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“Charging on Hold” Error on Your iPhone 14 Pro? 10 Best Ways to Fix It

by Moses Johnson

Several iPhone 14 Pro users have reported that they are encountering a "Charging on Hold" error. Here’s what you can do to continue charging your device.

Information in this article apply to iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Starting with iOS 16, Apple introduced a new feature that puts your iPhone’s charging on hold when it gets too hot or cold to protect its battery from possible permanent damage.

However, if the "Charging on Hold" alert constantly keeps popping up on your iPhone 14 Pro even when your phone’s temperature feels normal, there’s either something wrong with your iPhone or the charger you’re using.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to get rid of this annoying notification. Below, I’ll explain how to fix the Charging on Hold error on your iPhone 14 Pro for good!

1. Close Apps Running in the Background

One of the reasons your iPhone 14 Pro keeps showing the Charging On Hold alert could be the power-intensive apps running in the background. Even though most apps running in the background remain in a suspended state, some apps, such as music players or news apps, keep refreshing in the background and fetch new data.

Force closing these apps may help cool down your iPhone and resume charging. To force quit an app, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and then swipe up on each app in the App Switcher to force close it.

Under normal circumstances, you shouldn’t constantly close apps on your iPhone since it does more damage to the battery life than good. However, force-quitting apps is an easy troubleshooting step in cases such as this one.

You can also turn off Background App Refresh to prevent apps from consuming system resources in the background, which can help cool down your iPhone 14 Pro and stop it from showing Charging On Hold error. To turn it off, go into your iPhone Settings, then tap General followed by Background App Refresh. Tap the name of the feature again, located at the top of that screen, and then choose Off.

2. Uninstall Suspicious Apps

It’s possible that an app that you recently downloaded carries a bug that’s triggering the Charging On Hold feature. There are a few signs that suggest that an app carries a bug, such as when the app keeps crashing or slows down your iPhone 14 Pro significantly while you’re using it. Uninstalling the app from your iPhone will likely solve this issue.

To uninstall an app, long-press on its icon. Tap Remove App from the menu that appears. Then, choose Delete App to uninstall the app from your iPhone permanently.

3. Don’t Use Your iPhone While Charging

Although it’s generally safe to use your iPhone while charging, prolonged heavy use may overheat your phone’s battery, slowing down the charging rate and eventually putting it on hold.

Therefore, it’s best to keep your iPhone aside for a while and let it fully charge before using it again.

4. Turn Off Your iPhone for a While

Even if you think your iPhone isn’t abnormally hot to the touch, it’s likely the battery and internal components are overheating due to several reasons. Apple recommends turning off your device for a while and letting it cool down before turning it on again and putting it on charge.

To turn off an iPhone 14 Pro, press and hold the Side and Volume Up (or Volume Down) buttons simultaneously.

5. Turn Off Optimized Battery Charging

The Optimized Battery Charging feature reduces the wear and tear on your iPhone’s battery by controlling how quickly it charges and significantly slowing down charging once it reaches 80%. In some cases, the Charging On Hold alert may appear once the battery has charged up to 80%, after which the battery stops charging no matter how long you leave the device connected to power.

This could be due to a bug in the Optimized Battery Charging feature. So, we recommend disabling it temporarily by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and toggling off Optimized Battery Charging.

6. Turn On Airplane Mode

Being constantly connected to the internet can be the source of the problem you’re experiencing. If that’s the case, turning on airplane mode can help reduce the load on the battery and prevent it from overheating, which might solve the Charging On Hold issue.

To turn on Airplane Mode, swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to reveal the Control Center. Find the Airplane toggle in Control Center and tap it. The icon should turn orange, indicating it has been enabled.

7. Update Your iPhone

Make sure you’re always running the latest version of iOS, as it comes with performance improvements that can prevent your iPhone 14 Pro from experiencing “Charging on hold” error.

If you’re still using an older iOS version, it’s possible that a bug may have crept into your phone’s system that keeps giving you the Charging On Hold alert even though there’s no need for it. Installing the latest iOS software may fix this bug and solve the problem.

To update your iPhone, head over to Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Download and Install if a new update is available. Also, make sure Automatic Updates are enabled so you don’t have to manually check for updates every time.

8. Switch to an official Apple charger

Some off-brand chargers are cheaper than Apple official ones. But that’s because the charger isn’t precisely made to feed the amount of power required. So it may be overloading your iPhone 14 Pro thereby triggering “Charging on hold” error. Swapping that out for a charger from Apple might help here. But before you toss it into the bin and head to the store for a replacement, there are a few things that you can do that might help.

  • Unplug your charger from the power source, wait for a few minutes, and then plug the charger back in. You can also try using a different USB port or power outlet to see if that makes any difference.
  • It’s also possible that the adapter and cable you’re using to charge your iPhone are of low quality. In that case, try charging your iPhone with a high-quality MFI-certified lightning cable and adapter.
  • If the problem persists, opt for slow charging for a while. Fast charging generates more heat than slow charging, which may be why your iPhone 14 Pro is getting hot and giving you the Charging On Hold notification. Connecting your iPhone to an adapter with a low rating might help solve the issue.

    • lighting to usb-c charging cable  

9. Reset your iPhone

If you find that your iPhone 14 Pro still giving charging on hold notification after trying the steps mentioned above, you should try resetting the phone to return it to its factory settings.

This will delete all apps and customized settings, but it could potentially help you troubleshoot the problem you are experiencing. Go to settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.

Quick tip: Make sure to back up your iPhone using iCloud or a computer before performing the factory reset to save your data and restore it later.

10. Get your iPhone repaired

Sending your iPhone in for repairs should be the last resort after trying all of the steps above, and your iPhone 14 Pro is still throwing “Charging on hold” notifications. You could potentially have a hardware problem that requires an expert to open your phone up to fix.

The best way to do this is to contact Apple support for assistance so they can schedule you for an appointment at your nearest Genius Bar.

Successfully Fixed Charging On Hold iPhone 14 Pro Error

The Charging On Hold notification is useful only when it’s working properly. If you keep getting the notification every time you charge your iPhone 14 Pro, you’re either using a low-quality charger or your device is sending a false alert.

It’s also possible that your iPhone is actually getting hot due to heavy-duty apps working in the background or because you’re using it while charging. The troubleshooting methods we discussed should resolve the issue, but if none of them helped, it’s best to contact Apple Support for further help.

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6 Best Apple Vision Pro Tips, Tricks & Hidden Gestures You Should Know

by GeeksModo Staff

Apple Vision Pro, a revolutionary spatial computer that seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world, while allowing users to stay present and connected to others. Vision Pro creates an infinite canvas for apps that scales beyond the boundaries of a traditional display and introduces a fully three-dimensional user interface controlled by the most natural and intuitive inputs possible — a user’s eyes, hands, and voice. Featuring visionOS, the world’s first spatial operating system, Vision Pro lets users interact with digital content in a way that feels like it is physically present in their space.

Follow along to learn the best Apple Vision Pro tips, tricks and hidden gestures to help you navigate visionOS like a pro.

A close-up of Apple Vision Pro.  

Hand gestures in visionOS work in tandem with eye tracking. Your eyes provide targeting and intent, and gestures trigger specific actions. The Vision Pro features front, side, and bottom-mounted cameras for hand tracking, and infrared sensors inside the headset track your eyes.

You look at an onscreen item–like a button–to highlight it or hold your gaze to expand the underlying contextual menu or reveal a tooltip. With the selection made, perform a gesture like pinching to act on it. Because the external cameras cover a wide field of view, you can perform gestures while resting your hand comfortably in your lap to avoid strain.

Apple has outlined six common types of hand gestures for visionOS in a WWDC23 developer talk about designing hand and eye interactions for spatial input. Coupled with eyes for targeting, these hand gestures let you control apps and interactions across the system.

