After the announcement, Apple revealed on its website that all its next-generation operating systems—macOS 15 Sequoia, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, visionOS 2, tvOS 18, and HomePod Software 18—will ship on September 16. Wait a week or two before upgrading essential devices to avoid any last-minute bugs, and hold off on Sequoia for a few months or until you’re confident your necessary Mac apps are compatible. Regardless of when you upgrade, make a backup right before in case an unexpected problem forces you to erase and restore.

Let’s look at the new products.

iPhone 16 Lineup

Apple has continued its four-part iPhone lineup this year, with the 6.1-inch iPhone 16 and 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus aimed at everyday users, and the 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max for professional users. The aluminum-cased iPhone 16 models come in brighter colors than last year, including black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine, with color-infused back glass. The iPhone 16 Pro models are once again encased in titanium in muted metallic colors, this time in black, white, natural, and desert titanium.

Notable features shared by all the iPhone 16 models include:

• Action button: Introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro models last year, the Action button replaces the Ring/Silent switch above the volume buttons (top iPhone below) with a button whose function you can configure. The Action button is now standard across all models.
• Camera Control: The multifunction Camera Control below the side button provides flexible control of the Camera app (bottom iPhone below). Click it once to open the app; click again to take a photo or click and hold to record a video. A light press lets you access common camera functions by sliding your finger along the Camera Control.
  
• A18 and A18 Pro chips for Apple Intelligence: The base iPhone 16 models are now powered by the new A18 chip, and the iPhone 16 Pro models get the faster A18 Pro. This key upgrade ensures the entire lineup will receive Apple Intelligence features once they ship in October in iOS 18.1. As far as we can tell, the Apple Intelligence feature set is the same across the board, but some features may work more quickly on the Pro models.
• Enhanced photo, video, and audio features: The Pro model cameras are notably more capable, but all iPhone 16 models can now take spatial photos and videos for playback on the Apple Vision Pro. Plus, the new Audio Mix feature lets users adjust the sound of a video after capture to focus on the voice of the person on camera, make it sound like it was recorded in a professional studio, or put voices in front of environmental sound.
• Longer battery life: Although it’s tricky to provide real-world estimates, Apple increased the battery size and life in all four models, claiming that the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the longest battery life of any iPhone yet.
• Messages via satellite and Emergency SOS Live Video: With Messages via satellite, you’ll be able to carry on text chats even when there’s no cellular service, and Emergency SOS Live Video lets you share live video with participating 911 dispatchers. Although these features are compelling, they’re also available to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 lineups in iOS 18.

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may not be as technologically capable as their Pro siblings, but they’re closer than ever before, thanks to the addition of the Action button, Camera Control, and A18 chip. Other improvements that set them apart from previous models include an improved 48-megapixel Fusion camera and an enhanced 12-megapixel Ultra Wide camera that enables macro photography.

Despite the improvements in the base models, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max stand apart with larger screens and advanced pro features. Last year, Apple introduced a 5x Telephoto camera in the iPhone 15 Pro Max thanks to a tetraprism design; both iPhone 16 Pro models now feature that camera. The Ultra Wide camera also jumps from 12 to 48 megapixels, increasing the quality of macro shots. The main 48-megapixel Fusion camera now provides a faster quad-pixel sensor that enables recording of 4K video at 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision. That sensor is twice as fast as before, eliminating shutter lag when taking 48-megapixel ProRAW or HEIF photos. Audio capture is better, too, thanks to four “studio-quality” mics, and machine-learning algorithms reduce wind noise when capturing audio. It’s also worth noting that the Pro models feature USB 3 transfer speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (with a supported cable), while the base models are still limited to USB 2.0’s pokey 480 megabits per second.

Pricing remains the same, with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus starting at $799 and $899 for 128 GB of storage, with 256 GB and 512 GB options. The iPhone 16 Pro costs $999 for 128 GB, with 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB storage options. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is $1199 for 256 GB, with 512 GB and 1 TB storage options. If those prices are too steep for your budget, the iPhone SE ($429), iPhone 14 ($599), and iPhone 15 ($699) all remain for sale, but none of those will support Apple Intelligence.

Should you upgrade? Nothing in the new models is essential. The new Camera Control may encourage upgrades for those who take a lot of photos, and the iPhone 16 Pro’s new 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera and 5x Telephoto camera are significant. Apple Intelligence features will require an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16. Otherwise, the older your current iPhone, the more you’ll be impressed by the new lineup’s capabilities.

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple surprised many by introducing the Apple Watch Series 10 with a thinner, lighter design that still provides a larger, brighter screen and works with all existing bands. Apple also swapped stainless steel for lighter titanium in the higher-end models. Those expecting a new Apple Watch Ultra were disappointed; the existing Apple Watch Ultra 2 received a new black titanium finish and matching black Titanium Milanese Loop band.

Notable changes in the Apple Watch Series 10 include:

• Thinner and lighter: The new case is just 9.7 millimeters thick, nearly 10% thinner than recent models. The aluminum models are 10% lighter, whereas the new titanium models are 20% lighter than the previous stainless steel models.
• Larger, brighter display: The case sizes grow by 1 millimeter to 42mm and 46mm, but Apple increased the display size to provide 30% more screen area than the Apple Watch Series 4–6 and 9% more than the Apple Watch Series 7–9. The display is also 40% brighter when viewed from an angle and so much more power efficient that the Always-On display can now update once per second rather than once per minute.
• Faster charging: New features in watchOS 11 encourage wearing the watch at night, so Apple made the Apple Watch Series 10 charge to 80% in just 30 minutes. Daily use can be satisfied with 15 minutes of charging, and 8 minutes is all that’s necessary for overnight sleep tracking.
• Sleep apnea notifications: The Apple Watch Series 10 can identify sleep apnea by detecting interruptions in normal respiratory patterns using the accelerometer. Sleep apnea affects over 1 billion people worldwide, 80% of whom remain undiagnosed. The feature will also appear in watchOS 11 for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
• Audio playback through speakers: Apps could generate audio through the speakers of previous Apple Watch models, but they couldn’t play music or podcasts. That’s now possible with the Apple Watch Series 10, letting you listen even if you’ve forgotten your AirPods.
• Depth and water temperature sensors: Divers will still want to focus on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but the Apple Watch Series 10 now features a depth gauge that works down to 6 meters and a water temperature sensor.
• No blood oxygen sensing in the US: Although the pulse oximeter from previous models remains in the hardware and is available in other countries, a patent dispute prevents Apple from enabling it for units sold in the United States. If Apple can settle the dispute, the feature will become available with a software update.

