iPhone

Apple released the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro in September 2019 for the usual fanfare. These devices are solid upgrades from the previous models and introduce many desirable features, such as a newthree-camera setup, amazing battery life and better displays.

However, these changes feel step by step and leave us longing for more. Many important features are missing from the 2019 iPhone models that we would like to see in iPhone 12. Below are the main new features we want to see in Apple’s iPhone 12 lineup.

1. A smaller notch

In 2017, Apple introduced the iPhone X, an almost full screen phone with minimal bezels and no home button. To make up for the absence of the home button, the iPhone needed a new form of biometric security. That’s how Face ID was born.

The components required for Face ID are located at the top of the phone, resulting in a black bar interrupting the design on the entire screen. That bar is called the ‘notch’ and caused annoyance to many users.
Wouldn’t it be great if Apple found a way to reduce this notch? Maybe the company could use a perforated design similar to Samsung’s? A camera under the screen would also be welcome.

See also
Apple iPhone 11 Pro cameras explained: Why three What does Each Do? And What is Deep Fusion?

2. 5G support

5G is the next step in mobile network technology after 4G LTE and offers blazing fast speeds. Some Android flagships, such as the Samsung Galaxy S10, offer a 5G compatible model. None of Apple’s offerings have 5G capabilities yet.

This makes sense, because 5G is not quite ready yet. Still, it would be great to see iPhone 12 models come with breathtaking next-generation speeds.

3. A new (or old) design

Every iPhone model since the iPhone 6 has a very similar design, with rounded edges and paper-thin builds. Wouldn’t it be nice to see a change? A return to the iPhone 5’s classic, thicker, square design, but with a full screen would be smart.

Better yet, that design would allow for larger batteries and cameras in the back of the device. This wish is not too far-fetched, as Apple’s latest iPad Pro design somewhat subscribes to this philosophy.

4. ProMotion screens

Another iPad Pro feature that Apple should bring to its iPhone lineup is ProMotion. This is not a ‘promotion’ like at cheaper prices, although it would be appreciated.

ProMotion is Apple’s name for a display technology that allows variable refresh rates up to 120 Hz. If you’re not familiar, the refresh rate is how many frames appear on the screen per second. The higher the refresh rate of a screen, the smoother the images.

The standard on most mobile phones is 60 Hz or 60 frames per second. With ProMotion, compatible devices can display at 120 Hz if needed, but they drop down to save power when not much is on the screen.

A smoother iPhone screen would make everything you do on the device look better.

5. A USB-C port

This is a good idea. Most newer Apple devices use a USB-C port, so why not the iPhone?

USB-C is more compatible with other devices, carries more power, and can deliver superfast data rates. When you’re traveling, you don’t need more than one charger for your devices, either. The future is clearly USB-C and the iPhone 12 has to adapt to this by removing the aging Lightning port.

6. Reverse wireless charging

Samsung’s flagship smartphones can serve as a charging mat for other devices through built-in wireless charging. So when your friend’sAirPods are running low, you can give a little power with the back of your Samsung phone, albeit a little slow. Sounds great right?

This form of wireless charging reportedly went as an inclusion in the iPhone 11, but was reportedly dropped at the last minute because it was too inefficient for Apple’s standards. We would like to see a sophisticated, power-efficient version of wireless reverse charging in iPhone 12.

7. Bigger and smaller sizes

Every iPhone since the iPhone X has adopted the same size standards, so we think it’s time for more variety.

Apple fans need a small compact phone that is easy to maneuver with one hand. On the other end of the spectrum, a larger screen would be much welcome for users who want something similar to the cinematic screen of the 6.8-inch Galaxy Note 10 Plus.

Of course there would still be a middle ground with the medium standard model. Choice is really a win-win situation for everyone.

8. Better basic storage

TheiPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro start at 64 GB storage. For a smartphone in 2020, this is simply unforgivable given the competition. This meager storage size is simply no longer enough.