The Best Apple Vision Pro’ tips and tricks

Tap

Pinching your fingers together will perform the default action on the selected item. Think of pinching in terms of tapping the iPhone’s screen or clicking your Mac’s mouse or trackpad. Some visionOS features, such as air typing on the virtual keyboard, don’t require the tap gesture.

Double Tap

Pinch your thumb and index finger together twice in quick succession to perform the equivalent of the double-tap gesture in touch-first operating systems like iOS and iPadOS.

Pinch and Hold

Bring your thumb and index finger together and hold them momentarily to trigger this gesture. Pinch and hold in visionOS works similarly to the long-press (tap and hold) gesture on your iPhone for highlighting text or bringing up the contextual menu.

Move your pinched fingers to move windows and other UI elements in visionOS. If Safari is in front of you, you can also hold your hand in the air and just flick your finger to scroll.

Pinch and Drag

The pinch and drag gesture is used for scrolling. Just bring your fingers together and flick your wrist. You can scroll up, down, left, or right by dragging your hand in any direction.

The faster you move your hand, the faster you’ll scroll. You can scroll webpages in Safari, emails in Mail, documents in Pages, spreadsheets in Excel, etc. You can use the pinch and drag gesture to scroll content in any window on visionOS that supports scrolling.

Zoom

For zooming in Safari, Photos, and other apps, pinch the thumb and index fingers on both hands together, then move each outwards. You can use this gesture to bring a window in visionOS farther or closer, enlarge images, and more. In the Photos app, you can look at a specific part of an image when performing the zoom gesture to zoom in on it.

Rotate

To rotate an item, pinch your fingers with both hands close together, then move one hand upwards and the other downwards. You can use this gesture to rotate 3D objects in Quick Look, images in the Photos app, illustrations in documents, and so on.

Eye and Hand Tracking "Just Works" on the Vision Pro

Like on the iPhone, Apple provides a basic gestural language for navigating the entirety of the visionOS user interface and augmented reality apps. Third-party developers can leverage Apple’s official APIs for visionOS to create and add gestural input to their apps.

Apple doesn’t recommend creating custom gestures that clash with the system ones or those that aren’t easy to understand, perform, or memorize.

Eye and hand tracking in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications are not new features. However, the Vision Pro headset implements these features in Apple’s trademark manner. As a result, navigating visionOS with your eyes and hands is seamless and effortless.

Tag: Apple Vision Pro
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8 Best macOS Sonoma features that will take your Mac to the next level

by Dave Johnson

macOS Sonoma has features you’ll benefit from immediately.

macOS Sonoma displayed on MacBook Air, the 27-inch iMac, and MacBook Pro.  

Whether you have a new Mac or just got around to updating your old one, macOS Sonoma has a lot of new features to get to know. Regardless of whether you’re a veteran or a new Mac user, these new macOS Sonoma features are ones you’ll want to take advantage of. Here are eight of them that your Mac will be better off using.

Can my Mac run macOS Sonoma?

According to Apple’s very own website, which highlights the features of macOS Sonoma, these are the Macs that are compatible with the latest desktop operating system:

  • iMac 2019 and later
  • Mac Pro 2019 and later
  • iMac Pro 2017
  • Mac Studio 2022 and later
  • MacBook Air 2018 and later
  • Mac mini 2018 and later
  • MacBook Pro 2018 and later

What’s new in macOS Sonoma?

There are a few enhancements and new features in macOS Sonoma that will improve the overall usability of your Mac, while also focusing on things like gaming and privacy. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

1. New screensavers

macOS Sonoma brings stunning screen savers featuring slow-motion videos of various locations worldwide, such as the sweeping skyline of Hong Kong, the sandstone buttes of Monument Valley in Arizona, and the rolling hills of Sonoma in Northern California. This rich graphical and photographic imagery enhances the Mac experience by shuffling through Landscape, Earth, Underwater, or Cityscape themes. The login experience is now repositioned at the bottom of the screen, making space for the new screen savers, which seamlessly transition into the desktop.

2. Game Mode

With the power of Apple silicon, users experience incredible graphics performance on every Mac. And now, tens of millions of Macs with Apple silicon can run demanding games with great performance, long battery life, and breathtaking visuals. Developers continue to take advantage of Metal 3, bringing exciting new titles to Mac, including DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT, Stray, Fort Solis, World of Warcraft: Dragonflight, HUMANKIND, Resident Evil Village: Winters’ Expansion, The Medium, ELEX II, Firmament, SnowRunner, Disney Dreamlight Valley, No Man’s Sky, Dragonheir: Silent Gods, and Layers of Fear. To make it easier to port games from other platforms to Mac, Metal introduces a new game porting toolkit, eliminating months of upfront work and enabling developers to see how well their existing game could run on Mac in just a few days. It also dramatically simplifies the process of converting the game’s shaders and graphics code to take full advantage of Apple silicon performance, significantly reducing the total development time.

macOS Sonoma also introduces Game Mode, giving players an edge when performance is measured in precious milliseconds. Game Mode delivers an optimized gaming experience with smoother and more consistent frame rates, by ensuring games get the highest priority on the CPU and GPU. Game Mode also makes gaming on Mac even more immersive — dramatically lowering audio latency with AirPods, and significantly reducing input latency with popular game controllers like those for Xbox and PlayStation by doubling the Bluetooth sampling rate. Game Mode works with any game, including all of the recent and upcoming Mac games.

3. Video conferencing

macOS Sonoma brings enhanced video conferencing features that enable users to present and share their work more effectively within any video conferencing app. Presenter Overlay, a new video effect, elevates a user’s presence by displaying them on top of the content they are sharing. Additionally, Reactions allow users to share how they feel by seamlessly adding balloons, confetti, hearts, and more into the video, which can also be triggered with a hand gesture. The improved Screen Sharing picker simplifies the process of sharing apps during video calls. Users can simply click the green button in the top-left corner of an app and choose to share it in the call, allowing for easy content sharing from their currently open windows.

4. Safari upgrades in macOS Sonoma

Safari, the world’s fastest browser, introduces new features to enhance the browsing experience for Mac users. This year brings a significant update to Private Browsing, which provides even greater protection during browsing both from trackers and from people who might have access to the user’s device. Advanced tracking and fingerprinting protections in Private Browsing go even further to help prevent websites from tracking or identifying the user. Private Browsing windows also lock when users are not using them, allowing them to keep tabs open even when they step away from their device.

The new profiles feature in Safari displayed on MacBook Pro.

Additionally, profiles help users stay organized by offering a way to separate browsing between topics, while also keeping cookies, history, extensions, Tab Groups, and Favorites separate. Users can sign in to the same site with both work and personal accounts — and quickly switch between them — ensuring a smooth browsing experience. Safari also enables the creation of web apps that behave like normal apps, putting users’ favorite sites at their fingertips and providing a simplified toolbar for an app-like experience.

5. Shared Password Groups

If you share a specific set of passwords, macOS Sonoma provides a better way to store them in a shared vault through iCloud Keychain.

You can create a group specifically for sharing passwords. Everyone will have access to the passwords, and they can add new or edit existing ones.

6. Web Apps in the Dock

macOS Sonoma has a new excellent feature that enables easier access to favorite websites directly from the Dock. You can add any website to the Dock and access it directly in an app-like window.

Adding a website to the Dock allows you to access it like any other macOS app with support for Stage Manager and Mission Control. Web apps can also send notifications.

7. Enhanced Accessibility Features

macOS Sonoma introduces several accessibility features that make Mac even more customizable for all users. For users with hearing disabilities, Made for iPhone hearing devices can connect to their Mac for calls and media consumption,1 while users who are nonspeaking can use Live Speech to type and vocalize their thoughts during calls and conversations. For users with physical and motor disabilities, phonetic suggestions appear when dictating and editing text with Voice Control on Mac. To assist users with cognitive disabilities, animated images like GIFs can be automatically paused in Messages and Safari. Additionally, users who are blind or have low vision can easily customize text size across Mac apps, and utilize Xcode with VoiceOver, Apple’s industry-leading screen reader.

