was reportedly banned from selling the iPhone 12 in France because the device's Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is above the legal limit. France's National Frequency Agency (ANFR) stated the model emits more than the permitted electromagnetic waves, and the company must stop selling the device, starting immediately.

All this news may have caused people to entertain the thought of trading in their old devices for a new iPhone. If you are one of them, we have a few tips for you.

What to do while you still have the old one:

1. Transfer your data

You can use Quick Start to transfer information from your old device to your new device. But if you don’t have the new device yet, you can use iCloud to store your data.

  • Go to Settings > General.

  • Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset [Device].

  • Under Prepare for New [Device], tap Get Started.

  • If you see iCloud Backup is Turned Off, tap Turn On Backup to Transfer.

  • If you don't have enough iCloud storage, you'll see a message that says you're eligible to get free extra iCloud storage. Tap Continue.

  • Wait for the backup to complete. You have 21 days to restore your temporary backup to your new iPhone or iPad before your temporary iCloud storage expires and your backup is permanently deleted. Do not erase your current iPhone or iPad until you restore your temporary backup to your new device.

Once you have your new iPhone:

  • Turn on your new iPhone and follow the onscreen steps to begin setup.

  • On the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup.

  • Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and password.

  • Choose your most recent iCloud backup.

  • Wait for the restore to complete.

2. Unpair your linked devices

Make sure you unpair devices like Apple Watch and headphones. 

3. Transfer your MFA apps

A step which is easily forgotten but very very important is making sure you transfer your account verification apps, like Okta, Google Authenticator, Microsoft 2FA, Authy, etc.) These instructions can differ per app and are almost never transferred to your new device without requiring additional actions.

4. Sign out of important apps

Sign out of iCloud and the App Store on your old device.

As Thomas Reed, Director of Core Technology at Malwarebytes and renowned Apple security expert puts it:

“I recommend users take a few minutes to disconnect from services like iCloud/Apple ID and transfer 2FA. It is much easier to remove a device from your account while you still have it in your possession.”

Should you forget to do this before wiping or giving away your device, that is no reason for panic. You can use the “Find My” app to remotely erase the device and then remove it from your account.

5. Remove the phone as a trusted device

Thomas Reed adds:

“Once you've added your new phone (and maybe once you’ve added another backup option such as personal email or home phone), make sure to remove your old phone as a trusted device. Go to Settings and click on your name. If you click on each device listed, there is a small disclaimer at the bottom of the screen that says “This device is trusted and can receive Apple ID verification code.” Simply tap Remove from Account for your old item.”

6. Wipe the old phone

When you’re ready to finally say goodbye to your old iPhone, go to Settings and tap General > Transfer or Reset [device] > Erase All Content and Settings. When asked for your device passcode or Restrictions passcode, enter it. Then tap Erase [device]. If you're doing an in-store trade-in at Apple, they will help you with this.

If you're not trading in but are ready to get rid of your phone, it's worth reading our guide on how to dispose of your old devices safely.

7. Protect your new iPhone

Malwarebytes for iOS helps protect you from scams: It flags and/or blocks robocalls, and detects fake texts, phishy links, malicious sites, and ad trackers. It also now includes a full-featured VPN to help keep your connections private, no matter where you are. Try downloading Malwarebytes for iOS today.

Smartphone Radiation

You've possibly read that France may ban the sale of the iPhone 12 due to high radiation. Read the following:

"The ANFR recently tested 141 mobile phones and found that when the iPhone 12 is held in a hand or carried in a pocket, its level of electromagnetic energy absorption is 5.74 watts per kilogram, higher than the EU standard of 4 watts per kilogram."

Tech blogger Kim Komando posted the following info on smartphone radiation. You''l note in her report the iPhone 12 doesn't show the level of radiation as the above paragraph. Hmmm?..