With all those 4K ultra-enhanced photos and videos to store, 64 GB will only last for a short time. 128 GB of space should be the norm, and we really hope Apple realizes this in time for the coming releases.

9. The return of Touch ID

Face ID is great, don’t get us wrong. But it just hasn’t reached the breakneck speeds of Touch ID in its heyday.

Touch ID is much better for practical people who want a sense of satisfaction when unlocking their phone. It’s also safer now than it was when removed, thanks to ultrasonic sensors that detect blood flow (like the Galaxy S10 has).

Knowing this, we feel that Touch ID should come back through in-display technology. That said, Face ID should stick around too; the new iPhone can have both. With Touch ID and Face ID on the same device, users would again have more choice. With both implemented, your iPhone would become a secure virtual passport.

See also Touch ID Vs. face ID: what are the differences and similarities?

High expectations for the iPhone 12 models

It’s safe to say that expectations for iPhone 12 models are sky high. After the somewhat tame year of the iPhone 11, many are curious about what Apple has planned next. There is a lot of potential for this year iteration of the iPhone to change the game.

Apple sends notifications of your Apple purchases, such as music, books, apps, in-apps, shows, movies etc. Apple send these notifications through email. Or you
Might see charges on your bank or credit card statements (App Store or iTunes Store, usually: ITUNES.COM/BILL, MCD HOLD APL ITUNES.COM/BILL/, MCD PUR APL
ITUNES.COM) that you do not recognize.  If you did not make the purchase, you can cancel and receive a refund for those purchases. In this article I’ll explain exactly
how to do it. Simply follow these steps:

First of all, you need to ensure that the email notification you received is truly from Apple iTunes. Scammers and thieves may be attempting to
scam and steal from you. Ensure that the email is genuine. If you get doubtful emails like these, immediately report it to Apple through email ([email protected]).
For example, emails from Apple will never ask you to provide your social security number, full credit card number and stuff like that. If you get an email asking for any of these, then that
is a scam email.

Next, you need to check yourpurchase history. If you don’t see the purchases on this screen, then the email notification you received was fake. If this is
the case, simply delete the email and you don’t have to do anything else. Follow these steps to view your purchase history:

1. On your device (iOS devices – iPhone or iPad, or PC or Mac), open Safari (or use your favorite web browser)
2. Enter this URL:
   https://reportaproblem.apple.com
3. Sign in with your Apple ID and password
4. After you sign in, you will be able to view all of your past purchases: Apps, Subscriptions, Books, Music, TV Shows.
   Apple Purchase history

How to cancel Apple iTunes purchases

In case you spot a purchases which you did not authorize, you can cancel it by reporting. Simply follow these steps:

1. Go to the purchase
2. Now, click “Report a Problem”
3. A drop down menu will appear. Click : I did not authorize this purchase. Then a screen saying “We take account security seriously. If you were charged
   without your authorization, we’d like to help you as soon as possible. Visit iTunes Store Support to find out which contact methods are available for immediate
   assistance will appear.”
4. Click iTunes Store Support. a new page will load. Now choose either the Email or Schedule a Call option. You can also select
   the live chat option.
5. Apple supportcustomer care will help you fix this issue.

Note:

• If you notice unauthorized charges, change your Apple ID and password immediately.
• Usually, Apple groups multiple purchases  into one single charge meaning, You might not get separate invoices for every purchase.
• Also, apple makes it easy to view and monitor your past iTunes and App Store charges on your iOS device. To do so, head over to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Your Apple
  ID > View Apple ID > If asked, type in your Apple ID password > Purchase History. Here you can view your pas 90 day
  History.

Apple’s ecosystem offers many advantages and for this reason, it is difficult to give up your iPhone. It’s hard to let go in the event that you decide you wish to change to a different handset. Apple has you locked in. And for most iPhone owners, there is absolutely no way out.

What is Apple’s ecosystem?

An ecosystem is defined as a biological community of interacting organisms. In tech language, this refers to a group of devices with software to create one collaborative network. Majority of the companies use this to create a ‘family’ of products but no company have mastered it like Apple with the Apple Ecosystem.