8. Interactive Widgets

Like on iOS and iPadOS, macOS is finally getting widgets. You can place app widgets on the desktop, a major improvement from macOS Ventura, where widgets were nicely tucked away in the Notification Center.

And with their interactive nature, widgets in macOS Sonoma make it convenient to access certain features inside an app without fully opening it. For example, you can check off reminders, control music, and control your smart home devices without opening the appropriate app.

Through Continuity, you can access a wide array of widgets in macOS Sonoma that are already available on iPhone. All widgets in macOS Sonoma can be accessed via a dedicated widget gallery.

Other changes

There are a few changes in this release that are less specific to macOS but apply to Apple’s platforms in general. One of them is support for filling PDFs. macOS can recognize text fields in PDFs and make them fillable, including real-life documents scanned with a camera. PDFs can also now be viewed inline inside Notes, so you can view notes related to a certain document right on the same page.

In the Messages app, Apple has introduced a new stickers experience, along with improvements to search, replies, groups, and syncing. Meanwhile, the Reminders app now creates intelligent grocery lists to make shopping trips easier, and it’s now possible to organize lists into sections.

The keyboard experience has also been improved with more accurate corrections in autocorrect and inline completions that make it easier to finish a sentence. Dictation is also more accurate now. Finally, privacy enhancements include expanded support for Communication Safety in surfaces like AirDrop, the Photos picker, and incoming calls. There’s also a sensitive content warning in places like AirDrop and Messages, so you don’t have to be exposed to anything you don’t want to see. This also gives you the option to block a contact if needed.

Tag: macOS Sonoma
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10 Best Hidden watchOS 10 Features You Should Know About

by Dave Johnson

Here are some watchOS 10 features you might have heard about.

Five Apple Watch devices show features in watchOS 10, including a new Smart Stack and two additional watch faces.  

With watchOS 10, Apple introduced a number of headline new features like redesigned apps, new watch faces, new Smart Stack, and more. But it also made a number of smaller yet notable changes and additions that make your Apple Watch more functional and convenient to use.

In this article, we’ve listed 10 best hidden watchOS 10 features and enhancements, some of which may have gone under your radar. Bear in mind that ‌watchOS 10‌ requires Apple Watch Series 4 or later and an iPhone running iOS 17.

Best watchOS 10 hidden features

Here are some watchOS 10 hidden features you might not have heard about.

1. Redesigned interface

With watchOS 10, redesigned apps provide more information at a glance, and there are new ways to navigate and quickly access content.

The home screen uses machine learning to show you relevant information at the right time of day. Early in the morning? You get meetings and weather information, while later on, you’ll be served other (unspecified) information, probably a traffic report or something similar. Something like a timer will jump to the top of the list when it’s active.

2. Smart Stack

A new Smart Stack contains widgets that display timely information that adapts to the user’s context and can be revealed with a simple turn of the Digital Crown from any watch face. For example, at the beginning of the day, Weather will show the forecast, or, when traveling, the Smart Stack will show boarding passes from Wallet. Calendar and Reminders will reshuffle to the top to display upcoming meetings or tasks, and apps that are running, such as Podcasts, will also move up so they are readily available. Smart Stack also enables users to enjoy a beautiful watch face, like Portraits, while still offering a way to quickly access information they care about.

Apple Watch Series 8 shows the new Smart Stack with currently playing music displayed on top.

3. Two new watch faces

New Watch Faces
watchOS 10 introduces two new artistic and joyful watch faces: Palette and Snoopy. The Palette face depicts time in a wide variety of colors using three distinct overlapping layers, and as the time changes, the colors on the display also shift.

Apple Watch Series 8 shows the new Palette watch face in iris.

Additionally, the beloved comic strip Peanuts comes to life on Apple Watch with a new watch face featuring Snoopy and Woodstock. The characters interact and play with the watch hands, react to the weather conditions in the area, or even get active when the user does a workout.

Apple Watch Series 8 shows the new Palette watch face in emerald.

4. Cycling

Apple Watch is a great device for cyclists, with features including automatic Workout reminders, calorimetry for e-biking, and Fall Detection. watchOS 10 takes this popular activity even further with advanced new metrics, views, and experiences.

When a cycling workout is started from Apple Watch in watchOS 10, it will automatically show up as a Live Activity on iPhone and, when tapped, will utilize the full screen. Workout Views, such as Heart Rate Zones, Elevation, Race Route, Custom Workouts, and a new Cycling Speed view, have been optimized for the display size of iPhone, which can be mounted to a bike for convenient, easy viewing during a ride.

An Apple Watch user is shown riding a bicycle with Apple Watch on their wrist and iPhone mounted to the bike’s handlebars.

Apple Watch can now automatically connect to Bluetooth-enabled cycling accessories, such as power meters, speed sensors, and cadence sensors. This enables brand-new metrics, including cycling power (watts) and cadence (RPM), and additional Workout Views, including Power Zones. Bluetooth connection is supported for Indoor and Outdoor cycling workouts, as well as GymKit.

New algorithms combining sensor data from Apple Watch and connected power meters can estimate Functional Threshold Power (FTP), the highest level of cycling intensity that a rider could theoretically maintain for an hour. Using FTP, Apple Watch calculates personalized Power Zones, used to easily see the current zone and track how long is spent in each, which is an effective and popular way of improving performance.

5. Hiking

The Compass app on Apple Watch is a helpful tool for exploring the great outdoors. With watchOS 10, Compass automatically generates two new waypoints: A Last Cellular Connection Waypoint will estimate the last place with cellular reception, which may be useful for checking messages or making a call. In case of emergencies, a Last Emergency Call Waypoint will estimate where on the route their device had the last connection to any available carrier’s network so that an emergency call can be made.

When preparing routes, a new Elevation view uses altimeter data, offering a three-dimensional view of saved waypoints. And starting in the U.S., Apple Maps displays a new topographic map featuring contour lines, hill shading, elevation details, and points of interest. Users can also search for nearby trails and trailheads, with place cards that include detailed information, like trail length, type, and difficulty.

6. Mental Health monitoring

Mental health is as important as physical health, and research shows that reflecting on state of mind can help build emotional awareness and resilience. With the Mindfulness app in watchOS 10, users can discreetly and conveniently log their momentary emotions and daily moods. Users can turn the Digital Crown to scroll through engaging, multidimensional shapes to choose how they are feeling, select what is having the biggest impact on them, and describe their feelings.

In the Health app in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, users can see valuable insights to identify what might be contributing to their state of mind — whether it’s associations or lifestyle factors, like sleep or exercise. Additionally, depression and anxiety assessments often used in clinics are now easily accessible in the Health app and can help users determine their risk level, connect to resources available in their region, and create a PDF to share with their doctor.

7. Daylight Sensitivity

Apple is concerned about children developing myopia, or near-sightedness, and says that it’s less likely to develop if children spend at least 80 minutes or more in daylight. Apple Watch can now measure the time spent outside using the ambient light sensor, and parents can monitor it in the Health app. It comes as Screen Distance is being used across other devices to help people avoid holding their iPhones and iPads too close, which can be another cause of issues while children are developing, apparently.

Time spent in daylight can provide additional benefits to physical and mental health for all ages. And children who do not have their own iPhone can use Family Setup to pair their Apple Watch to their parent’s iPhone, giving parents visibility into the amount of time their kids are spending in daylight with Health Sharing.

The new Screen Distance feature uses the same TrueDepth camera that powers Face ID in iPad and iPhone to encourage users to move their device farther away after holding it closer than 12 inches for an extended period of time.

When a device is locked with a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID, all Health app data, including mental health and vision health data, is encrypted.

8. Widgets

Apple has revamped and improved its old Glances system into all-new widgets, which sit at the forefront of the watchOS 10 design ethos. The aim is to allow you to open up your watch and use it instantly by scrolling through your favorite widgets with the Digital Crown rather than picking through the polka-dot Where’s Waldo? cloud of apps.

