The price hikes took effect on June 25. In a statement to the press, Apple blamed the AI industry’s insatiable appetite for memory chips, which has caused prices for memory and storage to increase up to sixfold:

The consumer electronics industry is facing an unprecedented challenge. The rapid expansion of AI data centers has created an extraordinary surge in demand for memory and storage. We have never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly. We have shielded our customers from these increases so far, but we have now reached a point where we need to begin raising prices on a number of products.

Apple’s price increases vary widely. The base model of the Apple TV 4K took the biggest percentage hit, jumping from $129 to $199—a 54% increase that’s particularly puzzling given the device has only 64 GB of storage and 4 GB of memory. It may be setting a new price floor for the next-generation Apple TV. At the other end of the percentage increase spectrum, the Vision Pro rose just 6%, from $3,499 to $3,699.

Mac and iPad Price Changes

The Mac lineup saw significant increases at both the low and high ends:

• MacBook Neo: $599 → $699 (+17%)
• MacBook Air (13-inch): $1,099 → $1,299 (+18%)
• MacBook Pro (14-inch base): $1,699 → $1,999 (+18%)
• Mac mini (M4): $599 → $799 (+33%)
• Mac Studio (M3 Ultra): $3,999 → $5,299 (+33%)

The $1,300 increase for the M3 Ultra model of the Mac Studio is the largest absolute dollar jump in the lineup—a reflection of just how much high-memory configurations are affected by the shortage.

iPads saw increases of 15–30%, with the base iPad hit hardest:

• iPad: $349 → $449 (+29%)
• iPad mini: $499 → $599 (+20%)
• iPad Air (11-inch): $599 → $749 (+25%)
• iPad Air (13-inch): $799 → $949 (+19%)
• iPad Pro (11-inch): $999 → $1,199 (+20%)
• iPad Pro (13-inch): $1,299 → $1,499 (+15%)

Base prices tell only part of the story. Memory and storage upgrade prices also jumped dramatically, with the 64 GB and 128 GB memory upgrades for M5 Max models of the MacBook Pro doubling in price.

Why iPhones and Apple Watches Were Spared

Apple left the prices for the iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Studio Display unchanged. The Studio Displays and AirPods likely escaped because they use minimal memory. The iPhone and Apple Watch are a different story—Apple may be willing to accept lower margins on its flagship products, betting that stable prices will drive enough additional sales to offset reduced profit per unit.

There’s also the timing factor. New iPhone and Apple Watch models are expected in September, and rumors suggest Apple will introduce only high-end (and higher margin) iPhone 18 models then, with more affordable models held until early 2027. That makes buying a current-generation iPhone now potentially the better deal—new models will almost certainly debut at higher prices.

Apple Isn’t Alone

The memory crisis has hit the entire consumer electronics industry. Microsoft raised prices on all Surface PCs. Samsung is raising prices on its Galaxy smartphones. Lenovo, HP, and Dell have all raised laptop prices.

The culprit is the industry’s rapid expansion into AI. Data centers are consuming memory and storage at a pace the industry wasn’t equipped to handle. Memory chip suppliers like Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix have directed production toward AI chipmakers like Nvidia, who are willing to pay top dollar, leaving consumer electronics to compete for whatever remains. Industry observers expect the shortage to persist through at least 2027 due to the time required to build manufacturing capacity.

What Should You Do?

If you need a Mac or iPad, some retailers may not have updated prices yet, but that won’t last. Similarly, you could look for a refurbished Mac from Apple or a certified pre-owned Mac from retailers like OWC, but those prices have largely increased as well.

For the iPhone and Apple Watch, the calculus is unusual: normally, we’d encourage waiting for September’s new models, but this year, buying now at current prices may save you some money.

Ultimately, the only options may be to bite the bullet and pay current prices, buy a less-expensive model or configuration, or hold on to your existing hardware in the hopes that prices come back down.

(Featured image generated by Adam Engst with ChatGPT)

Social Media: Apple just raised Mac and iPad prices by 15–33%, blaming the AI industry’s hunger for memory and storage chips. The iPhone and Apple Watch were spared, but the next new models may be more expensive. Here’s what you need to know.

