Due to their time in the market, there are three models that could no longer be updated with the new software.
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This article was translated from our Spanish edition using AI technologies. Errors may exist due to this process.
Apple continues to innovate and that is why in September of this year it launched iOS 14, the new update of the iPhone operating system, which is compatible with basically all its most recent versions.
The changes that could be perceived with the iOS 14 update was the redesign of the widgets, since now you can see more information and add them to the home screen, selecting the size and order as you like and categorize it.
Likewise, there were changes in the application library, since they are organized in a simpler and easier to explore way, ordering them by categories and the most used.
Also, there were modifications in the visualization of incoming calls, in Siri, in the arrival of Picture In Picture, which is a function for the simultaneous video playback.
What is mentioned about iOS 15
Although the departure of iOS 14 was recent, it is already said that in 2021 the new Apple software update will arrive, iOS 15. There are already some rumors from media specialized in technology about this update of the iPhone operating system, it is said that this will have a relevant change in the music application, Apple Music, as well as the creation of an augmented reality application never presented on a device and the interaction with the widgets. All of the above based on the new technology that comprises the iPhone 12 Pro.
However, it would be stated about some models that would not be taken into account for this update, since they would not be compatible with the new iOS 15 software due to their time in the market, such as the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus and first generation iPhone SE .
This is because these iPhones have an estimated life cycle of six years, in which they have received the same number of updates to their operating system. So the models with which iOS 15 would be compatible are the following: iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, 8 and 8 Plus, X, XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro and 12 Max.
Update: Version 2.1 is now available with new widgets and themes. Head below for more.
The popular Widgetsmith app received a major update to version 2.0 today. Widgetsmith, which allows you to create custom widgets for your iOS 14 home screen, now includes pre-built themes for your widgets that are fully customizable, an RGB/HEX color chooser, and more.
Update 11/25: Widgetsmith version 2.1 is now available with new holiday themes and colors, new widget options, and more.
Widgetsmith version 2.0 now includes a collection of themes and aesthetics from which you can choose. These pre-built themes offer various different combinations of colors, fonts, icons, and more. Each aesthetic, however, is still fully customizable, allowing you to craft the perfect custom aesthetic for your iOS 14 home screen.
Once you choose a theme, you can simply tap the “customize theme” button to change things like font, tint color, background color, border color, and artwork. In a blog post, Widgetsmith developer David Smith explains:
But of course I wouldn’t want these change to reduce the real joy of Widgetsmith, which is making the widgets exactly yours. So each of these themes can be completely customized to your tastes. You can still change the fonts, colors and borders of each widget just like before, but the great thing is that now your changes can apply across all instances of a theme. This makes it super easy to update all your widgets at once as your mood or tastes shift.
Within the artwork section of the app, you’ll find a variety of different borders and overlays that can be applied to your widgets. Smith says that he has started working with “top designers to provide a wide range of seasonal and fun borders and overlays for your widgets to give them that little extra pop.”
Currently, the artwork collection in Widgetsmith includes things like leaves, pumpkins, and an Apple-inspired six colors pattern. In the future, Widgetsmith will add winter and Christmas themes as well. Finally, today’s update to Widgetsmith includes an RBG/HEX color chooser for even more customization options for your home screen widgets.
Widgetsmith is available on the App Store as a free download with in-app subscriptions to access certain data types, artwork, and themes.
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But there's another feature that's sure to impress the first time you use it: Apple finally added picture-in-picture to the iPhone. That means you can keep binge-watching Netflix or talk to a friend over FaceTime while simultaneously checking your email or using any other app on your phone.
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Apple's iPad tablet has used Picture in Picture -- often shortened to PiP -- for a while now, but it's a significant addition for the hundreds of millions of iPhone users worldwide. Here's what Picture in Picture is, how it works, how it could surpass PiP on Android phones and some of its limitations.
What is Picture in Picture video for iOS 14?
Picture in Picture lets you watch a thumbnail-size video play in the corner of your screen while you do other things on your phone. The video sticks around as you pop open a chat window, scroll through a news story on your browser or fine-tune your screen settings. So, you can watch a video on the iPhone from any screen.