Widgets enable you to access some of your most-often functionalities such as weather (which got a big redesign), workout metrics, stock tickers, timers and more. The timer, for example, can be activated via the Complications widget with a simple press of the crown, and then you can check the timer simply by scrolling up from your watch face.

9. Enterprise

Apple Watch offers enterprise customers features to enhance productivity and safety in the office or in the field, such as hands-free communication and responding to notifications on the go, or Fall Detection on a job site. watchOS 10 introduces support for Mobile Device Management (MDM), enabling enterprise customers to remotely and centrally install apps and configure accounts on a fleet of devices, with features such as passcode enforcement, and configuring Wi-Fi and VPN settings. With this update, Apple Watch can further help improve employee wellness, productivity and health, and safety monitoring.

10. APIs for Workout App Developers

watchOS 10 includes new APIs for workout app developers that will allow them to create compelling new experiences. The powerful motion sensors on both Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra can detect rapid changes in velocity and acceleration, such as when swinging a golf club or a tennis racket. Now, developers will have access to this high-frequency motion data, so apps like SwingVision can analyze serve pronation, which is the twisting motion of the forearm, wrist, and hand, and Golfshot can detect small wrist movements to refine a golf swing.

watchOS 10 supported devices

The big news here is that Apple is dropping support for the Apple Watch Series 3. The 2018 model will no longer get updates and will miss out on watchOS 10. If you have an Apple Watch Series 4 or above paired with iPhone Xs or later, you are eligible for the update.

Here’s a list of Apple Watch models that are compatible with watchOS 10:

  • Apple Watch Series 4
  • Apple Watch Series 5
  • Apple Watch SE (Both models)
  • Apple Watch Series 6
  • Apple Watch Series 7
  • Apple Watch Series 8
  • Apple Watch Ultra

Enjoy All the New watchOS 10 Features

While not getting a lot of attention, these lesser-known improvements in watchOS 10 continue to make the experience even better.

Whether you’re using widgets, Watch Faces, enjoying cycling features, or something else, Apple Watch is a great way to enjoy the Apple experience on a wearable device.

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What to do if your Apple Card gets lost or stolen (2025)

by Dave Johnson

If your physical Apple Card gets lost or stolen, it’s essential to know the steps to take to prevent unauthorized use and request a replacement.

The Apple Card, available exclusively to iPhone users, is a virtual credit card issued by Goldman Sachs. The card is designed to be primarily used digitally through the Wallet app, although you can request a physical titanium card as well. The virtual and physical cards have separate card numbers. This distinction is important because it determines the steps you’ll need to take if your card gets lost or stolen.

Here are step-by-step instructions for what you should do if your Apple Card gets lost or stolen.

How to lock your titanium Apple Card

If your Apple Card is lost or stolen, the first step is to lock the card to prevent unauthorized use. To do this, follow the steps below:

  1. Open the Wallet app and tap on ‘Apple Card’.
  2. Tap the More button , then tap Card Details
  3. Scroll down to the ‘Titanium Card’ section and tap on it.
  4. Toggle the switch next to ‘Lock Card’.

iPhone showing a colorful image of Apple Card.  

When your card is locked, no one can use it to make purchases. This gives you an added layer of protection while you wait for your new card.

How to Unlock Your Titanium Apple Card

If you’ve previously locked your Apple Card to prevent unauthorized use and have found your card, you will need to unlock your card.

  1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap ‘Apple Card’.
  3. Tap the More button , then tap Card Details.
  4. Scroll down to the ‘Titanium Card’ section and tap on it.
  5. Toggle the switch next to Unlock Card, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Your Apple Card will now be unlocked and ready to use again.

How to request a replacement Apple card on iPhone and iPad

If your Apple Card is lost or stolen, but you still have your iPhone or iPad, you can use your device to request a replacement card

On your iPhone:

  1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on ‘Apple Card’.
  3. Tap the More button then tap Card Details
  4. Tap on ‘Request Replacement Card’.
  5. Select the reasons: Lost, Stolen, Damaged, or Other reasons.
  6. Tap on ‘Next’ and follow on-screen instructions to complete the process.

On your iPad:

  1. Launch the Settings App.
  2. Scroll down and select Wallet & Apple Pay.
  3. Tap Apple Card.
  4. Under Titanium Card, tap Request Replacement Card, then follow the instructions on your screen.

Apple will deactivate your lost or stolen card and issue you a new one. Once you’ve completed this process, no one can use the lost or stolen card, protecting you from unauthorized charges.

How to lock a participant’s titanium Apple Card

Locking a participant’s Apple Card refers to a situation where an Apple Card Family participant (either a co-owner or a participant under age 18) loses their physical Apple Card, and you, as the Apple Card Family organizer or co-owner, need to lock their card to prevent unauthorized use.

Here’s how to lock a participant’s Apple Card:

  1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap ‘Apple Card’.
  3. Tap the More button , then tap Card Details
  4. Tap the participant’s name.
    Scroll down to Titanium Card and tap Lock Card.

This will prevent any use of the physical card until you unlock it again. Note that the participant can still use their digital Apple Card for transactions, including Apple Pay.

How to unlock a participant’s titanium Apple Card

If you use Apple Card Family and you’re the account owner or co-owner, you can unlock a participant’s titanium Apple Card.

Follow these steps to unlock a participant’s Apple Card:

  1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap ‘Apple Card’.
  3. Tap the More button , then tap Card Details
  4. Tap the participant’s name.
  5. Scroll down to Titanium Card and tap Unlock Card, then follow the onscreen instructions.

The participant’s card is now unlocked and can be used for physical transactions again.

What to do if your iPhone and titanium Apple Card are both lost or stolen

If your iPhone and titanium Apple Card are both missing or stolen, you can call Goldman Sachs for a replacement Apple Card:

  • [(877) 255-5923](tel:(877) 255-5923)
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The 4 Best MacBooks for Designers in 2025

by GeeksModo Staff

Here are the best MacBooks for designers according to our testing

Designing is a job that demands precision, creativity, and a robust set of tools to bring ideas to life. Among those tools, one of the most essential is a powerful laptop capable of running intensive design software smoothly. For many designers, Apple’s MacBooks are the go-to choice due to their high-performance specs, superior build quality, and sleek aesthetics. However, with various models available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, choosing the right MacBook for your design needs can be a daunting task.

In this guide, we will dive deep into the world of MacBooks to help you pick the one that best suits your needs as a designer. We’ll compare the latest models, assess their performance, and highlight the specific reasons why they could be an excellent choice for you. So, whether you’re into graphic design, web design, UX/UI design, or any other creative field, read on to find the ideal MacBook for your work.

Which is the best MacBook for designers now?

The best MacBook for designers remains the MacBook Air, which was updated for 2022. There are other noteworthy models we’ve gathered to help you choose the one that fits your needs best.

The best MacBooks for designers you can buy today

MacBook Air (2022)

The best MacBook for designers who want fresh design and excellent internals

MacBook Air in midnight displaying a wallpaper.  

Specifications

CPU: M2 GPU: M2 (Integrated) RAM: 8GB/16GB/24GB Size: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches Display: 13.6-inches, 2560 x 1600 pixels Weight: 2.7 pounds Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB

Why it’s the best MacBook for designers

The Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) isn’t just one of the best laptops Apple has ever made. It’s one of the best MacBooks for designers. While it might not pack a powerful AI-assisted GPU, Apple’s own silicon represents serious competition in the lightweight laptop space.

Thanks to the revolutionary ARM-based Apple M2 chip – an update from the previous M1 chip – that powers the new MacBook Air, this is a stunning achievement: a thin and light laptop that offers great performance while offering incredible battery life. During our time with the MacBook Air, the laptop performed incredibly well, whether we were playing around with software such as Adobe Creative Cloud or Sketch.

Easily managing over 11 hours on a single charge, this is a laptop you can easily carry around with you in the office or outdoors. Its screen is gorgeous, and the new-and-improved keyboard means you can happily work for hours.