The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399 for a 42mm aluminum GPS-only model; 46mm models cost $30 more, and cellular connectivity adds $100. It’s available in silver, rose gold, and a new polished jet black. Pricing for the titanium models starts at $699 for a 42mm model and includes cellular connectivity; the 46mm models are $50 more. Colors include natural, gold, and slate. Rubber and some textile bands are included at no extra cost; other textile and all stainless steel bands cost $50 to $300 more.

If you don’t already have an Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2, the sleep apnea notifications might be reason enough to upgrade. Being able to listen to podcasts without AirPods might also be compelling for some. Otherwise, there’s little reason to upgrade from an older but fully functional model. That said, the Apple Watch Series 10 is an excellent option for those getting started or upgrading from a much older version. Don’t forget that Apple still sells the Apple Watch SE, which lacks the Always-On display and ECG capabilities but is $150 cheaper. Apple’s comparison page can help you tease out the differences.

AirPods 4, USB-C AirPods Max, and Hearing Aid Feature for AirPods Pro

Apple released a notable update to its AirPods open-ear headphones, refining the AirPods 4 design to provide a single shape that fits more users. It boasts better sound quality thanks to a new acoustic architecture, low-distortion driver, and high dynamic range amplifier. With help from Apple’s custom H2 chip, the new AirPods provide Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, add voice isolation for clearer call quality in challenging environments, and let you respond to Siri announcements by nodding your head yes or shaking it no. The charging case now uses USB-C and can charge wirelessly using a MagSafe, Apple Watch, or Qi charger.

In fact, there are two models of the AirPods 4. (Really, Apple?) The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation retain the industrial design of the standard AirPods 4 but upgrade the microphones to add modes previously available only on the AirPods Pro, including Noise Cancellation (reduces environmental noise), Transparency (allows environmental noise through), Adaptive Audio (intelligently combines the two), and Conversation Awareness (lowers media volume and reduces background sounds when you start speaking).

Perhaps even more interesting are the changes Apple is bringing to the existing AirPods Pro 2. To improve hearing health, Apple has leveraged findings from the Apple Hearing Study. All modes now feature Hearing Protection, which automatically reduces louder, intermittent noises. A new Hearing Test feature, triggered from an iPhone or iPad, helps users check their hearing. Most notably, a new Hearing Aid feature leverages the personalized profile generated from the Hearing Test to boost nearby sounds, turning the AirPods Pro into what Apple calls a “clinical-grade hearing aid” for mild to moderate hearing loss. These features will be available later this year with iOS 18 or iPadOS 18.

Finally, Apple refreshed the AirPods Max line of over-ear headphones with new colors—midnight, starlight, blue, orange, and purple—and USB-C charging capabilities.

The standard model of the AirPods 4 costs $129, while the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are $179. The AirPods Pro 2 remain priced at $249, and the AirPods Max are still $549. It may be hard to justify upgrading from existing AirPods that work fine, but keep these features in mind when it comes time to replace a pair of lost or broken AirPods.

For more information on all the great Apple products, features, and services, give us a call!  940-767-MACS (6227).  Or stop by MacTech Solutions, 4020 Rhea Rd, Suite 3B, Wichita Falls.  We’re open Monday thru Friday, 10am to 6pm. And remember, MacTech Solutions in Wichita Falls is Texoma’s Apple Authorized Service Provider. Your device repairs will always be made using only genuine Apple replacement parts. Our staff is Apple trained and MacTech Solutions is always here to provide live, local sales, service and consultation.

(Featured image by Apple)

The post Apple Announces iPhone 16 Lineup, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4 first appeared on MacTech Solutions.

AirTag

Do you know someone who’s always misplacing their keys, purse, or backpack, or who’s planning a trip? They might appreciate Apple’s AirTag trackers. Attach one to a keyring or backpack (with a separate $29 AirTag Loop or $35 AirTag FineWoven Key Ring—there are also lots of third-party clips and holders, such as for bikes) or store it deep in a bag pocket, and from then on, they can use the iPhone’s Find My app to see where they left their stuff. AirTags leverage the Find My network, so wherever the item is, nearby Apple devices that detect it can securely share its location with you. AirTags are especially helpful for tracking down checked luggage that hasn’t arrived at its destination—we wouldn’t travel without them anymore. One AirTag costs $29, or you can get a four-pack for $99. You can even have Apple personalize each AirTag with custom text and emoji. In iOS 17, you can better share AirTags with family members, too!

AirPods and AirPods Pro

Apple’s wireless earbuds keep getting better. In September, the company updated the second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case (to match the USB-C–focused iPhone 15 line) and improved dust resistance. The updated AirPods Pro also support lossless audio with the Apple Vision Pro headset promised for early 2024. The second-generation AirPods and third-generation AirPods remain available, and all three make excellent gifts. 

The second-generation AirPods cost $129, have a relatively long stalk, and feature up to 5 hours of listening on one charge. The $179 third-generation AirPods shrink the stalk, switch to a force sensor for controls, add support for spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, feature sweat and water resistance, have a MagSafe wireless charging case, and last up to 6 hours on a single charge. For $249, the second-generation AirPods Pro now offer Adaptive Audio, which blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode to let important sounds in when needed. They provide touch control for media playback and volume adjustments from the stem and boast a battery life of up to 6 hours. The new USB-C charging case for the AirPods Pro is dust- and water-resistant, includes a lanyard loop, and can charge from a USB-C cable, MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charger, or Apple Watch charger. All three models support Hey Siri commands and automatically switch between Apple devices. See all the similarities and differences in Apple’s comparison tool.

HomePod and HomePod mini

Apple unexpectedly brought the full-size HomePod back to its lineup in 2023, tweaking the hardware specs to reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining or even improving sound quality, depending on whose ears are listening. The $299 second-generation HomePod supports spatial audio with Dolby Atmos for music and video, includes temperature and humidity monitoring, and can alert you if smoke or carbon monoxide alarms go off. The grapefruit-sized HomePod mini takes up less space, produces excellent sound for its size, and can do almost everything the larger HomePod can do for only $99. 

You can control either the HomePod or HomePod mini entirely via Siri, use it as a hub for your HomeKit home automation accessories, and even have it play sound from your Apple TV. Put a HomePod in different rooms in the house, and you can use Intercom to communicate with family members with your voice. Pair two HomePods of the same type and generation for stereo sound for the best audio experience. HomePods work best when coupled with an Apple Music subscription, but remember that either HomePod model comes with a free 6-month subscription.

