iOS 10 is here! Here is how to update your device and get all those new features! 

The first things you'll want to do before updating your iPhone or iPad is to back it up! Why risk losing your data?! Things do sometimes go wrong and you may need to restore your iDevice from a backup. So... BACKUP FIRST!

If you have an iCloud backup that backs up everything, that's great, but if do you have a PC or Mac, I'd still strongly recommend backing up your device in iTunes.

Now, if you've never connected your device to iTunes before, check out this link to the Apple guide on backing up your device, first.

To backup your device and then update to the latest version of iOS, simply:

1. Plug your iPhone or iPad into your computer, then open the iTunes application.

2. Select your iPhone or iPad when it appears in iTunes.

If you want to backup your Health and Activity data, you will need to encrypt your backup.

3. Then, simply click, "Back Up Now" and wait for the backup to complete.

4. Next, you could update your device in iTunes by clicking "Check For Update", or you can eject your device and perform the update over the air!

On your iPhone or iPad, open the 'Setting' app.

Then tap 'General'.

Then 'Software Update', and follow the prompts.

Your device will download the update, then begin to install. Wait for it to complete and then you are all set and will be running the latest version of iOS!

Since 2011 the @Apple handle on Twitter has gone unused. That is, until now! Apple has recently activated their Twitter account, just in time for their September 7th Media Keynote Event.

Apple has uploaded their logo in Black on a white background as their profile picture and have gone with their bokeh Apple logo photography that they used on their media invite, for their cover photo. 

While Apple has not officially tweeted anything yet to their 229K (and counting) followers, they do have a sponsored tweet, as seen below, that if you retweet, Apple will remind you to watch their Keynote on September 7th, before the event.     

September 7 at 10 a.m. PT
Watch the event on https://t.co/yLa2e4Xr2R.
RT for a reminder on event day. #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/e9MHNkLeoi

� Apple (@Apple) September 2, 2016

The invites are out! Apple will hold a Keynote Media Event on September 7th at 10 a.m. PDT at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California. The event is most likely to announce the iPhone 7! 

Apple will be live streaming the event on their website and on Apple TV. 

Digital rendering of a Deep Blue iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus by Martin Hajek. 

One of the most interesting rumors about the next iPhone (presumably called the iPhone 7) is it's colors! There has been a rumor that Apple will add a Deep Blue color option for the iPhone 7, along side the Rose Gold, Gold, and Silver, therefore possibly replacing the Space-Gray iPhone model.

First of all, there is no way Apple would replace their top selling iPhone color, secondly, this rumor even took itself back and said that the new color is actually "Space-Black", a much darker version of the current Space-Gray. I don't know if they are colorblind or not, but I think it would be hard to mistake a blue for black/dark gray.

The second part of this rumor of the 'Deep Blue' iPhone 7, is the latest photos published not to long ago of an alleged working iPhone 7 Plus in this new color scheme by tech.ifeng.com.

Is it actually a real working iPhone 7 Plus, or just another mockup like the hundreds going around the web? Lets analyze the photos and find out once and for all!

If you want to see the photos in question, you can view them here: Alleged iPhone 7 Plus in Deep Blue. It is not the image above, that's a digital rendering.

In Photo 1 - we see the backside of this new alleged iPhone 7 Plus in this unusual color. I wouldn't even call it 'Deep Blue'. It's not that 'deep' at all, if you ask me. I will say, as far as mockups go, this iPhone looks pretty good. It even has the right camera flash on the back. Most others you find all have a single yellow flash. This one shows the correct dual colored flash.

Photo 4 - shows a closer image of the back of this "iPhone". I notice that the antenna lines shown here are white. Now, the blue-ish color isn't deep and is more on the light side, however, I doubt Apple would add white lines on a blue iPhone with a Black front screen.

The Dual-Camera, microphone, and camera flash do look about right. As far as we know.  I'll give them that. The Apple logo on the other hand... If you zoom into the image, you'll notice its imperfections. And it's biggest tell, the Apple logo doesn't fit flush, the aluminum case sits above the Apple logo. If you run your finger over your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6S, you'll notice just how tight the Apple logo fits onto the aluminum case. Photo 6 also shows off how the Apple logo doesn't match against the current iPhone 6S Plus.