Pros

  • Apple M2 chip
  • 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
  • Up to 18 hours of wireless web between charges
  • MagSafe
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Only two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
  • Maximum storage is 2TB
  • No longer “cheap.”

2. 13-inch MacBook Pro M2 (2022)

The best MacBook for designers who want an excellent battery life

The M2-powered 13-inch MacBook Pro.

Specifications

CPU: Apple M2 (8-core) GPU: Apple M2 GPU (10-core)RAM: 8GB/16GB/24GB sSize: 12 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches Display: 13.3 inches, 2560 x 1600 pixel Weight: 3.1 pounds Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB

Why it’s the best MacBook for designers

The 13-inch MacBook Pro 2022 was the first M2-powered Apple laptop to hit the market. While the design is a bit dated, it’s a solid choice for disigners thanks to the power of M2.

And based on our tests, the M2 chip delivers, offering performance that destroys competing Windows laptops. The M2 also beats the M1 chip by a significant margin in various benchmarks. Plus, the new MacBook Pro 2022 delivers among the longest battery life we’ve seen from a modern laptop, surpassing 18 hours of runtime.

However, while this notebook sports a new slice of Apple silicon, the design shows its age. You get the same form factor, same ports, same display and same webcam. Meanwhile, the new MacBook Air 2022 offers a larger display with thinner bezels, a 1080p webcam and a thinner, lighter design.

Pros

  • Same internals as MacBook Air
  • Apple M2
  • 20 hours between battery charges

Cons

  • No MagSafe
  • Older design
  • Slightly smaller display

3. 16-inch MacBook Pro (2023)

The best MacBook for designers who want extremely powerful laptop

Specifications

CPU: 3.3GHz Apple M2 Pro 12 cores (8P/4E) Ram: 32GB LPDDR5 Size: 0.66 by 14 by 9.8 inches Display: 16-inch 3,456×2,234 254ppi 3:2 aspect ratio; 500 nits SDR, 1,600 nits HDR Weight: 4.7 lbs/2.2kg Storage: 2TB Apple SSD AP2048Z, SD card slot

Why it’s the best MacBook for designers

Want an excellent laptop for running software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other resource-hungry applications? Then you may be looking for the beastly 16-inch MacBook Pro, which sports either M2 Pro or M2 Max chips that deliver shocking amounts of performance. This model features the same gorgeous mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display as its predecessor and once you get over the notch, you’ll be wowed by its contrast and smoothness, especially with its 120Hz refresh rate.

On top of that, you get the return of the ports that pros demand. That’s not just the safety-focused MagSafe 3 charging port, but HDMI-out for connecting to displays and an SD memory reader for connecting memory cards for real-deal cameras. Oh, and don’t think MagSafe will take USB-C charging out of the picture: the MacBook Pro’s trio of Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports also draw power. Plus you get a 1080p webcam, a trio of improved microphones and a stellar six-point speaker system.

Pros

  • Class leading performance
  • Crisp retina display
  • Excellent battery life

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Heavy (4.7 lbs)

4. 14-inch MacBook Pro (2023)

The best MacBook for designers who want versatility at a lower price

Specifications

CPU: M2 Pro (10-core CPU, 16-core GPU or 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU), with optional M2 Max with up to 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU GPU: 16GB to 96GB Size: 12.3 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3024×1964 pixels, 254ppi) Weight: 3.5 pounds (M2 Pro) – 3.6 pounds (M2 Max) Storage: 512GB to 8TB

Why it’s the best MacBook for designers

The MacBook Pro 14-inch 2023 is one of the most powerful portable laptops money can buy, and that’s because of the new M2 Pro chip from Apple, which delivers even faster performance than the previous M1 Pro chip. If you need to cut video on the go and don’t want to pay extra for the larger 16-inch model, this 2023 Pro is a great choice.

This laptop turned in class-leading results on multiple tests, including Geekbench, Photoshop, Premiere Pro and video transcoding. If you want even more performance, the optional M2 Max chip offers a big graphics boost with up to a 38-core GPU. Based on our testing, you can blaze through creative work and even play demanding games like Resident Evil Village with pristine graphics and smooth frame rates.

Your designs will look good thanks to the 14-inch mini-LED display, and you’ll appreciate awesome 6-speaker sound system and comfy keyboard and touchpad. Plus, the 1080p camera is a bit better thanks to a new ISP. The HDMI port now supports up to 8K displays, and you still get an SD card slot. Add in faster Wi-Fi 6E and you have a near-perfect laptop for pro disigners, though we’d like to see a touchscreen option and the addition of Face ID.

Pros

  • Blistering performance
  • Vibrant mini-LED display
  • Superb battery life
  • Good port selection includes HDMI and SD Card
  • Faster Wi-Fi 6E

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Notch is distracting
  • No Face ID support

designers pet

In 2023, our best MacBook for designers is the MacBook Air (M2, 2022). It’s the best choice for most designers. This incredible device offers Apple’s new M2 SoC processor and includes Touch ID, Magic Keyboard, Force Touch trackpad, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. There’s also a 1080p FaceTime HD camera and MagSafe. It’s also pretty lightweight and has 18 hours of battery life, so you can use it outdoors uninterrupted.

If the Air doesn’t have you convinced, perhaps the 13-inch MacBook Pro (M2, 2022) is a an excellent choice. There’s a Touch Bar, two more hours of battery life, and a better GPU at the entry point. Finally, if money is less than an object and you want maximum internals, consider the 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro models. They each feature a powerful M2 Pro or M2 Max chip.

How we test the best designers laptops

To find the best Apple laptop for designers, we run each through our gauntlet of benchmarks and real-world tests, and then use them as our main computer for as well. Only then are we comfortable recommending them (or not) for your purchase.

We use a Klein K-10A colorimeter to test each MacBook’s screen to find its average brightness and color quality (so we don’t just assume Apple’s ratings are correct). When it comes to general performance, we use the Geekbench 5 (CPU performance) benchmark, and time how long the Macs will take to transcode a 4K video to 1080p.

We also run the BlackMagic storage speeds test to see how fast these MacBooks’ SSDs are (spoiler alert: they’re all pretty fast). Then, we run our custom battery test to see how long each MacBook (at 150 nits of brightness) can last browsing the web over Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

We’ve also tested various computer games on MacBooks, with Civilization VI: Gathering Storm being one of our current favorites to run because it runs well on both macOS and Windows, giving us a good point of comparison.

No matter which Apple MacBook you buy, be sure to check out these MacBook Ventura tips and tricks to make the most of your Apple laptop.

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6 Reasons Why iPhones Are So Cheap on eBay

by GeeksModo Staff

You’re on eBay, scrolling through the pages, and suddenly, there it is – the latest iPhone model at a price that seems too good to be true. You rub your eyes, double-check, and yep, the price is ridiculously low compared to the Apple Store or your local electronics retailer. The question pops up in your mind – why are iPhones so cheap on eBay?

The Wonderful World of eBay

eBay is akin to the world’s largest online garage sale. This dynamic marketplace presents a vast assortment of items, from a retro lava lamp to a collectible Star Wars figurine, all the way to top-of-the-line tech gadgets. The eclectic mix and the thrill of bidding war make eBay a shopper’s paradise.

Amid this global jumble sale, Apple iPhones hold a special place. They’re ubiquitous, desirable, and strangely affordable. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this bargain bonanza.

6 Reasons why iPhones are so cheap on eBay

So, why are iPhones on eBay cheaper than, say, walking into an Apple Store or browsing the official website? There are several reasons, each as fascinating as the next.

1. The Lure of the Second-Hand Market

A substantial chunk of iPhones on eBay fall under the category of used or second-hand devices. They’ve previously been owned and used, may have a few scuffs or minor dings, but generally still function as expected.

Because they’ve been pre-loved, they’re priced significantly lower than a brand new, untouched iPhone. It’s kind of like buying a used car; it might have a few miles on it, but it’s still going to get you from A to B just fine.

2. The Magic of Refurbished iPhones

In the same vein as used iPhones, refurbished models also account for a significant portion of eBay’s iPhone market. So, what exactly is a refurbished iPhone?

