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A troubleshooting guide explains three distinct ways iPhone users can reset their device when facing software issues: a soft reset (standard restart), a hard reset (forced restart by holding buttons without going through menus), and a full factory reset that erases all data. The guide notes there's long been ambiguity in the tech community over what exactly separates these terms.
Apple has outlined several methods for users locked out of their iPhones after too many failed passcode attempts. Depending on the iOS version and available hardware, users can revert to a previous passcode, erase and reset the device using Find My and their Apple Account credentials, or connect the phone to a computer for a full reset via iCloud backup.
The Weather Channel has released a CarPlay version of its Storm Radar app, filling a gap left by Apple Weather, which still isn't supported on CarPlay. The new app shows a live map with radar, clouds, and precipitation layers, plus current conditions and forecasted weather at a driver's destination alongside ETA. The same update also brings new home screen widgets and a redesigned Apple Watch app.
Apple's AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro allow users to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode by pressing and holding the earbud stem. This behavior can be customized in the Settings app under Press and Hold AirPods, where users can also add Adaptive mode or turn off noise control entirely, and set which modes cycle through when pressing the stem.
Apple Intelligence shipped enabled by default with iOS 26, running in the background on eligible devices even for people who never use tools like Writing Tools, Image Playground or notification summaries. These features can consume up to 7GB of storage, and users can disable them individually or entirely through Settings without affecting core device functions.
Analyst Mark Gurman reports Apple plans to release an updated iPad mini with an OLED display by late October, separate from next month's iPhone-focused event. The refreshed tablet is expected to feature a faster A19 Pro or A20 Pro chip, improved water resistance from a redesigned casing, and a new vibration-based speaker system.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple built and internally tested a stubbier stylus meant to pair with its upcoming foldable iPhone, but the company is unlikely to release it alongside the device's debut. The design would attach to the phone's side for charging and storage, similar to existing Apple Pencils, but that placement could interfere with the fold mechanism and risk scratching the more fragile foldable display.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple internally explored a shorter, stubbier Apple Pencil variant designed to magnetically attach to the side of its upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra. The accessory reportedly ran into design problems, including awkward handling and the risk of scratching the phone's delicate inner foldable display. Gurman says the concept is unlikely to be unveiled at Apple's event next month.
Apple advises keeping Mac laptops in ambient temperatures between 50 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, warning explicitly against leaving them in parked cars. That ambient limit refers to surrounding air, not the surface temperature a MacBook can reach when sitting in direct sunlight, which Apple doesn't separately quantify. Prolonged exposure above 95 degrees can permanently shrink battery capacity, with charging in such heat causing further damage.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports Apple is developing continuous heart-rate monitoring and a redesigned health app for the upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, aiming to compete with wellness-focused rivals like Whoop and Oura. Apple is also reportedly testing a ceramic model in two finishes, white and dark gray, along with additional band color options.
Apple Arcade launched Retro Bowl College+ on August 6, a version of New Star Games' 2023 college football spin-off. The game lets players manage one of over 250 college teams using simple swipe-based controls for passing, running and kicking, while defense is handled by the game's simulation. Off the field, players must juggle roster morale, player ratings, facility upgrades and team budgets.
Amazon's 2026 Labor Day sale is bundling numerous Apple discounts, including $50 off AirPods Pro 3, AirTag 2 at an all-time low of $20, and the first-ever price cuts on Apple's new M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini models. Renewed Premium iPhone 17 Pro units are also seeing record lows of up to $290 off, alongside deals on Apple Pencil Pro, MagSafe battery packs, and certified refurbished Studio Display and Apple TV 4K units.