The answer is yes, and the specifics depend on the type of device, whether it’s used for work or personal tasks, and how central it is to your daily life. Here’s our advice, including recommended timeframes and the warning signs that suggest it’s time to upgrade.

Mac Upgrade Cycles

Macs boast impressive longevity, particularly those with Apple silicon. With proper care, a Mac can easily remain productive for 5–7 years, though business environments typically benefit from shorter replacement cycles. Apple provides security updates for the current macOS version and the two previous versions, giving you roughly 2 years of security updates after a Mac loses support for the newest macOS.

For business use, we recommend a 3–5 year replacement cycle. Research shows that hardware problems increase after this point, performance lags compared to current machines, and resale value drops. The loss of productivity from slow performance and downtime outweighs the cost of a new Mac. If you don’t already have one, make an inventory of all your Macs, including purchase dates, and use it to create a replacement schedule. Also consider shuffling Macs around—an employee doing video work might get annual upgrades to the most powerful Mac available, with their old machines handed down to others.

Consider upgrading a Mac when:

• It no longer receives security updates: Once security updates stop, the Mac becomes increasingly vulnerable to attack. Intel-based Macs are coming due here—macOS 26 Tahoe is the last version to support them, so security updates will end in 2028.
• Its battery no longer holds a reasonable charge: For MacBooks, battery degradation often drives upgrade decisions. Although Apple will replace the battery for $149–$249, it’s usually more effective to upgrade the entire MacBook.
• Performance hampers productivity: If apps launch slowly, you see the spinning beach ball regularly, or you find yourself waiting on the computer throughout the day, a newer Mac will increase your productivity.
• Storage is perpetually low: Running low on storage can reduce performance, block software updates, and force distracting cleanups. If you can’t offload files to external or cloud storage, consider upgrading to a Mac with more capacity.

For personal Macs, you can extend the replacement cycle to 5–7 years or even more as long as the Mac meets your needs and continues to receive security updates.

iPhone Upgrade Cycles

Despite the rough treatment they often receive, iPhones are remarkably durable, with many users keeping them for 4–5 years without significant issues. Apple typically supports iPhones with software updates for 5–6 years after release, making them the longest-supported smartphones on the market.

For business use, we recommend a 3-year replacement cycle. That ensures employees always have devices that support the latest security features and iOS capabilities, including Apple Intelligence, which requires an iPhone 15 Pro or later. A 3-year cycle also means better resale or trade-in value—iPhones depreciate more gracefully than most technology, but that advantage diminishes after the third year.

For personal use, replace your iPhone when:

• Battery health drops below 80%: Check in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Below 80%, you’ll notice significant performance throttling and shortened battery life. Replacing the battery for $69–$119 through Apple—it’s best to avoid third-party replacements—can extend a phone’s life by another 2–3 years if everything else works well.
• It no longer receives iOS updates: Once security updates stop, it’s worth considering replacing it. Typically, Apple releases updates only for the current version of iOS, but this year, it has been providing iOS 18 security fixes for the iPhone XR and XS models, and even released a few critical security updates as far back as iOS 15 and iOS 16.
• Storage is consistently full: If you’ve enabled Optimize iPhone Storage (Settings > Apps > Photos), turned on Offload Unused Apps (Settings > Apps > App Store), and are still frequently managing storage to make room for new photos, videos, and iOS updates, it’s time to upgrade.
• The camera no longer meets your needs: Camera improvements have been substantial year over year. If photography matters to you and your iPhone is more than 3–4 years old, a new model will deliver noticeably better results.

iPad Upgrade Cycles

iPads have a longer practical lifespan than Macs or iPhones. It’s not unusual for an iPad to remain useful for 6–7 years, particularly for basic tasks like Web browsing, email, video streaming, and reading.

The upgrade trigger for iPads is usually one of three things:

• Battery life has declined noticeably: iPads from 2024 and later (starting with the M4 iPad Pro, M2 iPad Air, A17 Pro iPad mini, and A16 iPad) display battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. For older iPads, you can check battery health using Mac apps like coconutBattery or iMazing. If capacity has dropped below 80% or the iPad no longer holds a charge through a typical session, it’s time to upgrade. Apple offers iPad battery replacement for $99–$199, but upgrading may make more financial sense.
• Performance becomes frustrating: iPads used for demanding tasks like video editing, illustration, or running multiple apps will show their age faster than those used for content consumption.
• Software support ends: Apple supports iPads for roughly 5–6 years. Once updates stop, security risks increase.