These are devices that were returned to the manufacturer or a certified refurbisher due to a defect or issue. They have been repaired, tested rigorously to ensure optimal functionality, and then re-released into the market.

Refurbished iPhones offer a win-win scenario. Buyers get an almost new iPhone at a fraction of the original price, and sellers get to make a profit on devices that would otherwise be discarded.

3. The Intriguing Grey Market

The grey market is another key factor driving the availability of cheap iPhones on eBay. Don’t worry, it’s not as shady as it sounds. The grey market refers to the sale of items through channels not authorized by the original manufacturer.

For instance, a seller might source iPhones from a country where they are cheaper due to lower taxes or favorable exchange rates, and then sell them on eBay. As these phones circumnavigate the traditional distribution channels, they can often be sold for less. However, potential buyers should be aware that these phones may not carry the manufacturer’s warranty.

4. The Charm of Older Models

Apple has a consistent track record of releasing new iPhone models every year. With each shiny new release, the older models lose a bit of their luster. But, that doesn’t mean they become irrelevant or inadequate.

Many people, keen to stay on the cutting edge, sell their older iPhones when a new model comes out. eBay, with its massive global reach, serves as the perfect platform for these transactions. The result? A steady supply of older but still capable iPhones at a more affordable price.

5. The Wholesale Effect

Next, we have the wholesale effect. Sellers who purchase iPhones in large quantities often receive a discount from their suppliers. This bulk buying allows them to pass on some savings to the customer, thus offering iPhones at prices lower than traditional retail outlets.

6. Locked iPhones

Carrier-locked iPhones often populate the cheaper side of eBay’s listings. These iPhones are tied to a specific network provider and can’t be used with other carriers without unlocking, which may involve some costs or complications. If you’re okay with the carrier the iPhone is locked to, or you’re ready to take on the unlocking process, you could bag a real bargain.

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

While these reasons make sense and might be tempting, it’s crucial to remember the good old saying: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Here are some potential pitfalls to keep in mind.

Counterfeit iPhones: Beware of the Fakes

Just like designer handbags and high-end watches, iPhones can be counterfeited. These fake iPhones might look like the real deal, but they’re typically made with inferior parts and run on different software. They might be dirt-cheap, but the performance and user experience are a far cry from the real deal. So, if an iPhone is absurdly cheap on eBay, it might be a counterfeit.

Stolen iPhones: Not a Good Bargain

Stolen iPhones can also find their way to eBay. These iPhones might be listed at low prices to sell them quickly. However, buying a stolen iPhone is a bad idea. The phone could be remotely locked or erased by the original owner, rendering it unusable. Plus, it’s illegal to knowingly purchase stolen goods, so it’s best to steer clear.

Scams: Tricky Waters of Online Shopping

Online marketplaces like eBay are ripe territories for scammers. Some sellers might list iPhones at low prices to attract buyers, only to never ship the item or send a different product. Always read seller reviews and ratings before making a purchase. If a deal seems too good to be true, it’s worth taking a step back and evaluating the situation critically.

The Warranty Woes

One significant drawback to consider when buying a cheap iPhone on eBay is the warranty, or lack thereof. When you purchase an iPhone directly from Apple or an authorized retailer, it comes with a warranty that protects you from manufacturing defects or issues.

However, iPhones bought from eBay may not have this protection. Grey market iPhones, in particular, might not be eligible for warranty coverage in your country. Before making a purchase, it’s wise to confirm the warranty status of the device.

The Bottom Line

So, there you have it, the great mystery of the cheap eBay iPhone decoded. It’s not a simple answer, but a tapestry woven from multiple factors – the allure of the second-hand market, the charm of older models, the fascinating grey market, the magic of refurbished devices, and the economics of wholesale trading.

Buying an iPhone on eBay can certainly save you some cash, but it’s important to remember the potential risks and downsides. The key to navigating these waters is being informed and cautious. Check the seller’s reputation, read the product description thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. With some smart shopping strategies, you can indeed get a great iPhone deal on eBay without getting burned.

In the grand scheme of things, the cheap iPhones on eBay are a testament to the evolving dynamics of the global marketplace. They reflect our ever-increasing appetite for technology, the desire for affordability, and the enduring appeal of one of the world’s most iconic gadgets.

The next time you spot a cheap iPhone on eBay, you’ll know the story behind the price tag. It’s a story of second chances, savvy shopping, and the relentless march of technology. And who knows? You might just find your perfect iPhone waiting amidst the digital shelves of this global bazaar.

Happy shopping, folks!
See also: Why are Apple products cheaper on Amazon? (Top 10 reasons)

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Did You Get an Apple ID Code You Didn’t Request? Here’s what to do

by GeeksModo Staff

If you’re a member of the Apple family, you’ve likely come across an Apple ID code–also known as a two-factor authentication code–at some point. But what if you receive one without requesting it? What’s happening behind the scenes, and is there cause for concern? Let’s dive into this topic and demystify the situation.

What’s an Apple ID Code?

First things first. An Apple ID code is a part of Apple’s two-factor authentication (2FA) system, designed to keep your account secure. When you sign in to your Apple ID on a new device or browser, Apple sends you a verification code. This code is required to access your account, effectively adding an extra layer of security.

Why are you getting an Apple ID code message?

So you’re going about your day, and _ping_–an Apple ID verification code appears on your screen, even though you weren’t trying to log into your account. Naturally, this might raise some alarm bells. Is it a glitch in the system? Has someone hacked your account?

Before you panic, let’s explore some possible explanations.

1. A Family Affair: Is a Loved One Using Your Number?

A less obvious but entirely legitimate reason for an unexpected Apple ID code could be a family member or close friend using your phone number as their trusted number. This is especially common in families where a parent’s phone number is linked to a child’s Apple ID account.

Apple’s two-factor authentication system lets you add a trusted phone number to your account. This number will receive verification codes when someone attempts to log in to the account from a new device or browser.

Let’s say you’ve given your child an iPad or iPhone, and to keep things secure, you’ve set up their Apple ID using your phone number as the trusted number. Now, whenever they try to sign in to their Apple ID, a verification code is sent to your phone.

This setup is quite handy for managing and securing your child’s Apple usage, but it can lead to some confusion if you’re not expecting to receive these codes.

2. Mistaken Identity

The most benign explanation is that someone entered your Apple ID–usually an email address–by mistake when trying to log into their account. The chances of this happening increase if your email address is common or straightforward.

3. Suspicious Activity

A more concerning possibility is that someone is attempting to gain unauthorized access to your account. If they’ve somehow obtained your Apple ID and password, they might be trying to log in. The unexpected verification code is, in this case, a sign that your 2FA is doing its job–keeping intruders out.

What to do if you get an unsolicited Apple ID code

Regardless of the cause, there are steps you should take if you receive an unexpected Apple ID verification code.

Don’t Share the Code

Firstly, and most importantly, do not share the code with anyone. Even if you get a call or an email from someone claiming to be from Apple, never give out your verification code. Apple will never ask for this information.

The next thing to do is check with your family members. Ask them if they’ve been trying to access their Apple accounts. This could quickly solve the mystery, and you’ll know there’s nothing to worry about.

However, remember that every Apple ID should ideally have its own trusted number, usually the number of the device being used. If your child is old enough and has their own phone, it might be time to update their trusted number to their own. This way, they’ll receive their verification codes directly, and you won’t be confused by unexpected codes.

Apple makes it easy to change the trusted phone number:

In iOS or iPadOS

go to Settings > account name > Password & Security, then tap _Edit_next to the Trusted Phone Numbers label. Tap the red remove button to the number’s list and then confirm removal.

In macOS 10.14 Mojave or earlier

Go to System Preferences > iCloud > Account Details > Security, select a phone number, and click the minus (-) button to remove it. Confirm its removal by clicking Remove.