Jim Hamm

Kim says nerd time: what is phone radiation? It’s measured in watts per kilogram of body weight. You don’t need to know all the details, just that the legal limit is 1.6 watts/kg here in the U.S.

These models emit the most radiation:
Motorola Edge – 1.79
OnePlus 6T – 1.55
Sony Xperia XA2 Plus – 1.41
Google Pixel 3 XL – 1.39
Google Pixel 4a – 1.37
Oppo Reno5 5G – 1.37
Google Pixel 3 – 1.33
Huawei P Smart – 1.27
OnePlus 9 – 1.26
Own a Galaxy Note? Congrats


And these phones emit the least radiation:
Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G – 0.19 watts
Samsung Galaxy Note10 – 0.21
Samsung Galaxy A80 – 0.22
LG G7 ThinQ – 0.24
Motorola Razr 5G – 0.27


What about the iPhone?
You guessed it: It falls somewhere in the middle.
iPhone SE (2020 version) – 0.98
iPhone 11 – 0.95
iPhone 12 – 0.98
iPhone 13 – 0.99
iPhone 14 – 0.98

Security Updates

Tech blogger Kim Komando just released the following security notices in her latest blog.

Jim Hamm

Microsoft

The September 2023 Windows security update includes fixes for 59 known issues, like security bypasses and information disclosure vulnerabilities, and patches for two zero-day flaws.

  • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Adobe

Download the patch here to fix a zero-day vulnerability in Acrobat and Reader.

  • Go to Help > Check for Updates, or download the full Acrobat Reader installer.

Google

Yikes. This is the fourth zero-day fix for Chrome this year. The good news is your Chrome browser should automatically check for updates and install them after a restart.

  • To double-check in Chrome, hit the three dots in the top right corner, then Help > About Google Chrome.

The Android September 2023 update is out, too.

  • Open Settings > System > System update.

Apple

For newer iPhones and iPads, download iOS 16.6.1 to secure your device from the latest zero-day vulnerabilities.

Have an iPhone 6, 7, SE or an iPad Air 2 or iPad mini? Download iOS 15.7.9 and iPadOS 15.7.9 to fix the same problem. You know it’s bad when Apple updates even its old gear.

  • If you have automatic updates enabled, you’re all set. To check: Settings > General > Software Update.

Apple also released security updates for its older operating systems, macOS Big Sur 11.7.10 and macOS Monterey 12.6.9.

  • Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.

Smartphone Tips

If you have an iPhone, or other smartphone, this article has some tips on 5 bad habits you might possibly have with your smartphone, and which should be stopped to prolong the life of your phone. I've read elsewhere it is also a good idea to turn your phone off for a few moments about once a week -- and perhaps your iPad as well. And at least daily, close all apps running in the background, to free up memory and perhaps prolong battery life.

And some of these tips would apply to your iPad as well -- especially the tip about frequently closing all running apps to free up memory. A case in point -- the other morning at breakfast I was going to read the news on my iPad, and couldn't get the NYT newspaper to open., It dawned on me -- I had forgotten to close all the running apps and didn't have enough memory left to open the NYT, which probably had some pictures, or some videos, which comprise lots of pixels. I closed those running apps, and life was good again!...😚...

So, remember to close those running apps.

Jim Hamm

Electrical Surge Protector

A computer club I belong to recently had a meeting via Zoom on household electricity, and how to check/protect your house against electrical problems/issues. I found the meeting very interesting and helpful, as electricity ranks very high as one item I don't understand very well. 

As a result of the meeting, we bought and had installed a whole-house surge protector, for around $640. It protects all our appliances in case we should ever get an electrical surge. Will we ever need it? Probably not, as we have very few storms in our area. But Zee and I feel better just having it, just as we have fire insurance on our house. Will we ever need it? Probably not. But having good protection is a good idea, I think.

If you should have an interest in watching the program, link below. It is long -- 2 hours -- but you can watch as much or little of the program as you want, if at all.