The ecosystem is something that draws consumers in to buy more products to work simultaneously. It all starts with the iPhone. You buy your brand new iPhone, suddenly you have an iPad, a Mac, an Apple TV, an Apple Watch, AirPods a HomePod and before you know, you have all apple products. But why? There could be a range of other products on the market that are far much better and less expensive. Having an Apple product disconnects the user from using many exceptional products from third-party companies, largely because third-party products usually do not work with Apple products.
Once you get into Apple’s ecosystem, it is very difficult to switch allegiance. This is because it’s not just your iPhone that you’ll be saying good bye to. A number of different apps and services that you use daily — some without even thinking about it — make switching to another platform almost impossible.

In this article, I’ll tell you about all the ways Apple makes it difficult to switch from iPhone to Android.

No matter how much greener the grass might get on the other side, I’m 100 percent sure I will never leave the iPhone/Mac ecosystem. I have everything I need inside iOS/macOS such that switching to other platforms such as Android or windows appears like a very bad idea.
Like me, there are millions and millions of other people locked into the Apple’s ecosystem, and it seems like the company is really interested in keeping us locked inside their iPhone for as long as possible.
I am all in on Apple’s ecosystem. And to be honest, I don’t think it is even possible for me to consider switching to a different platform, let alone, recommend one. Obviously, the two companies have very different priorities. Google’s priorities are not aligned with my needs. And Apple’s are. For me, it is as simple as that.

Every time I become curious enough to glance over the fence to see just how green the grass is, Apple performs a magic to make its own grass greener than ever. I’ve gotten so fond of Apple’s software and services, and indeed to many third-party iOS apps, that ditching my iPhone for an android phone is no longer an option.

Apple’s ecosystem is the main reason why I use the company’s products

For me one of the biggest reasons I use Apple’s products is the company’s ecosystem. Over the years I’ve found that it makes my life easier by making it possible for me to access my data across a range of devices such as iPhone, iPad or Mac
and I can easily begin a task on one device, and then switch to another one without missing a beat thanks to Continuity. I don’t have to worry about syncing my data across devices, things mostly just work with iCloud.
For example, I’m writing this post in Ulysses, my favorite writing app. It’s available on iOS, iPadOS and MacOS. Therefore, I can start writing on my iPad, and then easily switch to my Mac (or vice versa).

Whatever writing I’ve done on one device simply appears on my other devices in Ulysses. This makes it easy for me to switch to whichever device I want to use to finish my article, and it lets me start writing even if I’m miles away from my Mac.
Now, let’s look at all the ways iPhone users gets locked into Apple’s ecosystem.

How Apple’s ecosystem locks in users

Here are the reasons why I, and likely many of you, are locked into the iPhone ecosystem for the foreseeable future.

#1. iMessage

Let’s first look at the most obvious reason: iMessage. It is nice, and it is only available on Apple products. We occasionally see rumors that indicates
iMessage could make its way to Android in the future, However, Apple has always dismissed such assumptions.

There are several amazing third-party messaging solutions, such as WhatsApp, which you can use on Android instead. And there are Complex workarounds forgetting iMessage on Windows PC and Android. But are simply not as great as iMessage. They don’t work with other apps like iMessage does, plus they don’t offer as many features. Majority of them aren’t as secure, either.

What’s more, in case you are already part of group chats in iMessage, you might as well say good bye to them when you switch to Android. Switching breaks those groups for you. And unless you can convince all your friends to move the conversation elsewhere, you’re going to be left in the dust.

#2. iCloud

iCloudis another service that you will lose when you switch from iPhone to Android. It’s possible to move all your information to Google Drive, or a different cloud storage service. It’s also possible to access iCloud files through a browser on an Android phone. But it’s just not very convenient.

The process is not streamlined, and it becomes very hard when you want to sync files between your phone and your Mac. You cannot keep backing up your photos and videos to iCloud Photos, either.