In macOS 10.15 Catalina or later

Go to System Preferences > Apple ID > Password & Security, click Edit next to the Trusted Phone Numbers label, select a phone number, and then click the minus (-) button to remove it. Confirm its removal by clicking Remove.

At the Apple ID site

Log into your account and then click the Edit button next to the Security section, click the "x" next to a trusted number to remove it, and finally confirm by clicking Remove.

After completing the above steps, click ‘Add a Trusted Phone Number,’ then enter the new number.

Check Your Account Activity

Next, head over to your Apple ID account page and check for any signs of suspicious activity. Look at your devices list and remove any you don’t recognize.

Change Your Password

If you suspect foul play, change your Apple ID password immediately. Make sure your new password is strong and unique–avoid anything obvious like "123456" or "password."

On iPhone

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on your profile at the top of the screen.
  3. Tap on** Password & Security**.
  4. Tap on Change Password.
  5. Enter your iPhone passcode.
  6. Enter your new Apple ID password and then re-enter to verify.
  7. Tap Change in the top-right corner.

On Mac

You can also change your Apple ID password from your Mac.

  1. Head over to the Apple menu and choose System Settings (System Preferences).
  2. Click on your Apple ID name at the top of the list in the left sidebar (or click the Apple ID icon).
  3. Select Password & Security.
  4. Click on Change Password. You will enter your Mac user password and clickAllow.
  5. Enter your new password and then enter it again to verify. Click Change.

You can also change your Apple ID password from any browser by going to the Apple ID account webpage.

Contact Apple Support

If you’re still concerned after taking these steps, don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support. They can assist you further and provide peace of mind.

The Takeaway

While receiving an unexpected Apple ID code can be disconcerting, it’s essential to remember that it’s not necessarily a sign of a security breach. It could merely be a case of mistaken identity. However, it’s always wise to err on the side of caution. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your account remains secure.

Remember, your Apple ID is the gateway to a host of services–iTunes, iCloud, the App Store, and more. Keeping it safe should be a priority. Always be vigilant, regularly update your passwords, and keep your devices secure. In the world of online security, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

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Green Line on iPhone Screen? Here are 6 Ways to Fix it

by Dave Johnson

Does your iPhone screen show a green line? In this article, I’ll explain how to fix this problem for good!

A green line on your iPhone screen can be a vexing sight. It’s not only a nuisance that affects your device’s aesthetics, but it can also interfere with your daily usage. Thankfully, there are solutions to this problem, and in this article, we will guide you on how to fix it. So, sit back, take a deep breath, and let’s get into it!

What is the Green Line on iPhone Screen?

To start, let’s understand what this infamous green line is. This problem typically presents itself as follows:

  • The iPhone seems to function as expected; however, there’s a bright green vertical line running from the top to the bottom of the display, usually appearing on the right or left edge.
  • The green line may be flickering.
  • The green line may be positioned horizontally.
  • The green line sometimes may be a thin line, but it also may be thicker, like a column consisting of different color bars

The green line isn’t part of the display’s information but an apparent hardware glitch causing some iPhone screens to malfunction.

This issue can occur on various iPhone models, from iPhone 6 to iPhone 14. It’s not related to any specific iOS update or application.

What may cause the green line on iPhone

The green line appearing on an iPhone screen is usually a symptom of a hardware malfunction or defect within the device. Here are a few potential causes:

  • Physical Damage: This is the most common cause of the green line issue. If your iPhone has been dropped, bumped, or exposed to water, the shock or moisture may have damaged the display or internal components, leading to the appearance of the green line.
  • Manufacturing Defect: In some cases, the green line could be due to a defect in the manufacturing process. In such a scenario, the issue would typically arise soon after you start using a new device. Apple has acknowledged this issue in the past, particularly with the iPhone X, and has provided free replacements for affected devices.
  • Display Connector Issue: The green line could be a result of a problem with the connection between the display and the logic board. This might be due to a loose or damaged connector.
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Issue: Rarely, the problem could be linked to the GPU. If the GPU is malfunctioning, it could cause display issues like the green line.
  • Software Glitches: Although less common, software glitches or bugs could also result in a green line appearing on the screen. This might happen after an iOS update or when using a particular app.

If the green line appeared after a significant impact, such as dropping the phone or exposure to water, it’s most likely a hardware problem. In this case, the best course of action would be to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for repair or replacement.

On the other hand, if the line appeared suddenly without any apparent physical cause, it could be a software issue. In this scenario, several troubleshooting steps might solve the problem.

How to Fix Green Line on iPhone Screen

Let’s start with the steps you can take at home to address the green line issue.

1. Restart Your iPhone

The simplest solution is often the most overlooked one. Restarting your device can solve a myriad of minor software glitches, including the green line.

Here’s how you do it:

  • For iPhone X and later models, press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power off slider appears.
  • For iPhone SE (2nd generation), 8, 7, or 6, press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears.
  • Drag the slider, then wait for your device to turn off. To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

2. Force-restart your iPhone

If a simple restart doesn’t solve the issue, you can try force restarting your iPhone. Here’s how:

  1. Press and release the Volume Up button.
  2. Press and release the Volume Down button.
  3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. If you see the power-off slider, ignore it. Continue holding down the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

3. Update iOS

If your iPhone screen is still showing a green line, try updating your iOS to the latest version. Sometimes, software bugs that cause such issues are patched in new updates.

To update iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

4. Experiencing the green line problem while using certain apps?

sometimes the green line issue might be tied to a specific app on your iPhone. In this case, the problem is likely software-related and not due to any hardware malfunction.

If you only see the green line on your iPhone screen while using a particular app, here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:

Update the App

App developers frequently release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. If an app is causing the green line issue, updating it might resolve the problem. Here’s how to update an app:

  • Open the App Store on your iPhone.
  • Tap on your profile icon at the top right corner.
  • Scroll down to see available updates.
  • Find the problematic app and tap ‘Update’ beside it. If you want to update all apps, tap ‘Update All’.

Uninstall and Reinstall the App

If updating the app doesn’t work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling it. This can often fix any temporary glitches with the app. Follow these steps:

  • Press and hold the app icon on your home screen.
  • In the menu that pops up, tap ‘Remove App’.
  • Tap ‘Delete App’, then ‘Delete’ to confirm.
  • After uninstalling, go to the App Store, search for the app, and reinstall it.

Contact the App Developer

If the green line still appears when using the app after you’ve tried updating and reinstalling, it may be a problem the app’s developers need to address. You can usually find contact information for the developers in the app’s listing on the App Store. Inform them about the issue you’re facing and provide as much detail as possible to help them diagnose and resolve the problem.

5. Reset All Settings

If updating your iPhone doesn’t solve the issue, you can try resetting all settings. This will restore all the iPhone’s settings to their default but won’t delete your data.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. Enter your passcode and confirm the action. After the reset, check if the green line is still present.

6. Factory Reset

If the green line persists after trying all the above steps, it might be time to consider a factory reset. However, this is a last resort as it will erase all data on your iPhone. Before proceeding, ensure you have a recent backup of your data, either on iCloud or your computer.

To perform a factory reset, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your passcode and confirm the action. Once the process is complete, set up your iPhone again and check if the green line is gone.

When to Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider

If none of these steps work, or if the green line was caused by physical damage, it’s time to get professional help. Apple offers several service options including mail-in repair, carry-in repair, and onsite repair.

For iPhones under warranty or covered by AppleCare , the repair might be free of charge, unless there’s evidence of accidental damage. For out-of-warranty phones, Apple provides a repair service, but fees will apply.

When visiting an Apple Store or authorized service provider, remember to:

  • Make a backup of your iPhone. This is to ensure you don’t lose any data if your device needs to be wiped or replaced.
  • Bring your sales receipt if you have it. This can help if there are any questions about your warranty status.
  • Bring your Apple ID and password. They may be needed for some repairs.