Photo 10 and 11 - The Volume keys and Silent Switch color doesn't match. Also a clear tell that this iPhone is not real, The Lighting Port and screws are black. With white antenna lines? Jony Ive should be fired for this! There is no way that would happen. Unless this was some Frankenstein built iPhone from spare parts of other iPhone's and the black pieces are from the Space-Black iPhone 7. ...What? One could dream!

Photo 13 - Again, the Sleep/Wake button color doesn't match the rest of the iPhone! Sim card tray has some bubbling around the hole.

Photo 14 - Shows the "iPhone" running iOS 10. Photoshop? Still image? Or maybe this is a custom built iPhone, with the back changed? Also, what's with the front facing camera? it's barely visible! It actually doesn't even look to be there! Maybe it's just a bad photo? Or Apple's really made that camera stealthy.

To sum this all up, I am calling the iPhone 7 Plus in the photos linked above, fake! This is clearly a mockup and not a real iPhone 7 Plus. So what does this mean about the possibility of a Deep Blue colored iPhone? As of this point, it's unlikely to happen, at least, we have nothing but rumors to support the claim.

If you want to know what other rumors about the iPhone 7 may be real or fake, check out my previous post - iPhone 7 Rumors Roundup: What's Likely & Unlikely To Be Real.

Got an iOS question that you want answered? Follow and tweet me on Twitter and your question just might get answered on this site! And maybe on Twitter too.  

With so many iPhone 7 rumors going around, I thought I'd roundup the best by giving my opinion on what I believe is likely to be true and which rumors are likely to be false!

What makes my opinion worth reading? Well, nothing really. So come back here after the event and make fun of just how wrong I was. Or see how many of my prediction were actually right and how awesome I really am! My guess is, I'll still be more accurate than most Analyst's opinion.

This is a fun game that you can play along with as well in the comments. So let's begin!

iPhone 7 Rumors Roundup: 

Alleged working #iPhone7 testing stage unit... https://t.co/GuYXXHjCDw pic.twitter.com/Eg1tQ0VRFt

� Steve Hemmerstoffer (@stagueve) August 4, 2016

Alleged working iPhone 7 testing unit reposted on Twitter by Steve Hemmerstoffer, a renowned leaker and the editor of Nowhereelse.fr. 

There will be a new iPhone released this September. 
LIKELY - Apple has released new iPhone's every year in September for quite some years now.


The next iPhone will be called the iPhone 7. 
LIKELY - I think Apple will continue with the naming pattern they have been using, even though the iPhone 7 may not feature much of a redesign, at least until next year, which will be the iPhone's 10th anniversary! What will it be named? iPhone 10? iPhone X? Or just maybe, iPhone?


The iPhone 7 will keep a very similar design to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S.
LIKELY - First of all, let's remember something - it's a phone. There's only so much that you can change. The front of the iPhone has looked the same since the original iPhone, despite some minor changes, like the addition of a FaceTime camera, better and bigger screens, and the Touch ID button. Apple likes their minimal designs and they are unlikely to radically change just so it's different. All design changes are for reasons, to make the iPhone better. So, yes, this years design is likely to be more of an evolution of the iPhone 6 design, not a total change. It may seem boring, but hey, you were probably just gonna slap some case on it anyway.






Apple will remove the Headphone-jack on the iPhone 7. 
LIKELY -  Unfortunately, all signs point to this being a reality. It may frustrate those who have third-party headphones, or use headphones while charging their iPhone, but lets at least hope there is a good reason for the change! If Apple removed the Headphone-jack for no gain to the user, then by all means be mad.


The iPhone 7 will feature Stereo Speakers.
UNLIKELY - There's isn't even much of a benefit of having two speakers that close to each other. It would be a waste to replace the Headphone-jack to make room for another speaker. Now, what about those extra holes, you ask? That other side will probably contain your microphone and that's all. The rest will just be for symmetry.


The iPhone 7 will have a Deep Blue color option. 
UNLIKELY - This rumor even took itself back and was replaced with the next.