You can still access your iCloud mail, and sync contacts and calendars, through Google’s apps (or others). However, for the most part, once you move from iOS to Android, you will have to start from scratch. And you’ll be compelled to live without cool services such asFind My iPhone andFamily Sharing.

#3. Keychain

Keychain is currently part of iCloud, however I think it deserves an independent mention since it is a huge feature — and a huge loss for switchers.

You cannot access your iCloud Keychain on third-party platforms, meaning all the usernames and passwords you’ve stored in it over time are lost.
You’ll have to begin remembering them. You may use password managers such as 1Password
on Android. But if you were not saving passwords in such applications on iOS, then you will have nothing to sync to your new Android device.

#4. Apple Watch

Personally,Apple Watch is the most significant thing on this listing. There is no way to use an Apple Watch with an Android device. This means, not only are you giving up your iPhone if you switch, but you’ll have to give up Apple Watch, as well.

Okay, I might be able to live without iMessage, iCloud, Keychain and stuff like that. I might even be able to admit that all my App Store purchases were a waste of cash. But living without an Apple Watch is impossible for me.

It is undoubtedly the very best smartwatch on the market, and it does what it was designed to do fabulously. There’s no way I am letting go of that.

#5. Activity, Health and Workout

You should not be overly surprised to learn that without Apple Watch and iPhone, you lose the Activity, Workout and Health apps, along with all the fitness data they wrangle. Google provides its own substitute to the Activity app named Google Fit, and many others have theirs, too — but again, you will need to begin from scratch.

That is to say all those runs, swims and workouts — and all the medals you earned along the way — evaporate. And unlike iCloud Drive, Keychain or iMessage, which you can access from an iPad or Mac, Activity and Health are only available on iPhone.

#6. HomePod

Just like Apple Watch, HomePod cannot work with Android device for the largest part. There are some apps which allows you to stream music throughAirPlay, which means it’s possible to send songs from an Android device to your speaker. However, your options are very limited.

You will not have the ability to stream music from services such as Spotify or even the Apple Music app for Android. It’s not possible to set up a HomePod with an Android device,
either, so you’re stuck with a costly cylindrical brick in case you do not have another iOS device at home.

#7. AirPods

I understand AirPods work with Android and other third-party devices, however, they do not work anywhere near as well as they do with iPhone, iPad and Mac. Setup is not as easy, and you will discover that connectivity usually isn’t as reliable.

You also lose out on a whole lot offeatures that make AirPods unique, such as Siri, automatic switching between Apple devices, and automatic ear detection. You’ll no longer be able to customize AirPods’ double-tap feature.
And you can bid farewell to the option to listen to one AirPod at a time. Furthermore, if you don’t take both pods out of the case, they will not join to an Android phone.

Oh, it’s not possible to check AirPods’ battery level on Android, either.

If you do not already have a pair ofAirPods, , you are better off picking a less expensive set of wireless earbuds if you are likely to be using them largely with
an Android cellphone. And if you have AirPods already, simply include them to the list of stuffs that are not as good with no iPhone.

#8. App Store

Developers are working hard to make Android as significant as iOS. However, there are still a huge number of nice iOS apps that are not available on Google’s platform. As you probably know, I use many of them — and you most likely do, too. I’m talking about apps such as Things, Ulysses, Tweetbot, Deliveries, Copied, Overcast, Focos, Halide, Agenda, Pixelmator etc. I rely on virtually all these apps daily, and I love them.

I know I could discover replacements to most of these on Android, but I do not wish to. I paid for these apps. And they work good. They are Well designed and they fit perfectly into my workflows. I really don’t require anything else.

#9. Shortcuts

Speaking of workflows, I have been obsessed with
Apple’s Shortcuts app.
I use a lot of different shortcuts for a variety of tasks daily on iOS. And I am always on the lookout for more which can make my life easier and save me some time.

I honestly do not know how I would live without Shortcuts today — this feature is now vital to me. And that is still another reason why I can’t switch from an iPhone to Android. Just like most of Apple’s apps, Shortcuts isn’t accessible on third-party platforms.