Jim Hamm

Surge Protectors and AC Wiring Problems, John Krout

https://youtu.be/YN9CcnzptdM

Malware Protection

FYI and possible interest, tech blogger Kim Komando had the following to say about you -- and me -- on being able to help protect against malware on a website or a file on your computer. It looks to be an intriguing tool to try. I've not tried it yet, but plan to do so.

Jim Hamm


Hidden malware, hackers and phishers are after your data and bank accounts. But what can you do when you need to visit a website and aren’t sure if it’s safe? We’ve found an online tool to check websites and files for digital threats before opening them. Keep reading to find out how to use it.

Can VirusTotal protect your computer from malware? https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/upload
It can, and it’s straightforward to use. VirusTotal is a scanner that can be used on local files and anything you find online. Plug in a site’s URL to know whether it’s safe to visit instantly.

VirusTotal inspects items with over 70 antivirus scanners, URL/domain blocklisting services and tools to extract signals from the studied content. You can even select a file from your computer using a browser and send it to VirusTotal.

The site offers several file submission methods, including the primary public web interface, desktop uploaders, browser extensions and a programmatic API.

Upon first inspection, the in-browser UI is highly straightforward and approachable. You have three options: uploading a File, using a URL, or VirusTotal’s Search feature. Click on the most relevant tab to your needs and follow the prompts to analyze.

Give the site a few minutes after adding a URL or file you’re interested in. You’ll be presented with an extremely long list of standards and types of malware, complete with a column warning you if anything terrible has been detected.

There are a few other tabs depicting the properties of your file. Everything from MD5 and TLSH to more common information like the file type and size. This tool is highly versatile, allowing for various tasks and approaches. You can use a file’s hash to locate it or even search for possible exploits through its API.

Uploading local files and using a site’s URL are pretty self-explanatory functions. The third option, searching for files to scan, might not be. What’s the deal? Essentially, VirusTotal search is a tool that can be used to analyze and audit files on websites and entire domains. A simple search using a website’s URL will yield a surprisingly comprehensive report with many other details.

Everything from the website’s server type to meta descriptions and access control points will be presented through your browser window. This tool lets you play investigator, learning more about any website that excites or intrigues you. It’s an excellent tool for students learning computer science and anyone genuinely interested in how the internet and its many pages work.

Anything you plug into this online tool can later be translated into graphs, which is great for visualizing the situation. The complex stream of incoming data is commodified into something anybody can read and understand.

Never trust a file that gives you a funny feeling. VirusTotal allows you to confirm your worst suspicions or, at the very least, rule them out quickly. It’s free to use, so don’t take our word for it. Try it out on any file on your computer or website before visiting.

Phone Privacy

Here's an article on phone privacy you might find interesting. One of the apps which the author recommends removing from your phone is "Google Maps". This kinda surprised me, as I use it fairly often. Perhaps another similar app -- Waze -- https://www.waze.com/apps/ -- might take its place. I have Waze on my phone, but haven't really used it yet. Maybe I'll start using this instead of Google Maps.

Jim Hamm



I'm a privacy expert, here's how to stop your phone from listening and spying on you right now
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-12436963/Im-privacy-expert-heres-stop-phone-listening-spying-right-now.html

Mac Tips

If you use a Mac, here are some tips that might be helpful. These come from tech blogger, Kim Komando...

Jim Hamm

If you are an Apple fan, you probably know a lot about the different features your iPhone or Macbook has. But, with so many fun and nifty features and settings, it’s almost impossible to know them all. Tap or click here for hidden iPhone tricks.

Some settings are more important than others. Like your location settings and how many notifications pop up on your phone at once.

Keep yourself productive and happy with your Apple products by discovering the most important features. Here are 10 Mac settings you should adjust ASAP.

1. Keep others out

If someone gets a hold of your Mac when you step away, they could look at sensitive information or install malicious software. That’s why you need to password-protect your machine.