The iPhone 7 will have a new dark Space-Black Color Option. 
UNLIKELY - While a new color option could help boost sales, Apple has been getting lighter with their Space-Gray color option ever since it replaced the Slate color on the iPhone 5, most likely due to the color scratching easily. While Apple could of bettered their anodizing techniques, there just hasn't been enough real leaks to support this new color rumor. But, I really hope I'm wrong on this one!


Apple will replace the 16GB entry level iPhone 7 with a 32GB Model. 
LIKELY - I think it's about time. The 16GB iPhone just doesn't have enough space to store much at all. With 4K video recording (or even 1080p), 12 megapixel photos, and app sizes growing, users would run out of space real quick! 32GB is a much more reasonable entry level. Although, I still wouldn't recommend getting anything less than the 64GB.


The iPhone 7 will be more Water-Resistant.  
LIKELY - I wouldn't go as far as saying the new iPhone will be water-proof, remember there is still an open port, i.e.: the Lightning Port, which will even warn you in iOS 10 if you plug in a moist cable. However, I believe Apple will make the iPhone 7 more splash-proof.


The iPhone 7 will have a Larger Protruding Camera. 
LIKELY - As the iPhone 7 will feature a better camera, and Apple loves to make their products as thin as possible, that unfortunately means that the camera will protrude out. Lets just hope for the design sacrifice, that these photos are almost SLR worthy.


The iPhone 7 Plus will have a Dual-Camera Lens.
LIKELY - All rumors are pointing towards the iPhone 7 Plus continuing to be Apple's flagship iPhone, and this new iPhone will feature a Dual Camera. Other than the ability to take better pictures and maybe refocus photos after the fact, it's unknown what other capabilities the dual-lens may provide. 3D? Doubtful.


The iPhone 7 will have a Flush, Pressure-Sensitive Home Button.
PARTLY UNLIKELY - Unfortunately, at least for now, the Home Button is here to stay, keeping those larger top and bottom bezels. And while Apple could make the Home Button pressure-sensitive like they have done with the MacBooks, I believe that it will still be a separate part, and will not be flush to the iPhone's front glass screen. One reason; accessibility. This would be problematic for some, eg: the blind, if they couldn't feel where the home button was. Apple would at least need to leave the ring around the button.


The iPhone 7 will feature Higher Quality Displays; 1080p for the iPhone 7 and 2K for the iPhone 7 Plus.
UNLIKELY - I seriously doubt Apple will change screen resolutions at this point in time. Changing screen resolutions could create problems for all apps and their graphics and plus, since Apple is rumored to change to a OLED screen in 2017, it'd be more likely, that's when we may see a resolution bump.


The iPhone 7 will come in Three Models: 7, Plus, and Pro.
UNLIKELY - The 'iPhone Plus' is looking to be the 'iPhone Pro'. So unless the confusion is with a name change, I believe Apple will stick to the two different sizes for the 7, with the larger model having extra benefits, eg: the dual-camera.


The 2017 10th Anniversary iPhone will be so much more awesome and feature a total redesign made of all glass and feature a curved screen like the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, with a new higher resolution OLED display and you might as well wait for next years iPhone.
SOMEWHAT LIKELY - While yes, Apple have patents for a curved glass display with digital buttons [1] [2] that'd replace the existing physical ones, that doesn't necessarily mean that will be seeing this technology anytime soon, or even ever. There are rumors saying that Foxconn has been working on creating an all-glass case, but remember, Apple creates all sorts of models, and then would choose the best to go with. At this time, we don't know if Apple will stick to a 'S' model iPhone for 2017, or break their current trend because it will be the 10th anniversary of the iPhone. I'm sure Apple will want to go all out and create the best iPhone they can for the 10th and maybe play catch up to their competitors - so it is very possible that next years iPhone will be 'the one to buy' and not this years.


Should You Upgrade To The iPhone 7?
Apple hasn't even announced this years new iPhone yet! At this point it's all rumors. Yes, in previous years, we have known a lot about the new iPhone before it was announced, like this year, but lets wait anyway!

I'd say if you have the iPhone 5S or earlier, then yes, you should upgrade. If you have the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6S, it's a tough call. Unless your happy with upgrading again next year, if the 10th anniversary iPhone is heaps better and features that redesign that everyone is waiting for. If you have the iPhone 6S, I doubt they'll be a need for you to upgrade this year.