Picture in Picture is the proper name Apple gave this feature, but it's generally known in mobile circles as picture-in-picture or PiP.
Picture in Picture is incredibly easy to use.
Jason Cipriani/CNET
How Picture in Picture works on the iPhone
Whichever phone you use it on, picture-in-picture is a great little convenience feature. You don't go out of your way to use it. It comes to you, and in a way that should be completely natural and helpful.
Here's what happens on the iPhone. You start watching a video on a compatible app. It occurs to you that you need to reply to a text, check your email or look up the weather. As you swipe up to go home, your video shrinks down and continues to roll in a thumbnail view. This works with FaceTime calls, too.
The thumbnail is persistent, which means you can switch to any app you want for as long as you want without the video going away. You can pinch to zoom in or out on the video, with a total of three different thumbnail sizes possible. The various sizes are nice because you can adjust on the fly based on what you're doing on your phone at the time.
If the PiP window is getting in the way, you can swipe it off to the side of the screen, where it docks and all but disappears, leaving you a tab to pull when you want it out again. Here's the best part: the audio continues to play even if you dock the video thumbnail.
While in Picture in Picture mode, you can pause, go back or go forward on apps that support those controls. And you can tap a button to go full screen or close the video entirely, say if you're done with a FaceTime call.
Pinch to zoom in or out on the thumbnail to use one of its three different sizes.
Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET
iPhone apps that support Picture in Picture in iOS 14
Apple included the ability to use PiP in some of its own apps, such as Apple TV, Podcasts, Safari, FaceTime, iTunes and your camera feeds in the Home app. Third-party developers can add the new feature to their apps when they update for iOS 14, and a lot of apps already have. Disney+, Twitch, and Netflix are just a few examples.
The easiest way to tell if an app you have installed supports Picture in Picture is to start watching a video, expanded to full screen, and after a few seconds, press the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to exit the app.
If PiP is supported, you'll see the video magically shrink down to a small thumbnail and keep on playing.
The YouTube app supports picture in picture, but there's a catch -- you'll need to be a YouTube Premium subscriber in order to use it. There used to be a workaround, but it appears Google is trying to limit its use. You can give it a try, though.
Start watching a YouTube video on the website in Safari, instead of the YouTube app, and put the video in full-screen mode. After a few seconds of letting the video play, go back to your home screen and the video should show up in PiP mode. This trick has worked off and on for me. More recently, the video disappears after a couple of seconds after activating PiP mode. Your results may vary.
You don't have to let PiP start automatically.
Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Don't want Picture in Picture to start automatically?
You can change a setting on your iPhone to prevent videos from automatically continuing to play in PiP mode when you leave the app.
Open the Settings app on your iPhone, then go to General > Picture in Picture and slide the switch to the Off position. With auto picture in picture disabled, you'll need to tap on the PiP icon to force picture in picture mode when a video is playing.
To do that, tap on your screen when a video is playing to display the playback controls. Next, tap on the button that has a small rectangle with an arrow pointing to a smaller rectangle.
Picture in picture mode on Android devices can learn a thing or two from Apple.
Angela Lang/CNET
What Google and Samsung can learn from Apple
Apple's Picture in Picture feature could have a leg up on Android PiP in two ways. I felt my eyes light up when Apple demonstrated the docking feature in iOS 14. On Android phones, you can drag around a PiP window anywhere on the screen that you want. But if you move it to the margins, it'll bump around like a bowling ball at a child's birthday party.
I can't tell you how many times I've closed a PiP window exasperated that it was always in the way. But you don't always want to stop the video. The option to keep the audio playing after docking the video sounds extremely useful for FaceTime calls, so you can temporarily make full use of your screen while talking to the other person.
For example, maybe you need to carefully follow walking directions, but you still want them to be able to see your face on video.
Pinch to zoom is the other potential standout with Apple's Picture in Picture tool. It doesn't exist for Android. On phones like the Samsung Galaxy S20 and OnePlus 8 Pro($999 at OnePlus), I could zoom to make it a little larger, and a second zoom attempt opened it to full size. Apple's method gives you true scaling, and hopefully other phone brands will pay attention.