Tips to prevent Green Line on iPhone screen problem

While you can’t completely prevent a green line from appearing on your iPhone screen, here are a few tips to minimize the likelihood:

  • Use a sturdy case: A good quality case can provide substantial protection against falls and impacts that could damage the display.
  • Avoid moisture: Water and electronics don’t mix. Even though iPhones come with water resistance, it’s not foolproof. Avoid exposing your phone to excessive moisture.
  • Handle with care: This might seem obvious, but many issues arise simply from mishandling. Be mindful when using your device.

Conclusion

A green line on your iPhone screen can be a frustrating problem, but it’s not the end of the world. You can often fix this issue by restarting your device, resetting all settings, updating iOS, or performing a factory reset. However, if these steps don’t work, or if the problem was caused by physical damage, you’ll need professional help.

Remember, if you’re ever unsure about what to do, you can always reach out to Apple Support for assistance. They’re there to help!

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How to Check If a Used iPhone is Stolen or Blacklisted (2025)

by GeeksModo Staff

Buying a used iPhone can be a cost-effective way to upgrade your device. However, the last thing you want is to buy an iPhone that’s stolen or blacklisted. It’s a common problem and can result in the device becoming unusable. But don’t worry, there are ways to avoid this. In this blog post, we’ll guide you on how to check if a used iPhone is stolen or blacklisted using the IMEI number.

What is an IMEI?

The IMEI is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile device, including iPhones. It serves as the device’s identity and is used by network providers to track and identify individual devices. By accessing an iPhone’s IMEI, you can gather vital information about its history and determine if it has been reported as stolen or blacklisted.

Why should you check an iPhone’s IMEI?

There are several reasons why it’s important to check the IMEI of a used iPhone before purchasing:

  1. Stolen device detection: An IMEI check allows you to verify if the iPhone has been reported as stolen or lost. Purchasing a stolen device is illegal and could lead to legal trouble, not to mention the hassle of dealing with a non-functional device.

  2. Blacklisted status: If an iPhone is reported as lost or stolen, the network provider can blacklist the device’s IMEI. A blacklisted iPhone will not be able to connect to any network, rendering it useless as a phone. Checking the IMEI ensures that you don’t end up with a device that can’t be activated on any network.

  3. Outstanding financial obligations: An IMEI check can also reveal if the iPhone has any unpaid bills or financial obligations attached to it. In such cases, the device may be blocked from network usage until the outstanding amount is cleared.

How to Find the IMEI Number

There are several ways to find the IMEI number of an iPhone:

If the iPhone has been set up

  • Phone Dial: You can dial *#06# and the IMEI number will appear on the screen.
  • iPhone’s Settings: Go to Settings > General > About, and scroll down to find the IMEI.

If the iPhone hasn’t been set up

On the Hello screen, tap the (i) info button to see basic information about the iPhone, including the IMEI.

How to perform an IMEI check?

Once you have the IMEI number, the next step is to check if the iPhone is stolen or blacklisted. Here are the steps involved:

  1. Open a browser and navigate to the iPhone checker at [imeipro.info](https://imeipro.info/
  2. Below the ad, enter the IMEI number in the search field where it says, "Enter IMEI Number here…"
  3. Complete the Captcha and then clickCHECK.4. Scroll down past the ad to see the results. You’ll want to see:
    • Find My iPhone should be OFF
    • Simlock status should be Unlocked.
    • Blacklist status should be CLEAN.

Other IMEI databases to check

There are several online services and dedicated apps that offer IMEI checks. Some popular options include:

  • IMEI24

  • Swappa

  • IMEIpro

  • CheckMEND

  • IMEI Detective

  • Visit one of these websites or download an app on your iPhone that offers IMEI checking services.

  • Enter the IMEI: Enter the iPhone’s IMEI in the provided field on the IMEI check service website or app. Double-check that you’ve entered the correct digits to ensure accurate results.

  • Initiate the check: Once you’ve entered the IMEI, initiate the check by clicking the "Check" button or relevant option on the website or app. The service will access the necessary databases to retrieve the information associated with the IMEI.

  • Review the results: After a few moments, the IMEI check service will provide you with the results. Pay attention to the following details:

    • Stolen or lost status: The check will indicate if the iPhone has been reported as stolen or lost. If the check reveals that the iPhone is stolen, it is essential to avoid purchasing it. Acquiring a stolen device is illegal and supports unethical practices.

  • Blacklisted status: The IMEI check will also determine if the iPhone is blacklisted. If the device is blacklisted, it means it has been blocked by network providers due to reported theft or unpaid bills. A blacklisted iPhone cannot be activated on any network and should be avoided.

  • Activation status: The IMEI check may provide information about the activation status of the iPhone. It can indicate whether the device is currently activated or if it is still tied to a previous owner’s iCloud account. Ensuring that the iPhone is not linked to someone else’s account is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free user experience.

  • Outstanding financial obligations: The IMEI check may reveal if there are any unpaid bills or financial obligations associated with the iPhone. If there are outstanding payments, it is advisable to avoid purchasing the device, as it may be blocked by the network until the financial obligations are resolved.

  • Analyze additional information: Some IMEI check services may provide additional information, such as the device’s model, color, storage capacity, and manufacturing date. While not directly related to theft or blacklisting, this information can help verify the device’s authenticity and ensure that it matches the seller’s claims.

  • Cross-check information: If the IMEI check reveals any concerning information, it is recommended to cross-check the results with other reputable IMEI check services. This can help validate the accuracy of the findings and provide further assurance before making a purchasing decision.

What if the iPhone is Blacklisted?

If you find out that the iPhone is blacklisted before buying, don’t proceed with the purchase. The phone will likely not work properly, and you could be unknowingly receiving stolen property.

If you’ve already bought a blacklisted iPhone, your options are limited:

  • Contact the Seller: Try to contact the seller and request a refund. If the seller was unaware the phone was blacklisted, they might be willing to cooperate.

  • Contact the Police: If the seller doesn’t cooperate or if you suspect the phone was stolen, contact your local police department.

  • Contact Your Carrier: If the phone was blacklisted because of an unpaid balance on the phone, you might be able to pay off the balance and have the phone removed from the blacklist. This is not always possible, but some carriers will allow it.

  • Use as an iPod: As a last resort, you could still use the phone as an iPod, assuming it’s not activation locked. You’ll be able to connect to Wi-Fi and use apps that don’t require a cellular connection.

How to Protect Yourself When Buying a Used iPhone

To avoid buying a stolen or blacklisted iPhone, consider the following tips:

  1. Purchase from reputable sources: To minimize the risk of purchasing a stolen or blacklisted iPhone, buy from reputable sellers. Authorized retailers, certified resellers, and trusted online platforms are more likely to provide legitimate devices with verified IMEI numbers.

  2. Meet in person for local transactions: If you’re purchasing a used iPhone through a local transaction, arrange to meet the seller in person. This allows you to inspect the device physically, check its IMEI on the spot, and ensure that it matches the information provided by the seller.

  3. Verify proof of purchase: Request the seller’s proof of purchase, such as the original receipt or invoice, to validate the authenticity of the iPhone. Legitimate sellers should have documentation that proves their ownership of the device.

  4. Check for iCloud activation lock: Apart from the IMEI check, make sure to verify if the iPhone is iCloud activation locked. This lock prevents unauthorized access to the device and ensures that it can only be used with the owner’s iCloud credentials. To check the activation lock status, ask the seller to provide the device’s serial number or IMEI, and use the official Apple Activation Lock Status website.

  5. Consider warranty and return policies: Before finalizing the purchase, inquire about any available warranty or return policies. Having a warranty can provide additional protection and support in case any issues arise with the iPhone after purchase.

Conclusion

Performing an IMEI check is an essential step when considering the purchase of a used iPhone. By verifying the device’s status through an IMEI check, you can ensure that the iPhone is not stolen, blacklisted, or associated with any outstanding financial obligations. Remember to use reputable IMEI check services, cross-check the results if necessary, and consider other factors like the seller’s reputation and proof of purchase. Taking these precautions will help you make an informed decision and avoid potential legal and financial troubles associated with buying a stolen or blacklisted iPhone.

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