To keep the information on your Mac secure when you are away from it, set it to require a password when it wakes from sleep. When you return to your Mac, enter your login name and password to continue working.

Here’s how:

  • On your Mac, choose the Apple menu > System Preferences.

  • Click Security & Privacy, then General.

  • Select “Require password… after sleep or screen saver begins.”

  • Click the pop-up menu and choose the time that passes before a password is required.RELATED: Ways to protect yourself from hackers

2. Spotlight

Spotlight is a magical setting on your Mac that does not do just one thing but has dozens of handy uses that you should start using if you haven’t already. What can Spotlight do for you?

  • Launch apps.

  • Search by keyword.

  • Pull up contact details.

  • Look up calendar events.

  • Answer calculations.

  • Look up the weather.

  • Find out sports scores.

  • Find an exchange rate.

  • Play the stock market.

  • Get directions.

This isn’t all Spotlight can do either. It’s an amazing feature that you shouldn’t take for granted. Heres how to use it on your Mac:

  • Find the Spotlight icon on your computer. This should be on your menu bar, but if it’s not, you can press the Command and Space bar at the same time.

  • A search field will appear.

  • As you type, search results will appear.

  • You can click on the results that appear and choose from the following options:

    • Press the Tab Key to open a preview you can interact with.

    • See the results on your computer by clicking on them. These items will have the Spotlight icon next to them.

    • See the results on the internet in your browser. The search result will need to have the Safari icon present.

    • Open the item completely by double-clicking on it.

    • Find the location of the item by selecting it and holding the Command key down. You’ll then see the location at the bottom of the screen.

    • Copy the item by dragging it onto your desktop.

    • See all the possible results, scroll to the bottom of the search results and press Search in Finder.

You can also use Spotlight to convert currency or make calculations with the following steps:

  • Open the Spotlight feature.

  • Type your calculation in and see the results.

  • Type your currency conversion in, for example, 200 RMB in USD and see the results.

  • Repeat these steps for temperature or measurements.

3. Avoid being tracked

Our phones, computers, and most apps we use utilize some GPS tracking data. But you can minimize how often you are tracked and secure your privacy in a few different ways. If you want to learn how to protect your computer’s privacy, you can head here.

As far as your Mac goes, you can hide your location data so others can’t access it.

  • Head to System Preferences.

  • Select Security & Privacy.

  • Choose Privacy.

  • Tap Location Services.

  • Uncheck the apps that you don’t want to have access to your data.

4. Change notification settings

Have you clicked yes one too many times on your computer to allow notifications? Over time this can become a real nuisance, cluttering up your screen with unnecessary alerts that slow you down. Clean that up by adjusting the notification settings on your Mac.

  • Head to the Apple Menu.

  • Select System Preferences.

  • Click on Notifications

  • Choose an app that you want to stop receiving notifications.

  • Turn notifications off for the selected app.

5. Split view

Sometimes you need to view more than one window at a time. You can try to move them side by side clumsily, but Mac’s side-by-side split view feature will make your life a whole lot easier. For these instructions, you’ll need to be using macOS Catalina or later.

  • Hold your pointer over the full-screen button in the upper left corner of your window.

  • Choose Tile Window to the Left of the Screen or to the Right of the Screen.

  • Your window will automatically shift to fill only that side of the screen.

  • Repeat the steps to fill the other side of your computer screen.

  • Use both windows side by side.

6. Manage automatic starts

Automatic start-ups really slow your computer down. If you don’t manage them, tons of apps and processes can run in the background. They will slow down your computer’s overall performance, and you won’t even know they are there.

If you aren’t in need of all the programs that automatically start when your computer does, turn them off:

  • Head to the Apple menu.

  • Choose System Preferences.

  • Select Users & Groups.

  • Choose your account.

  • Select Login Items.

  • Choose Remove a login item.

  • Click the Remove button.