If you have the iPhone 6, if what you really want is that redesign and OLED screen, then maybe hold onto your iPhone for another year. But it is a risk, because if next year they announce the iPhone 7S and it has the same design again and possibly the same LCD screen ... �\_(?)_/�

Got an iOS question that you want answered? Follow and tweet me on Twitter and your question just might get answered on this site! And maybe on Twitter too.  

Apple's WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) is nearly here! The annual event held by Apple in San Francisco, California, is the time of the year when Apple allows thousands of developers from all around the world to meet with Apple engineers and attend workshops.

Apple kick starts the event with a Keynote presentation that announces what to come from Apple later in the year, relating to software updates. 

This year, Apple is expected to unveil the latest (work-in-progress) updates to iOS, OS X, WatchOS and more... 

Apple will live stream the event on their website and on Apple TV, on June 13th at 10 a.m. PDT. 

If you'd like to watch the Keynote event with commentary from some of the best in tech, I'd recommend you check out TWiT.TV live coverage of the event. 

Instagram is rolling out an update today which features a revamped icon and interface.

The app has gained a new simpler colorful icon and has ditched it's user interface's old color scheme for a 'white and black' one - to add more emphasis on the photos.

"Today we�re introducing a new look. You�ll see an updated icon and app design for Instagram. Inspired by the previous app icon, the new one represents a simpler camera and the rainbow lives on in gradient form. 

We�ve made improvements to how the Instagram app looks on the inside as well. The simpler design puts more focus on your photos and videos without changing how you navigate the app." - Instagram Blog.

There is also icon updates for Instagram's other apps; Layout, Boomerang and Hyperlapse.

What do you think of the new icon and interface colors? Do you give it a heart? Let us know in the comments.


> Instagram (version: 8.0) is available for download for free from the App Store. 

A quick unboxing of the brand new iPad Pro 9.7 inch in Space-Gray. Stay tuned for a full review and comparison video to the iPad Air 2 in the coming days! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay updated!

Apple held a Media Event today in Cupertino.  Here are my live key notes of what was announced!

For full details, be sure to check Apple.com

--

40 years in 40 seconds video plays. Apple turns 40 on April 1st 2016.

Tim Cook talks about privacy and encryption.

Lisa Jackson, head of environment on stage. Talks about Apple's goal to become 100% renewable. At the moment 93% of Apple offices run on renewable energy. Also talks about recycling and reusing iPhone's.

Health: Jeff Williams talks about ResearchKit.
Apple launching CareKit - available in April.

Apple Watch: Top selling smartwatch in the world. New Apple Watch bands! Woven Nylon. Apple Watch price drops to starting from $299.

Apple TV: Talk about apps. tvOS - update: folders, photo library & live photos,  dictation, Siri for App Store. tvOS 9.2 available today.

iPhone: New 4-inch. Called iPhone SE. Includes Rose Gold finish color option. Looks like iPhone 5s. A9 64-bit chip, M9 co-processor. Same CPU performance as iPhone 6s. 12-megapixel iSight Camera. Battery improvements. Includes features like Live Photos and Retina Flash. Capture 4K video. Touch ID. Price starts from $399 (16GB). Orders from March 24th - available March 31st.

iOS 9.3: new Night Shift color mode to make screen warmer looking which might make you sleep better at night. Notes: Passcode protect. Heath: app suggestions. Top stories in News. Apple Music in Car Play. iPad in the classroom improvements in iOS 9.3. iOS 9.3 available today!

iPad: Customers love the iPad Pro. New 9.7 inch iPad Pro! 40% less reflective. 25% brighter than iPad Air 2. 25% greater color saturation. True color tone display. 4-speakers. Twice volume of iPad Air 2. A9X 64-bit chip. M9 co-processor. Smart keyboard for 9.7 inch display. Pencil. Other accessories include: Lightning SD card reader, USB Camera reader. 12 megapixel iSight camera. 4K video recording. True tone flash on iPad! Live photos. Now also in Rose Gold. $599 for 32GB, $749 - 128GB, $899 - 256GB (New option) - Wi-Fi models. Order from March 24, ships on March 31.