Apple TV 4K

The Apple TV hasn’t changed much for a while, but last year’s models still make great gifts. If someone on your list would enjoy a streaming media player, consider the third-generation Apple TV 4K, which has a lot going for it. For someone who primarily wants to watch videos, the $129 Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi) model is all they’ll ever need, with 64 GB of storage. For $149, the Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) has 128 GB of storage for loading numerous apps and games, and it includes a Gigabit Ethernet port and supports the Thread home automation protocol. Both include a Siri Remote that charges via USB-C.

iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Air

If you’re considering giving an iPad as a gift, Apple has numerous options for you to choose from, with starting prices ranging from $329 to $599. The main change for 2023 is the release of the new USB-C Apple Pencil, which is compatible with all iPads with USB-C and costs just $79. The $50 price drop comes with the loss of pressure sensitivity and wireless charging.

iPad choices include:

• Ninth-generation iPad: The budget choice for a kid or an adult with basic needs is the two-year-old ninth-generation iPad, which remains a bargain at $329. It works with the first-generation Apple Pencil ($99), and those who need to type can add the $159 Smart Keyboard.
• Tenth-generation iPad: Last year’s tenth-generation iPad starts at $449. It moves Touch ID to the top button, increases the display size to 10.9 inches, and positions the front-facing camera on the landscape edge. It pairs with the $249 Magic Keyboard Folio and either the first-generation Apple Pencil or the USB-C Apple Pencil ($79). 
• iPad mini: If you’re looking for something small, the diminutive sixth-generation iPad mini fits the bill at just $499. It’s compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil ($129) and the USB-C Apple Pencil, but to add a keyboard, you’ll have to look to a third-party manufacturer or use a standard Bluetooth wireless keyboard.
• iPad Air: For the most power short of the pricey iPad Pro models, consider the fourth-generation iPad Air. It starts at $599 and can handle even the most intensive tasks, especially when coupled with a second-generation Apple Pencil or USB-C Apple Pencil and either a Magic Keyboard ($299) or Smart Keyboard Folio ($179).

Apple Watch Gift Certificate

We love the Apple Watch, but it can be tricky to give a gift. There are three rather different models, and Apple provides a dizzying number of options for case size, material, and color, plus many band options, making it difficult to know what would be most appreciated. Instead of guessing what your recipient would like, we encourage giving a certificate that’s good for a conversation about what to purchase. Then sit down with the recipient to run through all the decisions on the Apple Watch site.

2023’s options include the second-generation Apple Watch SE (starting at $249), the new Apple Watch Series 9 (starting at $399), and the second-generation of the big, beefy, adventure-focused Apple Watch Ultra (starting at $799). Remember that cellular models cost more and require a monthly service fee.

With its support for heart rate monitoring, fall detection, and crash detection, the Apple Watch SE is all that most people need. Consider the Apple Watch Series 9 if you also want a larger and brighter Always-On display, blood oxygen sensor, ECG capabilities, temperature sensor for cycle tracking, and support for watchOS 10’s new double-tap gesture for activating the default button in the current app. The second-generation Apple Watch Ultra puts all those features and more into a 49mm titanium case with an Action button for quick access to app-specific commands. Its buttons are larger and easier to press, the Always-On display is brighter, the GPS works better in challenging conditions, and it has a depth gauge and water temperature sensor so it can serve as a dive computer. The Apple Watch Ultra boasts up to 36 hours of battery life in everyday usage and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. It’s impressive, but make sure you like how it looks on your wrist, given how big it is. Again, Apple has a helpful comparison tool.

Even though they are worthy gifts, we didn’t include any Macs in this article because they’re quite a bit more expensive and difficult to select without extensive discussion of the recipient’s needs. Let us know if you need help choosing the right Mac for someone on your list, but we’re partial to the M1- and M2-based MacBook Air and the new M3-based 24-inch iMac for many users.

(Featured image by Adam Engst)

The post The Best Apple Gifts for 2023 first appeared on MacTech Solutions.

1. Update your old iPhone to the latest version of iOS. If you have an Apple Watch, update it to the latest version of watchOS. This process can take some time, so it may be best done overnight before you move data to your new iPhone.
2. Make sure you know your Apple ID and password, and if you have an Apple Watch, its passcode. You will likely have to enter them at least once during this process.
3. Make a backup of your old iPhone to iCloud or your Mac. (If you back up to a Mac, be sure to encrypt the backup, or else it won’t include saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, browsing history, Health data, and call history.) Or back up to both, for safety’s sake. We prefer iCloud backups because they’re easier and don’t introduce additional variables, like flaky USB cables. Apple will even give you temporary iCloud storage to make a backup when moving to a new iPhone. To initiate an iCloud backup, go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now.
   
4. If you have an Apple Watch, you shouldn’t have to unpair it from your old iPhone to transfer it to the new one, but if the automatic transfer doesn’t work, you can unpair it manually and pair it again later. (If you take the manual route and have a cellular Apple Watch, you’ll be asked if you want to keep or remove your plan. Assuming that you’re keeping your Apple Watch to re-pair with your new iPhone, keep the plan.)
5. You shouldn’t need to worry about transferring a SIM card. If you order through Apple and connect to your cellular carrier account during purchase, activating the new iPhone should cause it to take over your phone number. The same should be true if you purchase directly through your carrier. Besides, it’s likely that iPhone 15 models sold in the US will rely on eSIM and lack SIM trays like the iPhone 14, so only non-US users might need to transfer the SIM card from the old iPhone to the new one. Even then, it’s better to contact your carrier and get them to activate the new SIM in the new iPhone because old SIMs don’t always support all current cellular features, such as full 5G support.
6. Transfer your data, settings, apps, and purchased content in one of these three ways. None of them will be quick, despite the first one’s name, so do the transfer when you have time:
   • Quick Start: With the Quick Start feature, content from your old iPhone copies directly from your old iPhone to your new one. We recommend this technique because it’s more likely to preserve app logins, something that’s less true when restoring from an iCloud backup. Put your iPhones next to each other (plugged into power), use the old iPhone to scan the animation on the new one, and then follow the rest of the steps.
     