Now playing:Watch this: iOS 14 tips and tricks
1:29
What iPhone's Picture in Picture won't do
Apple's new feature is advertised to work with video only, compared with PiP on Android, which also works with Google Maps. For people with a lamentable sense of direction, keeping one eye on walking directions while doing something else could be a huge convenience. Hopefully Apple will expand in the future to include Apple -- and Google -- maps within the Picture in Picture realm.
It looks like the Black Friday iOS app deals are starting today. After seeing loads of amazing Android options pop yesterday afternoon, the App Store is following suite today. The Parallels Black Friday price drops, Affinity Photo and Designer, and this year’s 9to5Mac BundleHunt sale are still all live, but for now it’s on to the holiday-worthy iOS app deals. We are expecting loads more titles to drop in price over the next couple days but we are starting to see some top-notch titles go on sale via the App Store starting today. Those include Civilization Revolution 2, ELOH, Human Anatomy Atlas 2021, Very Little Nightmares, Lovecraft’s Untold Stories, Agent A, 2Do, and much more. Hit the fold for a complete look at the start of this year’s Black Friday iOS app deals.
Black Friday iOS App Deals:
iOS Universal: Shadow Of Death: Premium Games: FREE (Reg. $1)
iOS Universal: Ray Watermark: Photo & Video: FREE (Reg. $3)
The sequel to one of the most successful strategy games on mobile is here! Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution 2 challenges players to build a glorious empire that will stand the test of time. This is the first game in the Civilization catalog to be developed and available exclusively for mobile devices. Civilization Revolution 2 offers mobile strategy fans a brand new 3D presentation and more tactical depth than ever before! Find out if you have what it takes to rule the world!
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If there’s a single disappointment in the release of Apple’s first wave of M1 Macs, it’s the lackluster launch of iOS apps running inside of macOS. What should be an amazing unification of Apple’s platforms and a massive expansion of the Mac software base is, instead… kind of a non-event.
Running iOS apps on the Mac can be a little weird, it’s true. But it can sometimes be good. Unfortunately, a lot of interesting iOS apps just aren’t available at all, because their developers have removed them from the Mac side of the iOS App Store.
It’s not a great situation. It needs to get better. Here are some ways that might happen.
What developers can do
Though iOS app developers with the Apple silicon Developer Transition Kit could build their iOS apps for Mac and run them to get an idea how they’d perform on macOS, I understand that many developers didn’t do this, and others didn’t feel comfortable letting their iOS apps out into the wild without first giving them a try on a real M1 Mac. A lot of them opted to just stay on the safe side and opt their apps out.
But I hope it’s a temporary situation. While iPad and iPhone apps have some quirks in a Mac context, they honestly work better than I expected. And I think users are probably more forgiving of quirks than perhaps developers are. I hope that perfect won’t be the enemy of good, and that users won’t be deprived of apps they love from iOS just because they’re not quite up to a developer’s very high standards.
Apple
Catalyst was introduced in 2019 as a way for developers to make iOS apps work as a full Mac app, complete with macOS UI inplementations.
What I’m hoping is that developers will look at how their iOS apps perform on the Mac and decide that they do want them there—and will be driven to improve them. Improving support for iPad features like cursors and keyboard shortcuts will make an app better on the Mac, too. And developers can go even further by embracing Catalyst, which lets those iOS apps run as full Mac apps, with a more normal menu bar and other Mac adaptations. (Apps running with Catalyst will also run on the installed base of Intel Macs, which will be a majority of Macs in operation for a few years yet.)
Finally, I’d encourage app developers to listen to their customers and understand that an iOS app might be a better option than the alternative. I’m so sick of being kicked to lousy web-based experiences on the Mac when there are excellent apps for those services on iOS. Even a slightly strange iOS experience, running in a standalone app, beats out keeping it in a Safari tab that I’ll invariably close by accident.
What Apple can do
This isn’t all on developers. If Apple wants to benefit from having iOS apps run on all future Mac hardware, it’s going to need to keep pushing.