Apple is holding a media event today (March 21st) at 10 a.m. PDT. 

It's been rumored that Apple will announce a new smaller size 4-inch-iPhone with the internals of an iPhone 6 or 6s. A new 9.7 inch iPad Pro. Possibly new Apple Watch bands, and possibly the release of iOS 9.3. 

Apple will live stream the event from their website and on Apple TV. Check Apple's Event page for more details. 

Twitter Logo.

When it was announced, there was a out-roar from angry Twitter users who claimed that the new algorithmic timeline would be the end of Twitter. At first, the option was launch as an opt-in feature - but now, it seems that Twitter has switched on the new "best Tweets first" timeline for all users.

'Best Tweets first', is the Tweets that Twitter believes that you will care about the most and would likely engage with. When you login or open the app, these 'best Tweets' will be shown at the top of your timeline feed regardless of when they were posted.

For more detailed information about Twitter's timeline, click here.


How To Switch Off The New "Show me the best Tweets first" Algorithmic Timeline:

on iOS:

1. On your profile tab, tap the settings gear icon and select "Settings."

2. Select the account you want to change.

3. Under Timeline, tap "Timeline personalization."

4. Switch off "Show me the best Tweets first".


On Desktop / Laptop:

1. On the Twitter navigation bar, click your profile image, then select "Settings."

2. On The Account Settings page, scroll down to the Timeline under the Content heading.

3. Uncheck, "Show me the best Tweets first", then click "Save changes" and re-enter your password.

The debate over encryption, right to privacy and security is a tricky one. On one hand - of course we all want our personal details, bank information, passwords, and other important and personal data kept safe and away from hackers. But we also want to stop the bad guys. But lowering our own security cannot be the way to do so. 

Whether it's on a phone, computer, or on one of Apple's apps, a third-party made app, to an app made in another country - if bad guys want to use encryption, they'll find a way. And creating 'a key for under the doormat' is only going to make technology more unsafe for the everyday person.   

If you side with Apple on this debate and want to show your support - check out these #iSideWithApple and #TeamApple t-shirts and hoodies available to buy now. 

> View on Graphic Tees Collection's Spreadshirt store. 

Apple has sent out invites for a March 21st event in Cupertino. The invite features the tag line "Let us loop you in", with an Apple logo background image in their device colors of Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Rose Gold.

It has been rumored that Apple will announce the new iPhone SE; a 4-inch iPhone with the abilities of the iPhone 6s in a smaller case.

A new 9.7 inch iPad, which may pack all the features of the iPad Pro in the smaller shell.

New Apple Watch bands.

iOS 9.3 and possible more...

The Keynote event, which will also be lived streamed via Apple's website and on Apple TV, begins at 10 a.m. PDT on March 21st.

> View Apple Events webpage.

Google has been updating all their products to their new Material Design look for awhile now, and recently, the Material Design has been worked on for the Google Chrome web browser for Chrome OS, Windows, Linux and now Mac!  

To get a live look at the new Material Design makeover in progress, you'll need to install Google's test build version of Chrome, designed for developers and early adopters - Chrome Canary. Note: This program is NOT recommend for your everyday use - it is an experimental build and can completely break down. 

To switch on the new Material Design look, type into the address bar:  chrome://flags

Then find the title "Material design in the browser's top chrome". Then from the drop down menu, select "Material".   

At the moment on Mac, the main differences implemented are to the Navigation Bar with lighter and flatter colors and a new sharper edged shape on the tabs. There is also a new darker theme added to Incognito mode.  

Hating the new Material Look to Google Chrome? Don't worry, remember, this is a work-in-progress and far from the final look and version that will ship out at a later date in the stable Chrome release.

----

UPDATE (March 10th 2016): A progress report - here is what Material Design on Chrome Canary for Mac currently looks like:

Instagram is finally adding the option to easily switch between and manage multiple accounts from within the app. This is handy for those who have a private and public profile, or for people who also manage an account for their business.

The multiple account feature is slowly rolling out to users, so if you don't have it yet, don't worry, you'll get access to its soon! In the meantime, make sure you have updated to the latest version of the app, from the App Store.