#10. iTunes and Books

There are various methods to sync your iTunes music to an Android phone. You can upload the whole iTunes library into Google Play Music, then stream it all to your Android phone. Other apps will allow you to sync your playlists, as well.

You will lose out on other things, however. It’s very hard to transfer your iTunes movies and TV shows to an Android device. Furthermore, Syncing your podcasts and audiobooks is out of question.

Just like your App Store purchases, most of the stuff you purchased via iTunes and Books gets lost when you switch from iPhone to Android.

#11. Continuity and Handoff

You will loseContinuity andHandoff if you ditch iOS for Android, as well. This means that you will not have the ability to answer a phone call on any of your Apple devices. You cannot start an app on your Mac that
you were using on iPhone and continue where you left off. You will also lose the ability to unlock your Mac using your Apple Watch.

You will also say good bye toAirDrop, which is a remarkably easy and useful means to send photos, videos and other files between your Apple devices.

Granted, these may not be crucial features for many iPhone users, and you may be able to replace a number of these with things like tab syncing in Google Chrome. However, most cannot be substituted, and they’re wonderful to have.

What locks you into iPhone ecosystem?

Obviously I left out some Apple apps and services off this listing. I did not include anything that can easily be substituted, like CarPlay and the Podcasts app. I centered on the things I find especially tricky to forego. Things that therefore make it near impossible to leave the iPhone ecosystem.

Anyone who’s already in Apple’s ecosystem, and those who have successfully broken free, can attest that it’s actually kind of hard to leave it. Are you locked in Apple’s ecosystem? What makes ditching the iPhone impossible for you? If you think I have left out something important on this article, I’d love to know in the comments section below.
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First of all, I love Apple, I also love their ecosystem, but can’t help feeling trapped in it sometimes.

I have an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Macbook Pro and Apple TV, and it’s great how they work together, but the problem comes when you want to try something different.

Lately, I’ve been considering maybe switching to a Note 10 as my primary driver, but then realized it will be so hard to switch.

I have some purchases in iTunes that I will lose, all my contacts etc. are in iCloud, my Apple Watch will be useless and although my Apple TV will still work fine, I will not have the functionality it has with my iPhone.

The only device that will probably work fine is actually my Macbook Pro.