Part of that push will need to come on the software side. Apple needs to continue to develop Catalyst and make it as easy as possible for iOS developers to make apps that work great both on iPads with the Magic Keyboard attached, and on Macs. The less work developers have to do to make their apps great across a wide range of Apple devices, the more likely they are to do the work.
Apple needs to bring across more of its own technologies, too. The Shortcuts app is a key way to automate functions on iOS, but it doesn’t exist on the Mac, and many iOS apps will be a little less functional until it does.
Apple
A Mac version of iOS's Shortcuts would help developers bring their iOS apps to the Mac.
But Apple’s biggest impact can come with the decisions it makes about hardware. The reason some iOS apps feel weird on the Mac is that they were designed for touch, not for a cursor and keyboard. Introducing Macs with touchscreens won’t change the Mac’s status as a mouse-first operating system, but it will offer alternate modes of input—and open up better compatibility with some iOS apps.
And imagine if Apple made a two-in-one convertible laptop, with a screen that could be wrapped around the back to make it temporarily more like an iPad. A lot of users would love a laptop that could transform into a tablet from time to time—but the apps need to be there.
What users can do
Developers have it rough. They’ve spent the summer wrestling with some major changes in macOS Big Sur, plus the transition to Apple silicon. They deserve your respect and your politeness.
That said, if there’s an iOS app that you love that’s not available on the Mac, it’s worth politely contacting that developer. Explain to them—politely!—why you want to run that app on the Mac, and why it’s a superior option to whatever their Mac solution is today. The more demand developers hear, the more likely they are to prioritize bringing their iOS app to the Mac.
Another thing to keep in mind: Every iOS developer is a Mac user, because the only way to develop apps for iOS is to use Xcode. This means that most iOS developers aren’t going to look down on Mac users who want their favorite iOS apps to run on the Mac—because they probably do, too.
Apple
It's easy to forget that iOS and iPad OS developers are Mac users, too,
Finally, all of us need to be patient. It’s the very earliest days for Apple silicon on the Mac. I’ve talked to some developers who have been working on bringing their iOS apps to the Mac since the initial Mac Catalyst announcement in the summer of 2019—and they’re still not there. The first version of Catalyst was limited, and so many of them waited for the version in Big Sur. It takes time to do it right. I’m confident that more apps are on the way. But we all need a little patience.
Still, developers: If your app runs okay on the Mac and there’s no huge business reason to bar Mac users from using it, why not check that box? Chances are good that your customers will thank you for it.
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It’s Thanksgiving in the United States, and many of us are getting ready to spend time with family, watch some American football, relax, and get ready to hunt for Black Friday deals ahead of the Christmas shopping season. Even if you aren’t seeing all of your family this year, you might be spending some time with just a few people, so Thanksgiving “tech” tune-ups might be in order.
Check iOS, macOS, and watchOS updates
If you have a family member running iOS 12 or a really old version of macOS, Thanksgiving is a great time to go ahead and update them. They will receive all the latest features of iOS 14, watchOS 7, and macOS Big Sur, and will likely stay up to date all through 2021 thanks to automatic updates.
Before updating to macOS Big Sur, make sure they have a local backup of their system (more on that later). If you only do one thing for Thanksgiving tech support, checking for updates is the most crucial.
Check iCloud settings
When you are looking over family members’ devices, you will want to make sure they are signed in to iCloud. I know it may seem crazy that in 2020, someone could use iOS without iCloud, but stranger things have happened. Go to Settings > iCloud to verify they are signed in. While you are in that section, please scroll down to Backups and make sure they’ve completed a backup recently. If not, trigger a manual backup and make sure it completes.
Next, go back to the main iCloud screen and verify that iCloud Photos is enabled. If it’s not, check to see if they will have enough iCloud space to start using it. Losing photos due to a damaged device is one of the worst things that can happen, and it’s a preventable problem.
You’ll want to do the same thing on macOS as well. Check to make sure iCloud is enabled (Apple Logo > System Preferences > iCloud). You’ll also want to open the Photos app to make sure it’s syncing correctly.
