The traditional 3-2-1 backup rule—three copies of data, on two different media types, with one copy stored offsite—is being reinterpreted by users as technology changes, with CDs largely abandoned in favor of external drives and cloud services like iCloud and Google Cloud. Reporting notes that cloud sync settings can sometimes delete files from the cloud when removed locally, and that offsite backups can still be vulnerable to ransomware if the storage device remains networked.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-10
Apple's support materials outline steps users should take before changing the country or region tied to their Apple Account, including re-downloading purchased apps, music, books and videos beforehand since content availability varies by region. Users are also advised to have a valid local payment method ready, as Apple requires one to confirm the change, and may need to wait until physically relocating if no compatible payment option is available.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-10
9to5Mac's daily podcast episode for October 8, 2026 rounds up top Apple news, including rumors about a new iPad mini and updates to iCloud+. The episode is sponsored by Stuff, a task-management app, and Roborock, which is running Fall Prime Day discounts on its robot vacuum lineup.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-08
Apple has increased the number of personalized email addresses users can create per custom domain under iCloud+, from 3 to 10. The change was first spotted by X user pdfu and applies to all iCloud+ subscribers who use the custom email domain feature at no extra cost.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-05
HEVCut is an indie iOS app that compresses photos and videos on-device, claiming 50-80% file size savings with minimal quality loss, aiming to free up local or iCloud storage without requiring users to delete anything. The app also offers duplicate detection, a swipe-based deletion interface, and a video trimming tool. A limited free version is available on the App Store, with HEVCut Pro costing $24.99/year or $39.99 for lifetime access, plus a $0.49 one-week trial.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-03
Home Widget, a third-party iOS app for building custom HomeKit control panels, released version 1.10 with a new camera mosaic feature that shows every HomeKit camera in one scrollable view from a single widget tap. The update also adds direct thermostat control and whole-room lighting adjustments from widget tiles, plus a Control Center option to jump straight to the camera mosaic or a specific camera.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-02
Laytr, built by Ontario developer Mostafa Talaat under Waitery Inc., lets users save articles, recipes, screenshots, videos, PDFs, bookmarks and tabs, organizing them into collections called "cases" with optional date-based reminders. The app has no backend server; saved content stays on-device and syncs across Apple devices via iCloud, and it can import old Pocket exports. The free version caps users at 30 saved items, with a paid tier for more.
techcrunch.com
· 2026-10-02
Apple released a new version of its Invites app for iPhone, adding full-resolution Shared Albums that non-Apple users can join, expanded Image Playground options including photorealistic backgrounds, and email-link verification for guests instead of entry codes. The update also includes bug fixes and performance improvements and is available now on the App Store.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-30
Apple pulled its opt-in Advanced Data Protection feature for new UK iCloud users in February 2025, leaving anyone who enabled it beforehand with full end-to-end encryption on most iCloud data while everyone else in the UK cannot activate it. The piece traces this back to Apple's decade-long fight against government backdoor demands, including its 2016 standoff with the FBI over the San Bernardino iPhone.
macanorak.com
· 2026-09-24
iPhone owners are reporting persistent promotional banners inside the iOS Settings app pushing Apple's own paid services, including iCloud+ storage, Apple Music, Apple TV+ trials and AppleCare+. Many of these prompts lack a working dismiss option and can linger for weeks or months, leaving a notification badge on the Settings icon until users either subscribe or the offer expires on its own.
techradar.com
· 2026-09-22
A software glitch in iOS 27 and iOS 27.2 is causing the Settings app to display an unremovable red badge urging users to 'Activate iCloud Storage,' even when they already have ample space, including those on 2TB Apple One family plans. Tapping the alert only leads to the storage purchase screen and dismissing it does not clear the badge.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-22
Apple offers built-in tools called Sidecar and Universal Control that let Mac users extend or mirror their desktop onto an iPad, effectively turning the tablet into a second monitor. Both features require the Mac and iPad to be signed into the same iCloud account, with Universal Control also needing two-factor authentication enabled. Windows PC users cannot use these native tools and must rely on third-party alternatives instead.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-21
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