7. Use Siri practically

Most of us underestimate Siri’s usefulness. She can do just about anything you ask her to and help you with simple things like what the weather is like outside. If you need to open a specific application, ask Siri.

Want to launch an app? You don’t need to swipe; you can ask Siri. Now, if you prefer to keep Siri muted, that’s an option as well. Here’s how:

  • Launch System Preferences.

  • Find and select “Siri” in the menu.  

  • On the left, under “Siri,” deselect the check from “Enable Ask Siri” — this will turn off Siri completely. 

8. Using AirDrop

There is a reason Apple users tend to be very specific about buying everything on-brand. Apple customizes every product to integrate perfectly with each other, and they come with some handy features.

If you need to transfer anything between one Apple product to another, you can use the AirDrop feature. You’ll need to have your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features turned on each device for it to work. Here’s how to access it on Mac.

On your Mac

  • Open the Finder window.

  • Click on AirDrop to open it.

  • You’ll see all your options for sharing in the AirDrop window.

  • Drag files onto the profile you wish to share with.

9. Sidecar

Apple designs its products to work so seamlessly with each other that you can use your iPad as an extension of your Mac computer. Using Sidecar, you can connect your iPad to operate as a second screen for your computer.

If you’re an artist, you can draw on your iPad with Apple Pencil and have it appear on your Mac for editing. Or, maybe you need extra room to work with. Either way, Sidecar is easy and fun to use. Here’s how to start a Sidecar session:

  • Open Control Center.

  • Choose the Display Menu.

  • Click on your iPad.

  • You can move windows onto your iPad and use it as part of your computer.

10. Unlock your Mac with your watch

Apple Watches have a list of nifty features, but one of the most convenient is its ability to sync with your computer and unlock it, just with the flick of your wrist. You’ll need to have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on both your devices for it to work. You’ll also need both devices to be signed into the same account and have two-factor authentication turned on. You’ll want two-factor authentication turned on anyways. It’s just one of many ways to protect yourself from hackers lurking nearby. Here’s how to set it up:

  • Click on the Apple icon.

  • Head to System Preferences.

  • Select Security & Privacy.

  • Choose General.

  • Choose Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac.

Once it’s turned on, walk up to your Mac wearing your Apple Watch, toggle the mouse and presto, your computer is unlocked.

Bonus: Turn desktop folders into emojis

Some handy features are less about being useful and more about being fun! Did you know you could turn your desktop folders into fun emojis? While it might not improve your productivity, it will certainly put a smile on your face. Here’s how you can spruce up your Home Screen on your own computer:

  • After you’ve created a folder on your desktop, do a Google search for the emoji you want.

  • Drag the image you want onto your Desktop.

  • Double click the image to open it in Preview mode.

  • Press the Magic Wand Icon.

  • Click and drag a box around your icon.

  • Press edit, then select all.

  • Press Command and C to copy the image.

  • Navigate back to the folder you’ve created on your desktop and right-click on it.

  • Choose Get Info.

  • Press on the blue folder icon in the pop-up window and press Command and V to paste the image.

  • Your emoji will appear on your desktop.

Your Apple products have many features that can make your life easier, and these are just a few. If you are looking for more hidden features on your Apple gadgets, here are 12 secret features on your iPhone you’ll wish you knew sooner.

Charging Your Phone

The following article discusses some 'do's' and 'don'ts' of charging your phone's battery. By and large, don't worry about it too much is the gist of the article, with a few caveats. My iPhone X, for example, is fairly old, and the battery seems to be holding up just fine. I usually just charge it an hour or so in the morning, till it is fully charged. Charging Your Phone Overnight: Battery Myths Debunked | PCMag

MacOS, on the other hand, has the charging of Mac laptop batteries set to only 80% of full charge, then it stops charging the battery. The intent is to prolong battery life. This feature can be overridden and go to a full charge, but I usually don't full-charge.