For business use with demanding workflows, a 3–5 year cycle makes sense. For general business use (email, documents, presentations), an older iPad will probably work well enough for 5–6 years. Personal iPads used primarily for media consumption can last until software support ends.

Apple Watch Upgrade Cycles

Apple Watch upgrade cycles depend heavily on how you use the device. Battery degradation is the primary limiting factor—most users report noticeable battery decline after 3–4 years of daily use.

Consider upgrading your Apple Watch when:

• The battery no longer lasts a full day: Check your battery’s condition on the watch in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity has dropped below 80% or you’re charging midday to make it to bedtime, the battery has degraded significantly. Battery replacements cost $79–$99 from Apple, but given the watch’s age at that point, upgrading usually makes more sense.
• Performance feels sluggish: Newer watchOS versions can bog down older hardware. If apps take a long time to launch, Siri responds slowly, or the interface stutters, a newer watch will feel dramatically faster.
• New health features matter to you: Apple regularly adds meaningful health capabilities. Recent additions like sleep apnea detection may be worth upgrading for.

For most users, a 4–5 year upgrade cycle is reasonable. If you rely on your Apple Watch for health monitoring or use it heavily for workouts, you might prefer a 3–4 year cycle to ensure accurate sensors and reliable battery life.

Other Apple Devices

What about the other items in Apple’s product lineup?

• Apple TV: Most people can keep an Apple TV for 5–7 years without issue. The only real reason to replace an Apple TV HD or 4K is if performance has become sluggish or you want specific new features like Thread support for smart home devices.
• AirPods: Battery degradation is unavoidable in devices this small. Most users find that AirPods need replacement after 2–3 years as battery life diminishes. Battery replacement costs $49–$79 from Apple, but the economics and new features usually favor replacement.
• HomePod: HomePods have long useful lives with little reason to upgrade. Replace a HomePod only if it stops working or if you want features exclusive to newer models, like sound recognition for smoke alarms.
• AirTags: You can replace the CR2032 batteries in AirTags, so the main reason to replace an AirTag is if it’s lost or physically damaged. Apple released a second-generation AirTag with improved range, but if your current AirTags are working fine, there’s no compelling reason to upgrade.
• Vision Pro: There’s now an M5-based Vision Pro, but it’s a modest update—if you have the original M2-based model, there’s no reason to upgrade. If you have a Vision Pro, enjoy it—you’re still pretty much on the bleeding edge.

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to upgrade a specific device, we’re happy to help you evaluate your options.

(Featured image generated by Adam Engst with ChatGPT)

Social Media: When’s the right time to upgrade your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch? The key warning signs: a battery that no longer lasts all day, performance lags, and the end of security updates. Here’s how to time it right.

(Featured image by Adam Engst)

Social Media: Apple restored blood oxygen monitoring on recent US Apple Watch models through a creative workaround that processes and displays data on the iPhone instead of the watch. Here’s how to get it working again.

When Temperature Becomes a Problem

You might be surprised by how sensitive electronic devices are to high temperatures. Apple says that most Apple devices—whether we’re talking about an iPhone or iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch, or Mac—work best in ambient temperatures under 95ºF (35ºC). The Apple Watch Ultra is a notable exception, capable of operating in temperatures up to 130ºF (55ºC), but even then, Apple recommends charging at a lower temperature.

These temperature limits are frequently surpassed in everyday situations. A parked car in direct sunlight can reach 130ºF (54ºC) within an hour, even with windows cracked open, and continue climbing from there. Just as you’d never leave children or pets in a parked car, your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook shouldn’t be left behind during a trip to the beach. Even when powered off, Apple devices shouldn’t be stored in temperatures above 113ºF (45ºC).

The risk isn’t limited to vehicles. Poorly ventilated homes and offices without air conditioning can become surprisingly hot, particularly affecting computers that run continuously and lack proper airflow. If you have a second-generation HomePod or HomePod mini—both of which have temperature and humidity sensors—you can ask Siri, “What’s the temperature in here?”