Time Machine and offsite backups
While they may not have their external drive with them, you should make sure they are at least backing up their Mac regularly. If they aren’t, Amazon carries multiple hard drives that are incredibly inexpensive. I recommend getting at least double the size of the built-in drive. You can verify Time Machine is working by going to System Preferences > Time Machine. If they don’t have a drive talk to them about ordering one and setting it up over Christmas.
If they don’t want to use Time Machine, you may mention a service like Backblaze as an option for only $6 per month. I have a few co-workers who didn’t want to deal with having to remember to plug in an external drive to make backups, so they just opted for Backblaze. Backblaze will automatically back up a Mac or PC offsite. Offsite backups are especially crucial in case of fire, flood, or theft. Once it’s installed, there is nothing left else to do.
Check Chrome extensions
Chrome is a popular browser for Mac users thanks to its easy syncing to PCs and robust extension ecosystem. I run across many instances of Chrome that have a decent amount of malware installed, though. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to clean up.
Go to Window > Extensions. Look for anything abnormal (PDF converters, etc.), and remove them. Also, double-check to make sure their homepage and default search engine are Google, DuckDuckGo, or Yahoo. A lot of rogue extensions install their own search function as a way to make revenue. If your family is complaining about Chrome pop-ups at the dinner table, it’s likely due to extensions, so make it part of your Thanksgiving tech support.
Check for macOS malware
While macOS is very secure, you can still get malware by clicking on a random pop-up ad that tells you to download a new flash player, etc. My favorite tool for cleaning up malware is Malwarebytes. It’s a free download, and there are paid options for automatic scanning in the future. If you want to run a quick scan and remove it, you can do that for free.
Discuss Wi-Fi upgrades
One of the many things I am getting asked about now is how to improve home Wi-Fi connections. Long gone are the days of spending $30 on a cheap router. In my house, we have 50 devices on the network at any given time. That is mainly due to HomeKit devices but also includes Apple TVs, iPhones, and iPads.
I personally prefer the AmpliFi Alien (see my review), but solutions from Linksys and Eero are also strong contenders. Now that Wi-Fi 6 is available across the iOS and macOS lineup (M1 only), it’s time for people to start considering upgrades.
Wrap-up on Thanksgiving tech support
It’s always fun to get your friends and family members set up for the new year by ensuring their devices are backed up, up to date, and clean from malware. Enjoy the holidays, and avoid controversial topics like iPhone vs. Android and Chromebooks vs. iPads, and we will all have a Merry Christmas!
iOS 15 update is getting ready. The older Apple devices will not be getting the latest iOS 15 update. The current reports suggest Apple is planning to abandon iOS 15 support for the first generation iPhone SE. The list may further include iPhone 6S, and iPhone 6S Plus. All the three devices received iOS 14 update.
iOS 15 Update Coming To These Devices: iOS 15 Update Full List
The next iOS 15 update will release in 2021.
Most that all the iPhone models have the iOS 14 update. The next generation iOS 15 system will be released before the launch iPhone 13 series. Older phones as iPhone 5s iPhone 6 may not also get the latest iOS 15 update.
iOS 15 Update: Upcoming iOS 15 Update Full List
List of iPhones which will support Apple iOS 15 update
iPhone 13 series
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12
iPhone 11
iPhone-11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone-XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone-8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone-7 Plus
iPhone SE 2020 (2nd generation)
iPod touch (7th generation)
Also: Google Stadia Coming To Apple iOS
Google Stadia, the cloud gaming service from the searh giant is finally coming to iOS. The public testing schedule will be soon rolled out in the coming few weeks. Though, Google Stadia is not coming to iOS as a standalone app but as a web app which will be able to run on any mobile browser.
The Stadia gaming web app will run on the Apple Safari browser.
Microsoft is also planning to launch the xCloud streaming service on Apple browser. Apart from Microsoft and Google, also Nvidia made a beta web app version available. The GeForce Now cloud gaming service is now available on iOS. Google have officially confirmed the cloud gaming service.
The Stadia Twitter handle tweeted that the first phase of iOS support is coming to Stadia. Stadia is already available on Google Play Store for Android devices. Companies are no more coming up with its own cloud gaming platform as standalone apps for iOS as Apple has put out restrictions on software whichs streams games on iPhone and iPad.
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