To see if you have the multiple account feature, and to add new accounts:

1. Open the Instagram app.

2. Tap on your profile (the last tab button on the bottom right).

3. Then tap the settings gear in the top right hand corner.

4. Scroll right down to the bottom and between clear history and log out will be a new option that says "Add Account".

5. Tap "Add Account" then login with the new Instagram account. You can add multiple accounts.

6. To switch between accounts, on your profile, at the top next to your username will be a downwards facing arrow. Tap the arrow to show your added accounts. Tap on the account you want to change too.

Apple has today released iOS 9.2 update for iPhone's, iPad's... Included in this update is various improvements and bug fixes including: improvements for Apple Music, a new Top Stories in News, and Mail Drop in Mail for large attachments. 

Before updating, remember to backup your iOS device to iTunes or at least iCloud! Then you can update over-the-air on Wi-Fi by going to: Setting > General > Software Update on your iOS device. Or you can also update through iTunes with your device connected to your computer.   

iPad Pro with Smart Keyboard accessory. 

Apple has announced today that its new iPad Pro will be available for order on November 11th and will be shipping out later in the week. 

The iPad Pro will be available in over 40 countries including; Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Hong Kong, France, US, UK,  Japan, China, and many more. 

�The early response to iPad Pro from app developers and our customers has been incredible, and we�re excited to get iPad Pro into the hands of customers around the world this week,� said Philip Schiller, Apple�s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. �iPad Pro is the most powerful iPad we�ve ever made, giving users the ability to be even more creative and more productive with the epic 12.9-inch Retina display, powerful 64-bit A9X chip and groundbreaking Apple Pencil and new Smart Keyboard. We can�t wait to see what they do with iPad Pro.�

The iPad Pro price begins at USD$799 for a 32GB Wi-Fi model. Comes in Silver, Gold and Space-Gray. The Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard accessories will be available for USD$99 and USD$169 for the latter. 

See more details at Apple.com 

Apple today has released new updates today: iOS 9.1 for iPhone's and iPad's and OS X 10.11.1 for Mac's.

The iOS 9.1 update includes 150 new emoji characters including the most requested 'middle finger' emoji and some other ones like; a champagne bottle, unicorn head, champagne, robot head, thinking emoji, popcorn, hotdog, and more...

You can install the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone or iPad. Remember to have a backup first!  

On the Mac side, OS X El Capitan 10.11.1 features improvements for: installer reliability, compatibility with Microsoft Office 2016, VoiceOver reliability, support for 150 new emoji's and more...

You can update your system from the Mac App Store. Remember to backup your system first!  

iPhone 6S. Image credit: Apple, Inc. 

New iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus users are divided, literally. Not about screen size, but about which company made the processor chip inside their iPhone. It turns out, Apple used two different manufacturers; Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), for the A9 chip inside the latest iPhone models.

But what's the difference? Apparently the Samsung chip is smaller and some have claimed that the battery last longer with the TSMC version. In one benchmark test, apparently the TSMC version lasted for almost 2 extra hours!

So now, if you are a iPhone 6S user, you are probably wondering which company's made chip is inside your iPhone. Unfortunately, there's no way of knowing without downloading an app. An app that can tell you your chips model number is the free app Battery Memory System Status Monitor.

Once you've downloaded the app, tap the 'System' tab and look for the devices model number, which should be right at the top. If your model is N71MAP or N66MAP, congrats, your iPhone has the TSMC A9 chip. If your model is N71AP or N66AP, then you have the Samsung made A9 chipset.

But don't worry, if you have the Samsung chip, Apple has commented and said that the 'tests' don't represent real-world usage, and that there may only be a small 2-3% difference.

New details about the all new Apple TV have emerged today from Tim Cook, who was on stage and interviewed at the WSJDLive conference, held in Palm Springs, California.

The all new Apple TV will go on pre-order on Monday October 26th and will begin shipping out at the end of that week.

The new Apple TV features a new operating system called tvOS, Siri voice search, an App Store and a lot more.

The new Apple TV will come in either 32GB ($149) or 64GB ($199).

> View more details about the all new Apple TV on the Apple website.