How Heat Hurts Your Devices

An often overlooked point is that electronic devices generate significant heat during operation, and high ambient temperatures make it harder for them to shed that heat effectively, increasing the risk of thermal throttling or shutdown. Under heavy workloads, internal components like an iMac’s CPU can reach temperatures as high as 212ºF (100ºC)—literally the boiling point of water.

Temperatures that exceed component design specs can have the following detrimental effects:

• Chip instability: As heat rises, electrons vibrate more intensely (thermal noise), leading to increased error rates and timing issues in chips. This can result in unpredictable behavior or system crashes.
• Battery degradation: While lithium-ion batteries actually perform well in high temperatures, the accelerated chemical reactions inside them can reduce their long-term lifespan.
• Physical damage: Repeated heating and cooling cycles can create microscopic stress fractures as different materials expand and contract at varying rates, potentially leading to component failure.

While some heat-related issues resolve themselves once devices cool down, others can cause permanent damage. Prevention is crucial.

Your Mac will typically warn you of dangerous temperatures by ramping up its cooling fans. (The fanless MacBook Air can’t provide this warning.) If you notice your Mac’s fans running at a high speed for several minutes:

1. Close unnecessary apps, especially those that heavily tax the CPU.
2. If the fans continue at full speed, restart to eliminate problematic background processes.
3. If restarting doesn’t quiet the fans, shut down your Mac and let it cool off.

An overheated Mac may exhibit erratic behavior or shut down unexpectedly. Be particularly cognizant of potential heat-related issues during initial device setup, restoring from backup, using graphics-intensive apps or games, and streaming high-quality video, all of which can drive up internal temperatures on their own.

Without cooling fans, iPhones and iPads rely on other methods to manage high temperatures. When these devices detect dangerous heat levels, they’ll display a warning and automatically protect themselves through various measures. Apple says you might notice some of the following behaviors with an overheating iPhone or iPad:

• Slowed or interrupted charging (including wireless charging)
• Automatic display dimming—it might even go entirely dark
• Weakened cellular signals as radios enter a low-power state
• Disabled camera flash and other features
• Reduced performance, especially in graphics-heavy apps

Navigation deserves special mention: if your iPhone overheats during GPS navigation, it may display a “Temperature: iPhone needs to cool down” alert instead of the map view. Don’t worry—you’ll still receive voice guidance, and the screen will briefly activate to show important turns.

Apple Watches will also display a special warning screen if they get too hot.

Preventing Heat Damage

Protecting your Apple devices from heat damage mostly comes down to following these common-sense guidelines:

• Limit high-temperature use: When ambient temperatures exceed 95ºF (35ºC), as happens outside in Phoenix from May through September, minimize device usage or, ideally, avoid it entirely.
• Never leave devices in parked cars: The greenhouse effect can quickly create dangerous temperatures. If it happens accidentally, allow the device to cool completely before use.
• Ensure proper ventilation:
  • Keep Mac ventilation ports unobstructed.
  • Avoid using laptops on soft surfaces like beds or pillows.
  • Periodically clean ventilation ports with compressed air.
  • Never cover an open laptop’s keyboard.
  • Don’t stack items on top of a Mac mini or Mac Studio.
• Watch server areas: Monitor temperatures in server closets and ensure adequate cooling through ventilation, fans, or air conditioning.

Remember: if you’re feeling uncomfortably hot, your devices probably are too. The temperatures that stress electronics tend to be similarly stressful for humans, making your comfort a good gauge of potential risk to your devices.

(Featured image based on an original by iStock.com/margouillatphotos)

Social Media: Think your Apple devices can handle the summer heat? Think again. Discover how high temperatures can damage your iPhone, iPad, and Mac—and what you can do to keep them safe.