   • iCloud: With this technique, the new iPhone will download your content from your old iPhone’s iCloud backup. Once you’ve joined a Wi-Fi network on the new iPhone and tapped the Restore from iCloud Backup button, you’ll have to select the correct backup—likely the most recent one you just made. Keep your new iPhone plugged into power the entire time to ensure that all your content syncs during this step.
   • Finder or iTunes: With this approach, you’ll restore your old iPhone’s content from a backup made to your Mac. Connect your new iPhone to your Mac using an appropriate cable, open a Finder window (or iTunes on an old Mac), select your device, click Restore Backup, and choose the appropriate backup—likely the most recent one.
7. Perform post-transfer tasks. Ensure that you can make and receive a phone call. If necessary, pair your Apple Watch with the new iPhone. You’ll also need to pair your Bluetooth accessories—including AirPods—with your new iPhone. Plus, some app data needs to sync to your new iPhone, so open the Mail, Contacts, and Calendar apps and check if they have your data. It could take a few minutes for them to fill up. Apps may request notification permissions again, and you may need to download content and in-app purchases.
8. Finally, and this post-transfer task is becoming increasingly important, if you use two-factor authentication with an app like 1Password, Authy, or Google Authenticator, ensure you can get your 2FA codes using your new iPhone. 1Password and Authy are good about providing access to your 2FA codes from multiple devices—just log in to your account from each device—but Google Authenticator may require some additional setup since it didn’t originally offer any way to transfer codes to a new phone.

Although Apple works hard to make the process of transferring from an old iPhone to a new one as painless as possible, some things may fail to transfer seamlessly. For that reason, we strongly recommend holding onto your old iPhone for a week or so to ensure the new one can do everything the old one could. During that time, put the new iPhone through its paces with an eye toward checking every app you need.

(Featured image by iStock.com/Jozsef Zoltan Varga)

The post Things You Need to Know Before Moving to a New iPhone first appeared on MacTech Solutions.

(Featured image by iStock.com/Vasily Makarov)

The post Adjust AirPods Options in the Settings App first appeared on MacTech Solutions.

AirTag

Do you know someone who’s always misplacing their keys, purse, or backpack, or who’s planning a big trip? They might appreciate Apple’s AirTag tracker this holiday season. Attach one to a keyring (with a separate $29 AirTag Loop, $35 AirTag Leather Key Ring, or $39 AirTag Leather Loop) or drop it in a bag, and from then on, they can use the iPhone’s Find My app to see where they left their stuff. AirTag uses the Find My network, so even if the item is far away, passing Apple devices that detect it can securely share its location with you. That makes it especially helpful for tracking down checked luggage that hasn’t arrived at its proper destination. One AirTag costs $29, or you can get a pack of four for $99. You can even have Apple personalize each AirTag with custom text and emoji.

AirPods and AirPods Pro

Apple’s wireless earbuds keep getting better. In September, the company released the second-generation AirPods Pro, replacing the original model and supplementing the second-generation AirPods and third-generation AirPods. All three make excellent gifts. The second-generation AirPods cost $129, have a relatively long stalk, and boast up to 5 hours of listening on one charge. The $179 third-generation AirPods shrink the stalk, switch to a force sensor for controls, add support for spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, feature sweat and water resistance, have a MagSafe wireless charging case, and last up to 6 hours on a single charge. For $249, the second-generation AirPods Pro offer major upgrades to Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode, provide touch control for media playback and volume adjustments from the stem, and increase battery life to 6 hours. The AirPods Pro now come with a new charging case that’s sweat- and water-resistant, includes a lanyard loop, and can charge from a Lightning cable, MagSafe charger, Qi wireless charger, or Apple Watch charger. All three models support Hey Siri commands and automatically switch between Apple devices. See all the similarities and differences in Apple’s comparison tool.

HomePod mini

Although the original HomePod didn’t set the world on fire, the $99 HomePod mini has been significantly more popular. The grapefruit-sized HomePod mini may be small, but it produces great sound for its size and can do pretty much everything the larger HomePod could do. You can control it entirely via Siri, pair two for stereo sound, use it as a hub for your HomeKit home automation accessories, and even have it play the sound from your Apple TV. Put a HomePod mini in different rooms in the house, and you can use Intercom to communicate with family members with your voice. If you’re giving it as a gift, remember that it’s best when paired with an Apple Music subscription.

Apple TV 4K

The Apple TV hasn’t changed much over recent years, but this year’s new models are enough better and cheaper to warrant inclusion in this article. If someone on your list would benefit from a streaming media player, consider the new third-generation Apple TV 4K, which has a lot going for it. It now boasts a fast A15 Bionic chip, and the Siri Remote charges via USB-C. For someone who mostly wants to watch TV, the $129 Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi) model is all they’ll ever need, with 64 GB of storage. For $149, the Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) has 128 GB of storage for those who want to load a lot of apps and games, and it includes a Gigabit Ethernet port and support for the Thread home automation protocol.

iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Air

If you’re looking to give an iPad as a gift, Apple has numerous options, with starting prices ranging from $329 to $599.

• Ninth-generation iPad: The budget choice for a kid or an adult with basic needs is last year’s ninth-generation iPad, which remains an astonishing bargain at $329. It works with the first-generation Apple Pencil ($99), and those who need to write can add the $159 Smart Keyboard.
• Tenth-generation iPad: This year’s redesigned tenth-generation iPad starts at $449, moving Touch ID to the top button, increasing the display size to 10.9 inches, and positioning the front-facing camera on the landscape edge. It pairs with the new $249 Magic Keyboard Folio and the first-generation Apple Pencil.
• iPad mini: If you’re looking for something small, the diminutive sixth-generation iPad mini fits the bill at just $499. It’s compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil ($129), but if you need a keyboard, you’ll have to look to a third-party manufacturer or use a standard Bluetooth wireless keyboard.
• iPad Air: For the most power short of the pricey iPad Pro models, consider the fourth-generation iPad Air. It starts at $599 and can handle even the most intensive tasks, especially when coupled with a second-generation Apple Pencil and either a Magic Keyboard ($299) or Smart Keyboard Folio ($179).

Apple Watch Gift Certificate

We love the Apple Watch, but be careful when considering it as a gift. There are three rather different models, and Apple provides a dizzying number of options for case size, material, and color, plus the band and color, making it difficult to know what would be most appreciated. Instead of guessing what your recipient would like, we encourage giving a certificate that’s good for a conversation about what to purchase. Then sit down with the recipient to run through all the decisions on the Apple Watch site.

There are three options this year: the updated Apple Watch SE (starting at $249), the new Apple Watch Series 8 (starting at $399), and the big, beefy, adventure-focused Apple Watch Ultra (starting at $799).