Jim Hamm

Apple OS Updates

There are several Apple OS updates coming along, and the following article discusses whether your Apple device will be eligible for the update. My MacBook Air will accept the new OS, but my iPhone X won't! Take a look and see if your Mac, iPad, iPhone or Apple watch will be eligible for the coming updates. This info comes from the Small Dog Electronics newsletter (https://smalldog.com/)

Jim Hamm

The Hardware You’ll Need to Run Apple’s 2023 Operating Systems

At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June, the company unveiled the upcoming versions of its operating systems: macOS 14 Sonoma, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17. They won’t be available until September or October of 2023, and, even once they ship, we recommend waiting a few weeks before upgrading your smaller Apple devices and holding off on macOS upgrades for a couple of months.

Regardless, it’s worth considering how these operating systems might impact your plans to buy new hardware in the next six months. Any Apple device you purchase now—or have bought in the last five years—can run the new operating systems. But some devices that can run the current macOS 13 Ventura, iOS 16, and iPadOS 16 won’t be upgradable to their replacements later this year. More importantly, some older devices that can be upgraded won’t support all the new features.

Here’s what you’ll need and compatibility gotchas to keep in mind.

macOS 14 Sonoma

For macOS 14 Sonoma, Apple has dropped support for Mac models released before 2018. That works out to five models across the iMac, MacBook Pro, and MacBook product lines. If you rely on one of those Macs and want to run Sonoma, think about when it would make sense to buy a new Mac, perhaps in early 2024. By then, all new Macs will likely ship with Sonoma. These Macs can run Sonoma:

  • iMac: 2018 and later

  • iMac Pro: 2017

  • MacBook: None

  • MacBook Air: 2018 and later

  • MacBook Pro: 2018 and later

  • Mac mini: 2018 and later

  • Mac Pro: 2019 and later

  • Mac Studio: 2022 and later

The specific 2017 Mac models that are stuck at Ventura are:

  • iMac: 21.5-inch and 27-inch

  • MacBook Pro: 13-inch and 15-inch

  • MacBook: 12-inch

Unsurprisingly, some new features in Sonoma require sufficient processing power that they work only on Macs with Apple silicon—one of the M1 or M2 chips.

  • Game Mode: This special mode automatically gives games top priority on the CPU and GPU, lowering usage for background tasks. It also reduces latency for wireless accessories, like game controllers and AirPods, for improved responsiveness.

  • Just “Siri”: Although dropping “Hey” from the “Hey Siri” trigger phrase works on all iPhones with iOS 17 and iPads with iPadOS 17, it requires a Mac with Apple silicon or when using the AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

  • Made for iPhone hearing aids: Apple-compatible hearing aids can now be paired directly with Macs, but only those with an M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, or M2. That works out to the MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021), MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021), Mac Studio (2022), and all Macs with the M2.

  • Presenter Overlay: You can keep your image visible while sharing your screen on a video call, either in front of the shared screen or in a small movable bubble.

  • React with your hands: During video calls, 3D augmented-reality reaction effects like hearts, confetti, and fireworks can be triggered with hand gestures, but only on Macs with Apple silicon or when using Continuity Camera with an iPhone 12 or later.

  • Screen Sharing performance improvements: Apple has radically improved the performance of the Screen Sharing app over high-bandwidth connections, but it requires the advanced media engine in Apple silicon.

If you’re unsure which Mac you have, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu.

iOS 17

With iOS 17, Apple has maintained the same cutoff date as Sonoma, supporting all iPhone models released in 2018 and later. That means you’ll be able to run iOS 17 on these iPhones:

  • iPhone 14/Plus/Pro/Pro Max

  • iPhone 13/mini/Pro/Pro Max

  • iPhone 12/mini/Pro/Pro Max

  • iPhone 11/Pro/Pro Max

  • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

  • iPhone XR/XS/XS Max

Practically speaking, these iOS 16-compatible devices won’t be able to upgrade to iOS 17:

  • iPhone X

  • iPhone 8/8 Plus

Several new iOS 17 features have more restrictive system requirements.