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

(Featured image by Adam Engst)

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

(Featured image by Adam Engst)

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)

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. Back up 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. If you don’t usually back up to iCloud, Apple will 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 don’t need to unpair it from your old iPhone at this point in the process. (Later, if the automatic transfer has not worked, you can unpair it manually and pair it again later. If you end up taking the manual route and have a cellular Apple Watch, you’ll be asked if you want to keep or remove your plan. If 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 ordered your new iPhone through Apple and connected 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’ve purchased directly through your carrier. Besides, it’s likely that iPhone 16 models sold in the US will rely on eSIM and lack SIM trays like the iPhone 15, 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 initiate the transfer only when you have plenty of 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 in the left-hand sidebar, 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. 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 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 initially offer any way to transfer codes to a new phone.
9. Finally, if necessary, set up single sign-on for work or school. If your workplace or school uses a security system like Duo, you’ll likely want to activate your new iPhone and deactivate the old one. Using any device, navigate to a standard single sign-in login screen from your organization, look for a link for managing your logins, click that link, and follow the prompts.

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.

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

(Featured image by iStock.com/valiantsin suprunovich)

As always, you can reach out to MacTech Solutions for product support, assistance and training. Be on the lookout for our next round of Apple classes, and when your in the market for a new iPad, MacBook, iMac or other Apple products, MacTech Solutions is THE place to get top-notch sales, service and support in Texoma! We’re at 4020 Rhea Rd, Suite 3B in Wichita Falls!

(Featured image by iStock.com/Ildo Frazao)

Social Media: Do you want to read the actual manuals or specs for Apple products? You can now easily find them on Apple’s new Documentation website.

Unfortunately, some police departments have posted warnings about NameDrop on Facebook, insinuating that it’s a privacy concern. Nothing could be further from the truth. First, NameDrop requires the devices to be almost touching, so it’s implausible that it could be triggered inadvertently, and second, you must unlock your iPhone and tap a button to share your contact information with the other person. If you lock your iPhone or move it out of range, Apple says the transfer will be canceled.

There’s no harm in turning NameDrop off by default other than losing access to the feature, but it’s a sufficient win that we encourage you to leave it enabled.

Imagine you meet someone new at a conference and want to share contact information. Previously, you would have had to find your contact card at the top of the Contacts app or Phone app, tap Share Contact, choose which fields to share, tap Done, and then share it via AirDrop (which may require them to enable their receive settings in Settings > General > AirDrop > Everyone for 10 Minutes), Messages (after entering their phone number), Mail (after typing their email address), or another method. It’s a pain.

Here’s how sharing contact information with someone new works in NameDrop. (It only supports sending new contact information, not updating an existing contact.) Both of you must have an iPhone running iOS 17.1 or an Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 7 or later, or second-generation Apple Watch SE running watchOS 10.1. To get started, either:

• Share from an iPhone to another iPhone or an Apple Watch: Hold your unlocked iPhone close (almost touching) to the top of the other person’s iPhone or Apple Watch.
  
• Share from an Apple Watch to another Apple Watch: Open the Contacts app on your Apple Watch, tap your picture in the upper-right corner, tap Share, and then put your watch close to the other person’s Apple Watch (Apple’s animation shows them being positioned face to face).
  

Keep the devices close together until NameDrop appears on both screens. On the iPhone, tap Share to exchange contact information or Receive Only to get theirs without sending yours. On the Apple Watch, you have only a Share button.

Next time you meet someone new and want to exchange contact information, give NameDrop a try. Alas, if they’re an Android user, you’ll have to fall back on the old, clumsy methods.

(Featured image based on an original by iStock.com/Caiaimage/Martin Barraud)

Alongside the announcement, Apple revealed that iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, tvOS 17, and HomePod Software 17 will become available on September 18, with macOS 14 Sonoma arriving on September 26. Wait a week or two before installing this first batch of updates on essential devices to avoid any last-minute bugs, and hold off on Sonoma 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 each of the new products.

iPhone 15 Lineup

Last year, Apple moved to a four-part iPhone lineup that continues this year, with the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. On the high end, we get the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, again in those 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes. The company updated the industrial design with slightly contoured corners. The iPhone 15 models come in five pastel colors with an aluminum enclosure and color-infused back glass, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro models now boast a titanium enclosure in four colors.

