What's New on Your Apple Devices?
Apple is always updating its iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and more with new features. But with so many updates, it's easy to miss some cool changes. In this guide, we cover 44 things coming to your Apple devices that you might have missed. From hidden settings to powerful tools, these updates will help you get more out of your Apple gear.
Why These Apple Updates Matter
Apple's latest software updates (like iOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and watchOS 10) bring dozens of small but useful changes. They improve your daily experience, save time, and boost privacy. Knowing them means you can use your devices smarter.
Top 44 Apple Features You Should Know
1. iPhone & iOS Updates
- StandBy Mode: Turn your iPhone sideways while charging to see a full-screen clock, photos, or widgets.
- Interactive Widgets: Tap widgets to control music, check off tasks, or turn on lights without opening apps.
- Check In: Automatically let a friend know when you arrive home safely. It shares your location and battery level.
- NameDrop: Share contact info by holding your iPhone near another iPhone or Apple Watch.
- Voicemail Transcription: See live voicemail messages as they're being left.
- Improved Autocorrect: Your iPhone now learns your typing style better and fixes fewer correct words.
- Sticker Drawer: Create custom stickers from your photos and use them in messages.
- Offline Maps: Download Apple Maps for offline navigation.
- Shared Passwords & Passkeys: Share passwords securely with family members.
- Mental Health Logging: Log your mood and emotions in the Health app.
2. iPad & iPadOS Updates
- Stage Manager on External Display: Use your iPad with an external monitor for a desktop-like experience.
- Freeform App: A digital whiteboard for brainstorming with others in real time.
- Better Multitasking: Easier split-screen and slide-over controls.
- PDF Editing: Fill out and sign PDFs directly in the Notes app.
- Lock Screen Widgets: Add widgets to your iPad lock screen.
3. Mac & macOS Sonoma Updates
- Desktop Widgets: Place widgets anywhere on your Mac desktop. They become transparent when you open an app.
- Game Mode: Optimizes performance for gaming by giving priority to the game.
- Video Conferencing Enhancements: Presenter overlay, reactions (like hearts and balloons), and screen sharing improvements.
- Improved Safari Profiles: Separate browsing profiles for work and personal life.
- Web Apps: Turn any website into a standalone app from the Safari menu.
- AutoFill from Passwords: Faster login with saved passkeys and passwords.
- Screen Sharing with High Performance: Better quality and lower latency for remote work.
- Voice Control Enhancements: More accurate dictation and custom commands.
4. Apple Watch & watchOS 10 Updates
- Smart Stack: Swipe up from the watch face to see widgets that change based on time and activity.
- New Watch Faces: Snoopy, Palette, and Solar Analog.
- Cycling Workouts: Connect to Bluetooth bike sensors for power, speed, and cadence data.
- Hiking Updates: See elevation, waypoints, and a compass with 3D view.
- Mental Health Logging: Log your mood right from your wrist.
- NameDrop on Watch: Share contact info by tapping your watch near another device.
- Offline Maps on Watch: Use maps without your iPhone.
- Double Tap Gesture: Tap your thumb and index finger together to answer calls, stop timers, or play music.
5. AirPods & Audio Updates
- Adaptive Audio: Automatically blends noise cancellation and transparency mode based on your surroundings.
- Conversation Awareness: Lowers volume when you start speaking.
- Personalized Volume: Adjusts volume based on your environment and listening habits.
- Mute/Unmute on AirPods Pro: Press the stem to mute during calls.
- Improved Find My: Precision finding for AirPods Pro 2.
6. Apple TV & Home Updates
- FaceTime on Apple TV: Use your iPhone camera to make FaceTime calls on your TV.
- Enhanced Siri: Siri can now understand multiple commands in one request (e.g., "Turn off the lights and set the thermostat to 72").
- Matter Support: Better compatibility with smart home devices from different brands.
- Activity History for HomeKit: See when doors opened, sensors triggered, and more.
7. Privacy & Security Updates
- Link Tracking Protection: Removes tracking parameters from URLs in Mail and Messages.
- Communication Safety: Warns children about sensitive content in photos and videos.
- Lockdown Mode: Extreme protection for high-risk users (journalists, activists).
- App Privacy Report: See how often apps access your location, camera, or microphone.
Tips to Get the Most Out of These Features
- Update your devices: Go to Settings > General > Software Update to install the latest version.
- Explore Settings: Many features are off by default. Take 10 minutes to browse settings.
- Use Shortcuts: Automate actions like turning on StandBy Mode or logging your mood.
- Share with family: Use Shared Passwords and NameDrop to simplify daily tasks.
Apple's latest updates are full of hidden gems. Whether you use an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or AirPods, these 44 things coming to your Apple devices that you might have missed can make your tech life easier and more fun. Start exploring today and unlock the full potential of your Apple devices.
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