iPhone Life - Best Apps, Top Tips, Great Gear

Quarantine Survival: Best Apps for Fitness, Shopping, Food Delivery & More

By Sarah Kingsbury

Social distancing during the Coronavirus pandemic is necessary to save lives, but it can be hard to adapt to an at-home lifestyle. We've already gone over some COVID-19 tips, like how to clean and sanitize your phone and other devices. We've also shared articles about yoga and meditation apps, as well as mental health apps that may come in handy during voluntary social distancing or quarantine. What about working from home, exercise, and shopping, though? Here's a roundup of the best fitness apps, shopping apps, food delivery apps, and more to keep you stocked up and in touch, and stave off cabin fever.  

How to Track a Shipment on Your iPhone (Fastest, Easiest Way)

By Tamlin Day

Forget package tracking apps! Did you know you can track shipments on your iPhone without ever leaving the app in which you received the tracking number? If you’re worried about porch pirates, one of the best security measures is knowing when a package is supposed to arrive. Your iPhone will automatically detect tracking any tracking number that you receive in Mail or Messages. You can also use the same method to track packages from websites like Amazon by copying and pasting the tracking number into Notes. For an extra layer of security, you can add a unique passcode to Notes. With this tip, you’ll be able to set up tracking from any carrier. Let’s dive in to how to use iPhone package tracking.

Get iPhone Life Insider's Exclusive Messages Guide

(Sponsored Post) By Tamlin Day on Wed, 04/01/2020

When we launched the Messages App Guide just two weeks ago, we had no idea that the world would be facing a global pandemic, and most people in the US would soon be practicing social distancing. The Messages app has now suddenly become an even more essential tool for communication. From managing group messages to the best way to send photos and videos, our new guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master the Messages app and stay in touch with friends and family. Read on to learn how to access our exclusive guide.

Social Distancing, iPhone Sanitization & Apps for Staying Connected

By Donna Cleveland

For the 132nd episode, Donna and David share their best tips and tricks for staying safe and connected while practicing social distancing. This episode is a rebroadcast of a free workshop Donna and David led from their homes focused on how to use your iPhone during the coronavirus pandemic. Topics include iPhone sanitization tips, how to use telehealth services to manage symptoms from home, and apps for working remotely and communicating with friends.

How to Unblock a Number on the iPhone

By iPhone Life Team

Unblocking a number on your iPhone couldn’t be easier, thanks to the forward thinkers at Apple who knew that the handy block feature should not be permanent. That’s because it’s easy to block someone accidentally or unknowingly. Maybe you were blocking robo-callers or spam texters and blocked a contact by mistake. Or maybe you intentionally blocked a friend or colleague so as not to be disturbed for a period of time and now you want to undo that. Or maybe you’re having trouble calling a contact, or vice versa, so you want to find the blocked list and check to see if that number is on it. Here’s how to do it.

How Many People Can Join a Group Text on an iPhone or iPad?

By Leanne Hays

Group messages on your iPhone or iPad are a great way to communicate with several people at one time. We've already gone over how to make a group chat, how to name a group chat, and how to add or remove someone from a group chat, but one question remains; how many people can join an iMessage on an iPhone or iPad? We'll go over the difference between a group iMessages chat, SMS, and MMS before learning about iMessages group chat limits. These limits are set by your cell phone carrier, so we'll reveal the limits set by the top four carriers, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and US Cellular. Let's get started!

How to Ask Siri About COVID-19 & Get Help Fast

By Tamlin Day

If you're wondering whether your cough is allergies or COVID-19, you aren't alone. Apple has added COVID-19 to things you can ask Siri about. If you want to know more about the illness, this tip will show you a way to access reliable and accurate information. Whether you're checking your symptoms or looking for help from a medical professional, Siri's here to help. Let's dive in with how to ask Siri for information about COVID-19.

Review: Catalyst Protective & Waterproof Cases for iPhone 11 & 11 Pro

By Todd Bernhard

I always keep my iPhones in a case, and I've never broken a phone. And increasingly, the case I use comes from Catalyst. At this year's CES, Catalyst gave me an Impact Protection Case ($39.99) to try with my iPhone 11. In the past, I've alternated between the case company's waterproof versions and its regular ones, and they all have the same rigid perimeter that protects all along the edges, including where the Lightning port and speakers are. In addition, the new Impact case has a wide opening for the different cameras and flash in the latest iPhone 11 series. The Catalyst Waterproof Case for iPhone 11 ($89.99) adds a hard-coated optical lens so you can take underwater photos and videos while still having protection!

Review: MyPort Charging Stand Doubles as a Portable Wireless Charger

By Todd Bernhard

I like it when products do double or even triple duty. The less I have to clutter my desk or travel bag with, the better. The team at RapidX agrees and sent me their MyPort ($79.99) to try. It's a 10,000 mAh portable battery pack, which is enough to charge an iPhone several times, or you can charge a couple of items thanks to the USB-A and USB-C port and built-in Qi wireless charging pad.