Along with the updated industrial design, all the iPhone 15 models share three notable changes:

• USB-C for charging and data transfer: Driven by new European Union regulations, the iPhone 15 models all trade their Lightning port for a USB-C jack. Although it will be annoying to keep both Lightning and USB-C cables around until all Lightning devices have aged out, many Apple users already have USB-C cables and chargers for iPads and MacBooks.
• Roadside Assistance via satellite: This extension of Emergency SOS via satellite allows anyone experiencing vehicle difficulties in a cellular dead zone to get help using satellite messaging. Apple includes access to satellite services for 2 years, and AAA membership in the US includes the roadside service. Those who aren’t AAA members will be able to purchase service separately.
• Better Precision Finding: The iPhone 15 and new Apple Watch models all have a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that lets users employ Precision Finding in the Find My app to locate each other accurately at a much greater range. Apple suggests you can use it to find iPhone 15-equipped friends in a crowd.

Although the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus aren’t as technologically capable as their Pro siblings, they’re more interesting than the iPhone 14 models they supplant. They receive increased performance thanks to the A16 Bionic chip from the iPhone 14 Pro, and the chip also enables computational photography improvements on top of a new 48-megapixel camera. Also inherited from the iPhone 14 Pro is the Dynamic Island, which displays alerts and Live Activities in the area surrounding the camera and sensor package at the top of the screen, eliminating the need for a notch.

Even though there’s more new on the Pro end, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max don’t make as significant a jump from their iPhone 14 Pro predecessors. The change everyone will notice is the new Action button that replaces the Ring/Silent switch. You can press and hold it to put an iPhone 15 Pro into silent mode or redefine it to activate Voice Memos, set Focus modes, access the camera or flashlight, enable Accessibility options, or launch a Shortcut. 

The 48-megapixel main camera gains additional computational photography capability thanks to the new A17 Pro chip underpinning the iPhone 15 Pro models, but the most noteworthy enhancement is restricted to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. A tetraprism design enables its Telephoto camera to achieve a 5x optical zoom, an unprecedented capability available only for photographers who don’t mind the 6.7-inch form factor.

Several other improvements are technically impressive but likely of interest and utility only to media professionals. The iPhone 15 Pro’s USB-C port supports USB 3 transfer speeds up to 10 gigabits per second (the iPhone 15 is limited to USB 2.0’s pokey 480 megabits per second), and support for Wi-Fi 6e will enable faster wireless transfers. Both will be welcome to those transferring large image, audio, or video files.

Pricing remains basically the same, with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus starting at $799 and $899 for 128 GB of storage, with 256 GB and 512 GB options. The iPhone 15 Pro costs $999 for 128 GB, with 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB storage options. The iPhone 15 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 13 ($599), and iPhone 14 ($699) all remain for sale.

It might be worth upgrading from an iPhone 14 to an iPhone 15 for the 48-megapixel camera and Dynamic Island, but it’s harder to recommend an upgrade from an iPhone 14 Pro unless you find the 5x Telephoto camera indispensable. Otherwise, the older your current iPhone, the more you’ll be impressed by the new models.

Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2

Last year brought the release of the beefy Apple Watch Ultra, so it wasn’t surprising that Apple gave us the Apple Watch Ultra 2 this year alongside the Apple Watch Series 9. They have no industrial design changes, and their improvements are driven by the increased performance and efficiency of Apple’s new S9 SiP (a package containing multiple chips).

Most notable among the changes is a new double tap gesture, which relies on the S9’s faster Neural Engine to detect when your index finger and thumb perform a double tap. watchOS 10 interprets the gesture as activating the primary button in an app, so it can be used to answer or end a phone call, stop a timer, play and pause music, snooze an alarm, take a photo, or open and scroll through the new watchOS 10 Smart Stack from the watch face. It will be available next month. 

Other S9-driven improvements include:

• Brighter displays: The Apple Watch Series 9 can now display up to 2000 nits, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 can go up to 3000 nits, making them more readable in bright sunlight.
• On-device Siri: Siri requests that don’t require information from the Internet can now be processed on the Apple Watch locally, making Siri more helpful for starting workouts or setting timers when there’s no cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.
• More capable and accurate Siri: You can now use Siri to access Health data such as sleep hours, Activity ring progress, and more. Plus, you can use Siri to log health data such as weight, period, or medications taken. These capabilities will be available later this year. Apple also claims 25% more accurate dictation.
• Precision Finding and HomePod integration: The second-generation Ultra Wideband chip in the S9 enables the Precision Finding feature that can direct you to a lost iPhone 15 rather than just playing a sound. Also, when you get close to a HomePod, the Apple Watch provides media controls or offers media suggestions in the Smart Stack.