  • Enhanced autocorrect: iOS 17 enhances autocorrect so it works better (and yes, it will let you use curse words), and it temporarily underlines autocorrected words so you can see which ones were changed. It requires an iPhone 12 or later.

  • Inline predictions: Similarly, inline predictions of what you’re going to type—so you can just accept the suggestion rather than tapping out all those letters—require an iPhone 12 or later.

  • Point and Speak: Those with vision disabilities might appreciate the Point and Speak feature that makes it easier to interact with physical objects that have text labels, but it works only on the Pro models of the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14.

  • React with your hands: The hand-triggered video call reactions require an iPhone 12 or later.

If you can’t remember which iPhone model you have, go to Settings > General > About and look next to Model Name. This works for the iPad, too.

iPadOS 17

It’s more involved to determine whether your iPad can upgrade to iPadOS 17 because there are four different iPad model types with varying capabilities. These models can run iPadOS 17:

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd–6th generation)

  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st–3rd generation)

  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch

  • iPad Air (3rd–5th generation)

  • iPad (6th–10th generation)

  • iPad mini (5th & 6th generation)

While that list encompasses a lot of iPads, a simpler way to look at it is that only three iPad models that can run iOS 16 won’t be able to upgrade to iOS 17:

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)

  • iPad Pro 9.7-inch

  • iPad (5th generation)

Because Apple extended overall iPadOS 17 compatibility somewhat further back than it did with iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, quite a few iPadOS 17 features work only on select models:

  • Back-to-back Siri requests: Although all iPhones will let you issue multiple requests to Siri without reactivating it, on the iPad, the feature works only on an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), or iPad (8th generation and later).

  • Enhanced autocorrect: This improvement to typing requires an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), or iPad mini (6th generation).

  • External display cameras: If you want to take advantage of an external display’s camera while it’s attached to the iPad, you’ll need an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), or iPad mini (6th generation).

  • FaceTime with Apple TV: Using an iPad’s mic and camera for FaceTime on an Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) requires an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad (8th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), or iPad mini (5th generation and later).

  • Inline predictions: Getting suggestions about what to type next on the iPad requires an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), or iPad mini (6th generation).

  • PDF AutoFill: iPadOS 17 will use machine learning to analyze PDFs, and if it detects a form, you can fill it out automatically using your contact information. But only if you’re using an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), or iPad (8th generation and later).

  • React with your hands: As with the iPhone and Mac, only some models let you trigger reactions with gestures: the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), and iPad mini (6th generation).

  • Screen Distance: This health-related feature is supposed to encourage kids to hold the iPad farther away to reduce the likelihood of developing myopia. But how many kids read on an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later) or iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later)?

watchOS 10

The Apple Watch has a simple upgrade story: every model compatible with watchOS 9 can also run watchOS 10. That means everything from the Apple Watch Series 4 up through the Apple Watch Ultra, including the Apple Watch SE. (Look in the Watch app on your iPhone if you can’t remember which model you have.)

Two of the new features promised for watchOS 10 work only on specific models:

  • The NameDrop feature that lets you transfer contact information wirelessly with just proximity works with all iOS 17-compatible iPhones, but it can communicate only with an Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 6 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra.

  • The Time in Daylight feature that helps parents track whether their kids are spending the recommended 80–120 minutes per day outside requires an Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Apple Watch Series 6 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra.

tvOS 17

As with the Apple Watch, the Apple TV upgrade situation is easy to understand: tvOS 17 will run on the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K (1st and 2nd generation), just as with tvOS 16.

However, note that the promised option to let you use the mic and camera from an iPhone or iPad for FaceTime calls on the Apple TV works only if you have an Apple TV 4K (2nd generation). That might be the first real reason to upgrade from an older Apple TV.