Thanks to a larger screen, faster chip, and Apple’s new iPhone and Apple Watch crash detection feature, the Apple Watch SE is more compelling than ever and all that most people need. Consider the Series 8 if you also want a larger Always-On display, blood oxygen sensor, and ECG capabilities, along with a new temperature sensor for cycle tracking. The Apple Watch Ultra puts all those features and more into a 49mm titanium case that features a new Action button that gives you quick access to app-specific commands. Its buttons are larger and easier to press, the Always-On display is brighter, the GPS works better in challenging conditions, and it has a depth gauge and water temperature sensor so it can serve as a dive computer. The Apple Watch Ultra boasts up to 36 hours of battery life in normal usage and up to 60 hours in a forthcoming extended battery optimization mode. It’s an impressive watch, but make sure you like how it looks on your wrist, given how much larger it is than other models. Apple has a helpful comparison tool.

Even though they are worthy gifts, we didn’t include any Macs in this article because they’re quite a bit more expensive and difficult to select without extensive discussion of the recipient’s needs. Let us know if you need help choosing the right Mac for someone on your list, but we’re partial to the M1- and M2-based MacBook Air and 24-inch iMac for many users.

(Featured image by Adam Engst)

The post The Best Apple Gifts for 2022 first appeared on MacTech Solutions.

AirTag

Do you know someone who’s always misplacing their keys, purse, or backpack? Apple’s new AirTag tracker is the perfect gift for such a person. Attach one to a keyring (with a separate $29 AirTag Loop or $39 AirTag Leather Loop) or drop it in a bag, and from then on, the person can use the Find My app to see where they left their stuff. Support for ultra-wideband enables precision finding with an iPhone 11 or later—with earlier iPhones, the detected location won’t be quite so precise. AirTag uses the Find My network, so even if the item is far away, passing Apple devices that detect it can securely share its location with you. One AirTag costs $29, or you can get a pack of four for $99. You can even have Apple personalize each AirTag with custom text and emoji.

AirPods and AirPods Pro

Apple’s wireless earbuds remain popular, and the company just released the third-generation AirPods to supplement the second-generation AirPods and the AirPods Pro. All three make excellent gifts. The second-generation AirPods cost $129, have a relatively long stalk, and boast up to 5 hours of listening on one charge. The $179 third-generation AirPods shrink the stalk, switch to a force sensor for controls, add support for spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, feature sweat and water resistance, have a MagSafe wireless charging case, and last up to 6 hours on a single charge. For $249, the AirPods Pro include the features of the third-generation AirPods and add silicone ear tips and active noise cancellation with optional transparency mode, but they have only 4.5 hours of listening time. All three have charging cases, support Hey Siri commands, and automatically switch between Apple devices.

HomePod mini

Earlier this year, Apple discontinued the full-size HomePod, which wasn’t a big hit at its relatively high price of $299. However, the $99 HomePod mini remains available, and Apple is now selling it in five colors, with blue, orange, and yellow joining white and black. (The new colors will become available at some point in November.) The grapefruit-sized HomePod mini may be small, but it produces great sound for its size, and it can do pretty much everything the larger HomePod could do. You can control it entirely via Siri, pair two for stereo sound, use it as a hub for your HomeKit home automation accessories, and even have it play the sound from your Apple TV. Put a HomePod mini in different rooms in the house, and you can use Intercom to communicate with family members using your voice. If you’re giving it as a gift, remember that it’s best when paired with an Apple Music subscription.

iPad and iPad mini

If you’re looking to give an iPad as a gift, you have a lot of choice. The top-of-the-line iPad Pro may be overkill for most given its power and price—$799 for the 11-inch model and $1099 for the 12.9-inch model. But the fourth-generation iPad Air, which starts at $599, provides sufficient power for even the most intensive tasks, especially when coupled with a second-generation Apple Pencil ($129) and either a Magic Keyboard ($299) or Smart Keyboard Folio ($179).

If those possibilities seem pricey for an iPad that’s destined for a kid or an adult with basic needs, look no further than the new ninth-generation iPad, which remains a bargain at $329. It works with the first-generation Apple Pencil ($99), and those who need to write can add the $159 Smart Keyboard. Finally, don’t forget the sixth-generation iPad mini, which benefited from a major redesign back in September. It’s now more like a diminutive version of the iPad Air, with more colors and a squared-off industrial design compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil. It’s $499, and if you need a keyboard, you’ll have to look to a third-party manufacturer or use a standard Bluetooth wireless keyboard.

Apple Watch Gift Certificate

Last but far from least, we love the Apple Watch, and it would seem to make a great gift. However, we urge caution. Apple provides a dizzying number of options for case size, material, and color, plus the band and color, making it difficult to know what would be most appreciated. So we’d encourage giving a certificate that’s good for a conversation about what to purchase. Then sit down with the recipient to run through all the decisions in the Apple Watch Studio.

There are three options this year: the new Apple Watch Series 7 (starting at $399), last year’s less expensive Apple Watch SE (starting at $279), or the much older Apple Watch Series 3 (starting at $199). Get the Series 7 if you want an Always-On Display, blood oxygen sensor, and ECG capabilities—it also boasts a larger screen than last year’s Series 6 while remaining compatible with all the bands. The Apple Watch SE lacks the Series 7’s advanced sensors and has a slightly smaller screen size, but it still provides the compass, altimeter, and fall detection features. The screen on the Series 3 is smaller yet, and it lacks a number of key features. Unless keeping the cost to a minimum is essential, we have a hard time recommending the Series 3—it’s getting too old. Apple has a helpful comparison tool.

You may have noticed that we didn’t include any Macs in this article. They are worthy gifts, but they’re quite a bit more expensive and more difficult to select without extensive discussion of the recipient’s needs. Let us know if you need help choosing the right Mac for someone on your list, but we’re partial to the M1-based MacBook Air and 24-inch iMac for many users.

(Featured image by Adam Engst)

The post The Best Apple-Related Gifts for 2021 first appeared on MacTech Solutions.

Two new chips—the M1 Pro and M1 Max—increase performance significantly beyond the M1, and Apple built them into new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models along with features that respond to criticisms of previous models. Welcome as these new MacBook Pros are, many people were also hoping to see an Apple silicon refresh of the popular 27-inch iMac. That didn’t happen, but Apple released several other music-related products and services at the event.

AirPods, HomePod mini, Apple Music, and Monterey Announcements

In a quick set of announcements at the start of its event, Apple revealed an update to the popular AirPods, new colors of the HomePod mini, and a budget pricing tier for Apple Music. Plus, press releases revealed the ship date for macOS 12 Monterey.

• Third-generation AirPods: Building on the success of the classic AirPods and AirPods Pro, Apple redesigned the third-generation AirPods to have shorter mic stalks, force sensor controls, support for spatial audio, Adaptive EQ, longer battery life, wireless case charging, and sweat and water resistance. They cost $179; the second-generation AirPods remain available for $129.
  