I understand this is probably exactly what Apple wants to do, so that you “get trapped” in the ecosystem through your own fault and then find it very difficult to imagine using anything else.
Do you feel trapped in the Apple ecosystem?
Have you ever asked someone why they have an iPhone? Is it the best all-round smartphone or is it just for convenience? Over time, Apple has created what some call the “Apple ecosystem”. An ecosystem is literally defined as a “community of interacting organisms and their physical environment,” and Apple created that but consists of their devices.
Most Mac users have an iPhone. I mean, why wouldn’t they? You can load your text messages, video calls, notes, web searches and more onto your computer and phone. The integration is seamless and your phone and computer start working as one device. This functionality is hard to beat. A new phone may come out with a better display, battery and camera, but iPhone users are still buying Apple products.
Now suppose the same Mac user wants to buy a smartwatch. Will they research Fitbits and Motorolas, or will they choose the Apple Watch? On an Apple Watch, they can easily send all their notifications to their watch, so the Apple Watch seems like the best option. Furthermore, they will go through the same thinking process if they want to buy a tablet, a speaker or a Bluetooth headsets. They can weigh their options and look at the quality of the devices from several other brands, but they will likely fit the Apple alternative no matter how it compares to the rest. Even if other products are really striking than the Apple version, it’s easier to just go with the product already integrated with the rest of your devices. Put it differently, the product that is part of the ecosystem.
Applehas created a guarded wall around the convenience of their products. Once you start using two or three of their devices, switching to a different platform may sound like a very bad idea. Other companies have their own versions of an ecosystem, but none are as monitored and difficult to deviate from as Apple’s. For instant, Google has many services and devices, including Google Photos, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Gmail to name a few. However, unlike Apple, you can access these services from anywhere. You don’t need a Google Pixel phone to use them. You can access these services from any computer or phone, making them much more accessible. Although Google has an ecosystem of their services, users may deviate from the ecosystem because fewer walls are built around their services.
Apple-specific software such as iMessage, FaceTime and iCloud discourages users from looking at other products, especially since Apple has an alternative to almost every device. Using a different device is now a hindrance because Apple has made their services so specific to their devices. For example, IMessage only exists on Apple devices, and Apple has made iMessages stand out from regular text messages. iPhone users know the infamous green text messages of Android users and often make people guilty of texting them with green messages. These green messages are just one of many ways that Apple differentiates their services from others.
In addition to only the specific software that Apple offers, Apple also has devices specific to their users. Apple’s smart speaker, the HomePod, can only be used when connected to an iPhone and Siri. To make matters worse, the HomePod will only play music from Apple Music and will not connect to Bluetooth or an extra cord. So to use the HomePod, you must be an iPhone user who also uses Apple Music. The HomePod may seem very specific and unnecessary, but the device is just another way for Apple to trap their customers. Once a user has purchased a HomePod speaker, they will never be able to switch from using an iPhone or using Apple Music again because it will make their speaker obsolete.
While Apple designs their products to the best of their ability, they also ensure that their products connect to their ecosystem. People keep buying from Apple because you can’t use their services on devices other than their own. This makes the Apple ecosystem unique compared to others. Not only how well the products work together, but also how difficult it is to deviate from them if you’ve already started using them. So you need to realize that you are trapped in the Apple ecosystem and learn to break out if necessary. Without acknowledging this, it can be easy to miss quality technology from other companies.
Having said that, breaking out of Apple ecosystem can be a tough thing to do, and you might not find some of the useful features from the Apple ecosystem anywhere else. Read also Does apple ecosystem lock in users? Here’s the truth
are you trapped in apple ecosystem? Do you find it hard to break free from apple ecosystem? Let us know in the comments section below.

What do you get when you combine Find My iPhone with Find My Friends? According to Apple, you get a handy feature with an funny title: the new Find
My app in iOS 14 features a simple UI that allows users to locate friends, family members, and Apple devices.

It divides this information into 3 tabs with options to play a sound from missing devices, load directions in the Maps app, or set up notifications
to sound when your spouse leaves work. And all of this from a single app!

How to use the Find My app for iPhones in iOS 14

Let’s get started and learn how to use the Find My app for iPhones in iOS 14.

How to Find Your Apple Devices

Tap the Devices tab located at the bottom of the Find My app to reveal a map of your compatible Apple devices. Find My puts a pin on the map at the location of any iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or AirPod associated with your Apple ID. It also displays your family members’ devices too.

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to bring up more devices, each with its exact location and distance from you.
If Find My can’t locate a device,
a black screen icon will be displayed instead, along with the last known location.

What It Means When Find My iPhone Is Offline and How to Find It Any. wayWhat does it mean when Find My iPhone says “offline”? How do you find an iPhone that’s
offline? Here are the answers you need.Read More
Get More Details About Each Device

Tap a particular device to view its present address and battery percentage, along with a series of controls to help you retrieve it. If you think you’re close enough, tap Play Sound to make your device ring. Otherwise, tap Directions to launch a route in the Maps app.

Get Notifications for Missing Devices

Starting with iOS 13, you can locate Apple devices even when they aren’t connected to the internet.
Apple makes this possible by creating an encrypted and anonymous Bluetooth network
that connects nearby Apple devices.

Having said that, Find My is still unable to locate your device if it doesn’t have internet connection and Bluetooth isn’t turned on, which could mean
it’s turned off. In this case, enable Notify When Found to receive a notification with its location as soon as Find My detects it.

Mark as Lost to Protect Your Data

If any of your Apple devices is lost or stolen, it’s a good idea to enable Mark As Lost to protect your data and make it easier for people to return your device to you. You
can also provide a phone number with a custom message asking whoever finds it to call you.