The Best Apps to Brighten Someone’s Day despite Social Distancing

By Leanne Hays

There are thousands of apps available that you can use to reach out and let someone know you care. Whether you'd like to share a laugh with a meme app, send a poem via a poetry app, create personalized cards to mail to friends, or share an interesting recipe or article, there's an app for that. If you want to send tangible help in addition to your good wishes, use the Grubhub app to order meal delivery from a local participating restaurant. If your friend or loved one needs groceries or other household supplies, check out our social distancing app roundup for more great ways to help. You’ll rest well knowing your loved one is taken care of, and they’ll appreciate the gesture!

Review: The Power Popper Combines a Portable Charger with a Phone Grip

By Todd Bernhard

I am always on the lookout for ways to my iPhone's boost battery life. The folks at Eggtronic sent me their Wireless Power Popper - Ring ($39.99) to try. This portable iPhone charger has a lot to offer. First, it's lightweight, soft, and compact. That's important because Eggtronic designed it to attach the back of your Qi-enabled smartphone. Second, the wireless charging bank comes with your choice of grip: the Power Ring, a 360-degree rotatable ring, or the PopSocket-style Power Popper; you just have to decide which you prefer when you order. You can also choose from assorted colors for the fabric exterior.

Review: Marshall Monitor II Wireless Headset

By Mike Riley

When Apple decided to remove the headphone jack from its iPhone line, audiophiles were deeply concerned that listening to compressed Bluetooth audio would greatly diminish the sonic experience. Since then, iPhone customers have voted with their wallets by not only accepting the wireless audio change but embracing it, as the success of the AirPods indicates. Still, even though the audio quality concerns were overblown, the idea of sticking plastic cylinders into the ear canal was not only distasteful to some, it also could be downright painful for those with small or sensitive outer ears. Over the ear headphones solve this problem, but have discomfort issues, primarily when it comes to extended listening sessions. So when Marshall announced the second iteration of its successful Monitor headphones, I was cautiously enthusiastic. My review of the original Monitor was so positive that I wasn't sure how Marshall could improve on the original design. I was so wrong. The Marshall Monitor II ($319.99) are by far the best over the ear headphones I have ever used to date.

Free iPhone Workshop: Social Distancing, Sanitation Tips & Apps for Staying Connected

By Tamlin Day

Join iPhone Life’s CEO David Averbach and Editor in Chief Donna Cleveland as they lead a free, live workshop on Wednesday, March 25, at 4 p.m. EST to help you stay safe and connected during this unprecedented time. With the growing outbreak of the coronavirus in our communities, it’s hard not to worry about the health risks that COVID-19 poses to us and our loved ones. Many of you may be wondering how to safely sanitize your iPhone, optimize your home office while working remotely, and stock up on essential items without leaving your house. Get answers to all this and more when you register for your free spot in the workshop.

How to Change Your Default Gmail Account

By Tamlin Day

Want to change the default Gmail account in the Mail app? To change the email on an iPhone from one default to another, you have to go into the Settings app. You can make a Google account the default email address, but if you have more than one Gmail account, this tip will teach you how to select a specific Gmail address. Choosing your preferred email address helps your contacts know that the email you just sent really did come from you and could save you from getting filed as junk. Read on to learn how to change the default email on an iPhone to a Gmail account.

How to Download Large Apps without WiFi

By Tamlin Day

Want to download large apps without Wi-Fi? Since Apple introduced iOS 13, you can download apps over 200 MB using cellular data. By default, your iPhone will ask for permission to download large apps. That can get really annoying if you have unlimited data and frequently download large apps. This tip will teach you how to download apps on the iPhone using cellular data without having to give permission every time. Let’s dive in with how to allow large apps to download over cellular data. 

How to Use Ultraviolet Light to Kill Coronavirus on Your iPhone

By Leanne Hays

We've already gone over Apple's new recommendation for how to sanitize your smartphone and other devices with Clorox Disinfecting Wipes or similar wipes with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol. Now, let's talk about another option, using ultraviolet light as a disinfectant and sanitizer. We have three different options for people looking to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms on their iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, Mac, and even Apple TV remote to prevent COVID-19. Some of these devices are on our person nearly all the time, especially the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, and therefore have more bacteria and viruses on them than the average toilet seat. Let's cover how to sanitize your cell phone, tablet, earbuds, smartwatch, and other Apple devices.

Apple Announces New iPad Pro & Magic Keyboard with Trackpad

By Leanne Hays

The world is a chaotic place right now, and in the midst of it all, Apple announced a new iPad Pro with a 3D scanning camera, a new Magic Keyboard with a trackpad, and an iPadOS update that includes trackpad support. The iPad Pro 2020 is Apple's most advanced tablet to date, featuring 3D scanning camera technology for an improved augmented reality experience, as well as the A12Z Bionic Chip, edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, dual-camera, and Pro Audio system. The new Magic Keyboard's trackpad will finally go head to head with most Windows PC laptops, with its new cursor for navigating, editing, and gestures. Here's everything you need to know about the new iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard, including pre-order and release date, cost, and shipping dates. Let's get started!

How to Group Related Lists in the Reminders App

By Tamlin Day

In iOS 13, Reminders lets you group related lists of reminders on the iPhone. When you create a group in Reminders, you can bring together related lists under one folder. This tip will help you set up groups and get your reminders organized. You can even use this method to add groups in Reminders on your iPad! Read on to learn how to use the updated iOS 13 Reminders app to set up groups of lists on the iPhone.

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