• New HomePod mini colors: Looking to coordinate your electronics with your decor? In November, the $99 HomePod mini will be available in blue, orange, and yellow, as well as the traditional black and white.
  
• Apple Music Voice Plan: A new $4.99-per-month Apple Music Voice Plan reduces the cost of Apple Music for those who interact with the streaming service largely through Siri, but it lacks lyrics, music videos, spatial and lossless audio, and support for non-Apple devices.
  
• macOS 12 Monterey release date: Hidden in the fine print in Apple’s press releases was the fact that macOS 12 Monterey—along with iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, watchOS 8.1, and tvOS 15.1—will become available on October 25th. We strongly recommend that you do not upgrade to Monterey until we give the go-ahead. If you’ve already upgraded to the other new operating systems, it should be safe to install those updates a week or two after release.

New 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros Answer Customer Desires

Apple’s professional MacBook Pro has been a workhorse of the Mac lineup for years, offering high-end performance in a portable package. Since 2016, however, customers have expressed irritation at Apple’s removal of ports other than Thunderbolt 3, the loss of MagSafe magnetic charging, and the Touch Bar replacing traditional F-keys. Here’s how the new MacBook Pros respond to those concerns.

• Ports: Previously, the MacBook Pro had just four Thunderbolt 3 ports, forcing users to carry dongles to connect to legacy devices. The new models still lack USB-A ports but supplement three Thunderbolt 4 ports with an HDMI port for video, an SDXC card slot for camera media, and a headphone jack.
  
• MagSafe: Although you can charge using the Thunderbolt 4 ports, most people will rely on the dedicated MagSafe 3 charging port. The MacBook Pros (apart from the low-end 14-inch model) include powerful chargers and a USB-C to MagSafe 3 charging cable capable of fast-charging the devices. They should also provide longer battery life than previous models.
  
• F-keys with Touch ID: The Touch Bar hasn’t been a success, never migrating to any other Mac models and eliciting tepid support from developers. With these new MacBook Pros, Apple has reversed course, replacing the Touch Bar with traditional F-keys. A Touch ID sensor remains available for authentication at the top-right corner of the keyboard.

Although Apple did equip the 13-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 chip in November 2020, it wasn’t notably faster than the cheaper but largely comparable M1-based MacBook Air. We suspect no one will be complaining about the performance of the new 14-inch and 16-inch models thanks to the addition of Apple’s just-released M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.

• M1: For reference, last year’s M1 chip—widely acclaimed for providing excellent performance—offers an 8-core CPU with four performance and four efficiency cores, a 7-core or 8-core GPU, and either 8 GB or 16 GB of unified memory.
• M1 Pro: The M1 Pro offers up to 1.7 times the performance of the M1 thanks to a 10-core CPU that has eight performance and two efficiency cores. Plus, its 16-core GPU is up to twice as fast as the M1. The M1 Pro provides either 16 GB or 32 GB of unified memory, and it increases the memory bandwidth by nearly three times, up to 200 gigabytes per second (GBps). To provide lower price points for 14-inch MacBook Pro configurations, Apple offers versions of the M1 Pro with an 8-core CPU (six performance and two efficiency cores) or a 14-core GPU.
• M1 Max: The M1 Max has the same 10-core CPU as the M1 Pro but provides a massive 32-core GPU with up to four times the performance of the M1. The largest chip Apple has ever made, the M1 Max offers either 32 GB or 64 GB of memory, and it doubles the M1 Pro’s memory bandwidth to 400 GBps, nearly six times faster than the M1. A lower-cost M1 Max configuration has a 24-core GPU.

Both the M1 Pro and M1 Max feature an Apple-designed media engine that accelerates video processing while maximizing battery life. Both also have dedicated acceleration for the ProRes professional video codec for working with 4K and 8K video. The M1 Max doubles the M1 Pro’s performance for video encoding and provides two ProRes accelerators. In other words, if you’re working with video, these new Macs are going to scream, particularly with an M1 Max.

Apple didn’t stop after radically improving performance and bringing back beloved features. The new MacBook Pros feature new Liquid Retina XDR displays based on technology used in the latest iPad Pro models.

Most notably, for those who need more screen space than the 13-inch MacBook Pro can provide, the new MacBook Pro models have higher resolution displays. The 14-inch screen has a 3024-by-1964 native resolution that’s slightly larger than the previous 16-inch MacBook Pro (3072‑by‑1920), and the new 16-inch model offers even more pixels with a 3456-by-2234 resolution. The new displays are more than twice as bright as the previous models, and they support ProMotion, which adjusts the screen refresh rate (and thus power consumption) to match the needs of the onscreen content.

On the downside, Apple brought the new displays so close to the case edges that the new 1080p FaceTime HD camera (better videoconferencing quality but no Center Stage support) lives in an iPhone-like notch that cuts the Mac menu bar in half. Full-screen apps can avoid the notch. Although the notch isn’t ideal, iPhone users seldom notice it after a short while, and we expect the same will be true here.

The only other negative for the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models is weight. They’re both about 0.4 pounds (0.18 kg) heavier than the models they replace, at 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) for the 14-inch model and 4.7 or 4.8 pounds (2.1 or 2.2 kg) for the 16-inch model—the M1 Max configurations are a bit heavier.

Despite the notch and the weight, these are impressive new entries in the Mac lineup, and we anticipate they’ll be well-received by users who are happy to pay more for top-of-the-line machines. The 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1999 and the 16-inch model at $2499. Numerous options are available, so you can choose an M1 Pro or M1 Max for either size, and pick from 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB unified memory configurations. When it comes to storage (which Apple says is also more than twice as fast as previous SSDs), your choices are 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, and 8 TB. Beware that the 8 TB SSD will cost you $2400.

We can’t make informed recommendations about what options you should choose until users start testing their real-world workflows against the M1 Pro and M1 Max and see how much memory is really necessary. For now, let your budget be your guide, and aim for an M1 Max if you work with video. You can place orders with Apple now, but be warned that global supply chain issues may mean waiting for some configurations.

(Featured image by Apple)

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(Featured images from Apple)

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AirPods and AirPods Pro

Apple makes two models of its insanely popular wireless earbuds: the original AirPods and the noise-canceling AirPods Pro. Although it’s tempting to assume that the AirPods Pro are simply better than the AirPods, the decision isn’t that simple. The AirPods are cheaper ($159, or $199 with a wireless charging case) and don’t block the ear canal. The AirPods Pro are smaller and cost $249, and you also get active noise cancellation, a customizable fit, a wireless charging case, and sweat and water resistance. However, the AirPods Pro block the ear canal, which many people dislike, and don’t stay in as well for some.