When you activate Mark As Lost, Find My will disable sensitive services such Apple Pay on your device and locks it with your passcode. If you haven’t used
a passcode before, you can take this opportunity to create one.

Only Erase Your Device as a Last Resort

Below the other options, there’s also a button to Erase This Device. I suggest you consider this as a last resort, if you believe you’ll never retrieve your device, because after erasing it you cannot track its location any longer.

Having said that,
an erased device is still protected by Apple’sActivation Lock,
preventing anyone who finds it from using it as their own. If you have enabled Mark As Lost, it also still displays your custom message telling people how
to contact you.

How to Find Your Friends and Family

Tap the People tab located at the bottom-left hand corner of Find My in iOS 13 to reveal a map of all the peple who follow your location or share their location with
you.

Just like in the Devices tab, you can then tap each person to get additional information about where they are located. This also provides options to view their details
in the Contacts app or get directions with Maps.

Start Sharing Your Location

In case you haven’t yet shared your location with anyone, tap the button to Start Sharing Location. Otherwise, swipe up to bring up the full list of people you’re
following and tap on Share My Location button located at the bottom.

Search for the contact you want to share your location with by typing in their name, phone number, or Apple ID email address in the search bar. When you tap
Send you can select how long you want to share your location for:

• Share for One Hour
• Share Until End of Day
• or Share Indefinitely.

Ask to Follow Someone Else’s Location

It’s not possible to follow someone else’s location using Find My unless they choose to share it with you. The best way to initiate this is by offering to share
your location first. When you do so, a notification prompts your contact to share their location back.

Alternatively, you can directly ask to follow anyone who is already following you. Tap on their name from the People tab and use the option to Ask to Follow Location.
When they accept, you’ll receive a notification from Find My letting you know they accepted your friend request.

Set Up Notifications When Someone Changes Location

You can opt to send or receive notifications in the Find My app whenever you, or any of your contacts, change location. This can come in handy if you want to
Notify a family member you’re on the way home or if you want to know when your friends arrive at the meeting point.

On the People tab in Find My, tap on the name of the person you want to set up notifications for. Tap Add under the Notifications heading and choose whether
you want to send or receive the notifications, then set the location you plan to leave or arrive at. You can set the location radius to anything from 300
feet to 150 miles.

If you choose to send notifications to someone else, you’ll see an option at the bottom of the screen which allows you to repeat the notifications. This way you can alert
your partner you’re on your way home every time you leave work, without having to do anything.

How to Change Your Find My Settings

In the bottom-right corner of the Find My app is the Me tab. This lets you choose which device you want to share your location from along with deciding whether
to allow friend requests or location updates.

On the Me tab, you can also reclaim your privacy with the Share My Location switch. Turn this off to temporarily hide your location from anyone you previously
shared it with. This is a great way to remember if you’re on your way to a surprise party or a secret vacation!

Change Your Location to a Different Device

If you have several Apple devices, you can use the Me tab to choose from where to share your location. You can only change your location from
the device you’re currently using, so be sure to launch the Find My app from that specific device, then tap Use This [Device] as My Location.

Help a Friend Find Their Device

If you look at the very bottom of the Me tab, you’ll see a small button that says, Help a Friend. Use this if a friend or family member has lost their Apple device. When you tap
it, a page on the iCloud website will load for your friend to sign in to. On this page, your friend can play sounds, mark their device as lost, or erase it remotely.

You may have heard your insurance company or law enforcement encourage you to record your IMEI. You may have even noticed it in your iPhone’s settings or
device box. What you might not be aware is what the IMEI number is actually for.

In this article, I’ll explain what an IMEI number is, and how you can find yours.
Let’s roll:

What Is an IMEI Number?

The International Mobile Equipment Identity—or IMEI—is a unique numerical identifier for every mobile device.