Finally, both the original Apple Watch Ultra and the new model gain a new Modular Ultra watch face that uses the outermost edge of the large display to present real-time data like seconds, altitude, or depth.

The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 for a 41mm aluminum GPS-only model; 45mm models are $30 more, and cellular connectivity adds $100. It’s available in pink, midnight, starlight, silver, and PRODUCT(RED). In stainless steel, pricing starts at $699 for a 41mm model and includes cellular connectivity; the 45mm models are $50 more. Some textile bands and all stainless steel bands cost an additional $50 to $300. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains $799 with an Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, or Ocean Band.

While undoubtedly the most capable watches Apple has ever produced, these new models don’t offer enough new to warrant an upgrade from last year’s models. They’re great for those getting started with the Apple Watch 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 of the Series 9 but is $150 less expensive. Apple’s comparison page can help you tease out the differences.

(Featured image by Apple)

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)

(Featured image based on an original by iStock.com/Shahid Jamil)

(Featured image by iStock.com/Jorge Garcia Argazkiak)

Regardless, it’s worth considering how these operating systems might impact your plans to buy new hardware in the next six months. Any Apple device you purchase now—or have bought in the last five years—can run the new operating systems. But some devices that can run the current macOS 13 Ventura, iOS 16, and iPadOS 16 won’t be upgradable to their replacements later this year. More importantly, some older devices that can be upgraded won’t support all the new features.

Here’s what you’ll need and compatibility gotchas to keep in mind.

macOS 14 Sonoma

For macOS 14 Sonoma, Apple has dropped support for Mac models released before 2018. That works out to five models across the iMac, MacBook Pro, and MacBook product lines. If you rely on one of those Macs and want to run Sonoma, think about when it would make sense to buy a new Mac, perhaps in early 2024. Stop by our store for help deciding what makes the most sense for you. By then, all new Macs will likely ship with Sonoma. These Macs can run Sonoma:

• iMac: 2018 and later
• iMac Pro: 2017
• MacBook: None
• MacBook Air: 2018 and later
• MacBook Pro: 2018 and later
• Mac mini: 2018 and later
• Mac Pro: 2019 and later
• Mac Studio: 2022 and later

The specific 2017 Mac models that are stuck at Ventura are:

• iMac: 21.5-inch and 27-inch
• MacBook Pro: 13-inch and 15-inch
• MacBook: 12-inch

Unsurprisingly, some new features in Sonoma require sufficient processing power that they work only on Macs with Apple silicon—one of the M1 or M2 chips.

• Game Mode: This special mode automatically gives games top priority on the CPU and GPU, lowering usage for background tasks. It also reduces latency for wireless accessories, like game controllers and AirPods, for improved responsiveness.
• Just “Siri”: Although dropping “Hey” from the “Hey Siri” trigger phrase works on all iPhones with iOS 17 and iPads with iPadOS 17, it requires a Mac with Apple silicon or when using the AirPods Pro (2nd generation).
• Made for iPhone hearing aids: Apple-compatible hearing aids can now be paired directly with Macs, but only those with an M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, or M2. That works out to the MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021), MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021), Mac Studio (2022), and all Macs with the M2.
• Presenter Overlay: You can keep your image visible while sharing your screen on a video call, either in front of the shared screen or in a small movable bubble.
• React with your hands: During video calls, 3D augmented-reality reaction effects like hearts, confetti, and fireworks can be triggered with hand gestures, but only on Macs with Apple silicon or when using Continuity Camera with an iPhone 12 or later.
• Screen Sharing performance improvements: Apple has radically improved the performance of the Screen Sharing app over high-bandwidth connections, but it requires the advanced media engine in Apple silicon.