HomePod and HomePod mini

Apple’s HomePod smart speaker lags behind Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home devices in large part because of its price, which started at $349 and later dropped to $299. But the sound that the HomePod puts out is top-notch, and Apple has done a good job of integrating the HomePod into the overall ecosystem of Apple devices, so you can use it as a speaker for an Apple TV. It also works well for controlling HomeKit-compatible lights and plugs.

Cognizant of the price problem, Apple has just introduced a new HomePod mini that enters the market at $99. It’s also a lot smaller than the original HomePod, and while its sound probably isn’t as good due to fewer bits of audio hardware, we’re betting that it’s still excellent. A HomePod mini can do nearly anything a HomePod can do, including creating a stereo pair with another HomePod mini (but not with a HomePod). It’s a cheaper introduction to having a Siri-enabled smart speaker and a nice way to bring audio into other parts of a home or office.

iPad

Apple’s iPad line is stronger than ever. At the top, the iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models, and while they’re bursting with power, they’re also on the high end of the price spectrum (starting at $799 and $999), which makes them less attractive as gifts. Plus, they might be due for updates soon.

Instead, for a demanding iPad user, look at the new fourth-generation iPad Air ($699), which combines the flat-edged industrial design of the iPad Pro with Apple’s latest chip. It’s compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil ($129) and the Magic Keyboard for iPad ($299).

For kids or those who want an iPad for simpler purposes like browsing the Web, reading books, watching TV, and playing casual games, you won’t go wrong with the new eighth-generation iPad, which combines thoroughly respectable specs with a low price starting at $329. For additional input options, it works with the first-generation Apple Pencil ($99) and the Smart Keyboard ($159).

Finally, don’t count the fifth-generation iPad mini out. At $399, it’s a little more expensive than the 10.2-inch iPad, but its 7.9-inch screen makes it a lot smaller, which many people like. It too is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, and although Apple doesn’t make any keyboards for it, it will work with any Bluetooth keyboard. If you’re having trouble deciding between the iPad and the iPad mini, check out Apple’s comparison tool.

Apple Watch gift certificate

Finally, we love the Apple Watch, and it would seem to make a great gift. However, we urge caution when considering it as a present. The problem is Apple provides a dizzying number of options, and everyone has their own preferences, so it’s difficult to know what to get. You can choose from the new Apple Watch Series 6 (starting at $399), the equally new but less expensive Apple Watch SE (starting at $279), or the older Apple Watch Series 3 (starting at $199). Get the Series 6 if you want an Always-On Display, blood oxygen sensor, and ECG capabilities. The Apple Watch SE lacks those three options but has the same screen size as the Series 6, along with its compass, altimeter, and fall detection feature. And the Series 3 has a slightly smaller screen and just the core Apple Watch features. Apple has a helpful comparison tool.

Within each model, you have to choose between larger and smaller case sizes, pick a case material (aluminum for all, or stainless steel or titanium for the Series 6), a case color, a band type, and a band color. And then there’s the question of whether Wi-Fi–only is sufficient or if a cellular-capable model makes more sense.

So unless you think you know exactly what the recipient would like, we’d encourage giving a certificate that’s good for a conversation about what would be most appreciated. Then sit down with the Apple Watch Studio to run through all the aesthetic decisions.

(Featured image by Adam Engst)

The post The Best Apple-Related Gifts for 2020 first appeared on MacTech Solutions.

(Featured image by kyle smith on Unsplash)

The post Use AirPods to Improve Your Hearing first appeared on MacTech Solutions.

Make a Dedicated Work Space, If Possible

Particularly if you’re not home alone, you’ll want to create a space that’s dedicated to working. Otherwise, it’s difficult to focus on work instead of what’s happening in your home. A spare bedroom with a door is ideal, of course, because it lets you avoid the fridge, the TV, and your family, who may also be trying to work or do schoolwork at home.

But if you don’t have an extra room, or if you need to share it with your spouse and kids, think about ways you can create individual spaces, perhaps with bookcases or makeshift curtains.

Either way, your goal is to avoid seeing and hearing others. Your partner’s activities can be distracting, and listening to your kids discussing a school project will make focusing on your work all the harder. Sound isolation can be difficult to achieve in an open room, but that’s what earbuds are for. Those with noise-canceling capabilities, like the AirPods Pro, would be best.

Pay attention to lighting as well. Putting your monitor against a window probably won’t work well during the day, and overhead lighting can cause glare.

Set Up an Ergonomic Working Environment

It’s unlikely that your home office furniture is equivalent to what you have at work, but if you’re going to be putting in full workdays at home, you need to pay attention to ergonomics.

Many tables are slightly too high to sit at comfortably with your feet flat, your hips at a 90-degree angle, and your hands floating comfortably above the keyboard, with your elbows at a 90-degree angle. Do what you can to achieve that position; if necessary, raise the chair and add a footstool.

Good, inexpensive chairs with height adjustments can be hard to find, though the IKEA Flintan is well-reviewed and only about $80. A small pillow can provide lumbar support if necessary. Try to make sure the arms, if present, are low—you should use them only when not typing.

It’s difficult to achieve good ergonomics while working on a laptop, or, even worse, an iPad because you’re almost always looking down too far. With a MacBook, you can achieve the ideal sightline either by attaching a large monitor that you can position at the right height or by raising the MacBook and using a separate keyboard and mouse or trackpad at the proper typing height.

Potentially Upgrade Your Internet Connection

Even beyond whatever apps you need to do your work, it’s likely that you’ll end up doing a fair amount of videoconferencing. You may need to increase the throughput of your Internet connection, and it’s important to remember that upload and download speeds are separate. You usually have much higher download speeds, so focus on the upload speed when evaluating your plan.

Apps vary in their bandwidth requirements, but you can consider a 1 megabit per second (Mbps) upload speed a safe minimum, with 3 Mbps being sufficient for nearly any video calls you’ll need to make. The download speed should be at least equivalent to the upload speed, but that will almost always be true.

If your current connection isn’t fast enough, we can help you.  MacTech Solutions in a certified Eero Pro Installer. Eero is a whole-home wifi system that delivers hyper fast, super secure wifi to every room in your home.  Call us at 940-767-6227 and schedule a free consultation to improve your home WiFi.

You might also contact your Internet service provider. More throughput will usually cost more, but ideally, your ISP can just change some settings to upgrade you. In some cases, a new cable modem or similar network hardware may be necessary, and in the worst case, you may need a new cable from the street. Whatever you do, try to avoid any plan that comes with a bandwidth cap!