This number helps to distinguish each device. If you return your iPhone for repair, they will track it using the IMEI to differentiate
it from the other tons of iPhones, for example.

A standard IMEI number is a 14 digit string, with an additional 15th check digit for verifying the entire string. There is also a 16 digit variant that
Contains information about the software version of the device known as IMEISV.
Since 2004, the IMEI appears in the format AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D. The sections labeled A and B are called the Type Allocation Code (TAC). The TAC portion
of the IMEI identifies the manufacturer and model of the device. For example, the Google Pixel TAC code is 35-161508, while the iPhone 6s Plus is 35-332907.

Some models have several TACs depending on revision, production locationand other factors. For instance, the iPhone 5C contained five different TAC codes.

The six C digits represent the unique serial number of your device and the handset manufacturer defines it. The D portion of the IMEI is a check digit that
ensures that the IMEI complies with the Guidelines for Allocation and Approval. The check digit is displayed on the packaging to prevent incorrect IMEI recording, but it’s not part of the documented IMEI.

While the IMEI number is absolutely important, it is not the only legal requirement for your iPhone. Manufacturers must comply with regulations
for each region in which they plan to sell their devices. The IMEI doesn’t demonstrate that the equipment meets any of those other safety and regulatory requirements.

Finding Your IMEI

There are a number of ways you can find your device’s IMEI. The most universal approach is to go to your device’s phone app. Type in *#06#
and the IMEI will be displayed on the screen.

If you own an Android or iOS device, you can also find the IMEI under Settings. On iOS, simply start the Settings app and head over to General > About and the IMEI will be displayed.
If you want to copy the IMEI, simply tap and hold on the number. Android devices may vary, but generally going to Settings > About Phone should display
the IMEI.

If you don’t have access to your device, there are other ways to find your IMEI as well. The retail packaging must have a label that shows the IMEI. If your
device has a removable battery, the IMEI is often listed under the battery. Most devices have the IMEI written on the rear. Others, like
the iPhone 6s and newer, have the IMEI engraved on the SIM tray.

However, in case you are planning to buy a new device, especially a second-hand one, you’ll want to confirm it’s status with the IMEI. To do this,
Go to
IMEI.info
and type in the iPhone’s IMEI number.

This free tool will tell you a bit about the device, and provide additional services, such as simple blacklist check. If you want to get additional
clarity, IMEI.info offers premium services such as a distinct blacklist check for each major US carrier and a SIM-lock status tool.

What Is an IMEI Number Used For?

The main purpose of IMEI’s is to equip your device with a unique ID number. In practice, therefore, the IMEI is very much like the Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) used in the automotive industry. Although sometimes confused, the IMEI number is completely separate from your SIM number and cannot be changed.

When you connect to a cellular network, the provider records both numbers to enable their service. The
SIM number identifies your subscriber account,
while the IMEI just identifies the device.

If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can contact your carrier who may be able to block the IMEI number from being used to connect
to the network. Your provider may also be able to contact and ask other networks to block the device. After doing so, you can then use built-in
tools to
find your iPhone’s location.

Usually, law enforcement keep records of lost and recovered phones, identified by their IMEI. Because there is no good reason to change the device’s IMEI, the
practice is considered illegal in most regions.

While it might be illegal to change the IMEI of a device, it does happen. Thieves, specifically, will try to take non-blacklisted numbers and apply
them to their stolen devices to make them usable again. As such, we suggest you never share or post your IMEI number online, otherwise you
might find your device cloned.

Have You Recorded Your IMEI?

The IMEI number is one of the most significant and distinctive ways of identifying your iPhone. If you haven’t already, you should locate it and take note of
it immediately.

Keep a record of your IMEI in a safe place, so it’s readily available in case you ever need it. If you are looking for a digital safe, then apassword manager might even
do the work.

Having said that, if you’ve found or recovered someone else’s iPhone, you may be wondering how to get it back to them. As such, you’ll want to know
what to do if you find a lost or stolen iPhone.

Found a Lost or Stolen iPhone? Here’s What to Do