If you’re unsure which Mac you have, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu.

iOS 17

With iOS 17, Apple has maintained the same cutoff date as Sonoma, supporting all iPhone models released in 2018 and later. That means you’ll be able to run iOS 17 on these iPhones:

• iPhone 14/Plus/Pro/Pro Max
• iPhone 13/mini/Pro/Pro Max
• iPhone 12/mini/Pro/Pro Max
• iPhone 11/Pro/Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
• iPhone XR/XS/XS Max

Practically speaking, these iOS 16-compatible devices won’t be able to upgrade to iOS 17:

• iPhone X
• iPhone 8/8 Plus

Several new iOS 17 features have more restrictive system requirements.

• Enhanced autocorrect: iOS 17 enhances autocorrect so it works better (and yes, it will let you use curse words), and it temporarily underlines autocorrected words so you can see which ones were changed. It requires an iPhone 12 or later.
• Inline predictions: Similarly, inline predictions of what you’re going to type—so you can just accept the suggestion rather than tapping out all those letters—require an iPhone 12 or later.
• Point and Speak: Those with vision disabilities might appreciate the Point and Speak feature that makes it easier to interact with physical objects that have text labels, but it works only on the Pro models of the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14.
• React with your hands: The hand-triggered video call reactions require an iPhone 12 or later.

If you can’t remember which iPhone model you have, go to Settings > General > About and look next to Model Name. This works for the iPad, too.

iPadOS 17

It’s more involved to determine whether your iPad can upgrade to iPadOS 17 because there are four different iPad model types with varying capabilities. These models can run iPadOS 17:

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd–6th generation)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st–3rd generation)
• iPad Pro 10.5-inch
• iPad Air (3rd–5th generation)
• iPad (6th–10th generation)
• iPad mini (5th & 6th generation)

While that list encompasses a lot of iPads, a simpler way to look at it is that only three iPad models that can run iOS 16 won’t be able to upgrade to iOS 17:

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
• iPad Pro 9.7-inch
• iPad (5th generation)

Because Apple extended overall iPadOS 17 compatibility somewhat further back than it did with iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, quite a few iPadOS 17 features work only on select models:

• Back-to-back Siri requests: Although all iPhones will let you issue multiple requests to Siri without reactivating it, on the iPad, the feature works only on an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), or iPad (8th generation and later).
• Enhanced autocorrect: This improvement to typing requires an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), or iPad mini (6th generation).
• External display cameras: If you want to take advantage of an external display’s camera while it’s attached to the iPad, you’ll need an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), or iPad mini (6th generation).
• FaceTime with Apple TV: Using an iPad’s mic and camera for FaceTime on an Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) requires an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad (8th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), or iPad mini (5th generation and later).
• Inline predictions: Getting suggestions about what to type next on the iPad requires an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), or iPad mini (6th generation).
• PDF AutoFill: iPadOS 17 will use machine learning to analyze PDFs, and if it detects a form, you can fill it out automatically using your contact information. But only if you’re using an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), or iPad (8th generation and later).
• React with your hands: As with the iPhone and Mac, only some models let you trigger reactions with gestures: the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), and iPad mini (6th generation).
• Screen Distance: This health-related feature is supposed to encourage kids to hold the iPad farther away to reduce the likelihood of developing myopia. But how many kids read on an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later) or iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later)?

watchOS 10

The Apple Watch has a simple upgrade story: every model compatible with watchOS 9 can also run watchOS 10. That means everything from the Apple Watch Series 4 up through the Apple Watch Ultra, including the Apple Watch SE. (Look in the Watch app on your iPhone if you can’t remember which model you have.)

Two of the new features promised for watchOS 10 work only on specific models:

• The NameDrop feature that lets you transfer contact information wirelessly with just proximity works with all iOS 17-compatible iPhones, but it can communicate only with an Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 6 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra.
• The Time in Daylight feature that helps parents track whether their kids are spending the recommended 80–120 minutes per day outside requires an Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Apple Watch Series 6 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra.

tvOS 17

As with the Apple Watch, the Apple TV upgrade situation is easy to understand: tvOS 17 will run on the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K (1st and 2nd generation), just as with tvOS 16.

However, note that the promised option to let you use the mic and camera from an iPhone or iPad for FaceTime calls on the Apple TV works only if you have an Apple TV 4K (2nd generation). That might be the first real reason to upgrade from an older Apple TV.

(Featured image by Apple)