Don’t be afraid to compare prices if you have multiple providers, and even if you have sufficient bandwidth now, it may be worth calling to see if plan prices have dropped since you subscribed.

Upgrade Wi-Fi Hardware

Finally, if the only place in your home that you can work isn’t well served by your current Wi-Fi router, it might be time to upgrade. That’s particularly true if you’re working on old AirPort base stations from Apple.

For creating a Wi-Fi network that has the most coverage, look into mesh networking gear like Eero and AmpliFi. The beauty of mesh networking is that you can add another router or beacon to extend the network without complicated setup.

That said, contact us before ripping your network apart, because on-site visits to fix problems may be difficult or impossible for a while.

(Featured image by Gabriel Beaudry on Unsplash)

The post Tips for Setting Up a Comfortable and Effective Home Work Space first appeared on MacTech Solutions.

MacTech Solutions has AirPods Pro in stock. Hurry!

(Featured image by Apple)

The post Apple’s New AirPods Pro Offer Active Noise Cancellation and Better Fit first appeared on MacTech Solutions.

Apple has now unveiled the second-generation AirPods, the first hardware update since their initial release in December 2016. A new Apple-designed H1 chip designed for headphones provides faster connections, more talk time (up to 3 hours), and the convenience invoking Siri with “Hey Siri.” (With the first-generation AirPods, you can configure a double-tap to bring up Siri—when the AirPods are active, look in Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods.)

The new AirPods still cost $159 with a standard Lightning-based charging case, but Apple has also introduced the Wireless Charging Case, which is bundled with the new AirPods for $199 or available separately for both the first- and second-generation AirPods for $79. The Wireless Charging Case works with any Qi-compatible charging mat. It features a tiny LED indicator light on the front of the case to show the case’s charge status. Pop into MacTech Solutions and get yours on order today! 

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Chargers, Cables, and Adapters, Oh My!

We know that giving someone a cable feels a bit like buying them socks, but Apple’s minimalist design and focus on USB-C and Lightning ports means that many users would appreciate extra cables or adapters. You’ll want to ask them what they find most annoying about their current cable situation—they might want an extra Lightning to headphone adapter, a USB-C to USB-A cable for connecting some peripheral, or an HDMI cable to run a big-screen TV.

Plus, giving someone a second iPhone, Mac, or Apple Watch charger could reduce battery anxiety or make it less likely that they’d forget to pack one while traveling.

AirPods

Apple’s most surprising hit of 2017 was the AirPods, svelte wireless earbuds that pair quickly and seamlessly to all Apple devices logged in to the same iCloud account. They’re light, stay in the ear well, and are comfortable even for many people who couldn’t wear the wired EarPods. At $159, they’re not cheap, but they’re still less expensive than many competing wireless earbuds.

The only catch? Apple has had trouble making AirPods fast enough, so don’t assume you can buy a pair as a last-minute gift.

Apple TV

Although it’s a few years old, the $149 fourth-generation Apple TV still makes a good present for anyone who watches TV shows and movies from Netflix, iTunes, Hulu, and other Internet streaming video services.

For most people, the $179 Apple TV 4K is overkill, since its support for 4K video and HDR color require a compatible 4K HDR TV purchased in the last year or so.

So stick with the previous Apple TV, and if you’re looking for a related stocking stuffer, search for silicone cases that protect the brittle Siri Remote and make it easier to orient in the dark.

iPad

Last, but far from least, if someone in your family has never tried an iPad or is limping along with one of the early models, the current fifth-generation iPad combines good performance and a gorgeous screen with a compellingly low price starting at $329.

At $399, the smaller iPad mini 4 doesn’t provide as much bang for the buck, but it could be the perfect present for a child.

Particularly when buying an iPad for a kid, a durable case is a must—perhaps suggest that as a gift idea to another family member.

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The post Looking for the perfect gift for that special Apple user in your life? first appeared on MacTech Solutions.

1: Sleep better after using your Mac late at night.

macOS 10.12.4 Sierra has gained Night Shift, a feature from iOS that automatically shifts the colors of the screen to the warmer end of the spectrum after dark. Night Shift may help you sleep better by reducing the amount of blue light that tricks your body into thinking it’s earlier than it is.

To set up Night Shift, open System Preferences > Displays > Night Shift and choose Sunset to Sunrise from the Schedule pop-up menu. Night Shift knows when the sun rises and sets wherever you are, but if you prefer, you can also set custom on and off times. (If you don’t see the Night Shift button in the Displays preference pane after upgrading to 10.12.4, your Mac is unfortunately too old to support Night Shift.)

If you’re working with graphics at night, or if video looks odd, you can turn off Night Shift manually. Do that either in the Displays preference pane or by scrolling down in Notification Center (click it in the upper-right corner of the screen) to see the Night Shift switch.

2: Find the AirPod that fell between the couch cushions.

Apple’s wireless AirPods earbuds are cute, but they’re also easy to misplace. If you can’t find yours, iOS 10.3’s Find My iPhone app can help. Bring it up, tap the AirPods icon in the display, and then tap the Play Sound button to make them play a locator sound. If you’ve lost only one AirPod, you can mute the other so it’s easier to hear where the sound is coming from.

Note that Find My AirPods works only when in range of a paired iOS device, so it may not help if you lose an AirPod while running.

3: Don’t be “that person with the Apple Watch” at the theater.

You’re in a darkened theater, at a movie or a play, and when you move in your seat or cover your mouth to cough, your Apple Watch’s screen turns on, annoying the people around you. Even worse is when a notification rolls in, causing the watch to make a sound. Embarrassing, we know. Happily, watchOS 3.2 adds Theater Mode, which turns on Silent mode and keeps the screen dark by disabling its standard “raise to wake” behavior.

To enable Theater mode, open Control Center by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. Then tap the Theater Mode button, which is emblazoned with theater masks. After the performance, you’ll need to disable Theater mode manually by tapping its button again.

If you do need to check the time surreptitiously (who knew this performance would go so long!), tap your Apple Watch’s screen, or press the Digital Crown or side button.

4: Ask Siri to find your car in a humongous parking lot

We’ve all been there. You parked at the mall, but got turned around while you were inside, and now you can’t find your car in the sea of automobiles. In iOS 10.3, you can now search for “parked car” in Maps, or just ask Siri, “Where did I park?”

And if you ever lose your car at a place like Disney World, this feature alone will be worth the price of the iPhone!

Twitter: 4 new features in Apple’s latest operating systems will make your life easier. Learn all about them at:

Facebook: Once you’ve updated to Apple’s latest—iOS 10.3, macOS 10.12.4, and watchOS 3.2—you’ll want to read this article:

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