Technology

How to Make the Most of Your New iPhone: 23 Expert Tips

Published

2 years ago

December 27, 2023

Fred Wilson

Introduction

Hi, I’m June Wan, a tech journalist and an avid iPhone user. I’ve been covering Apple products for over a decade, and I’ve tested every iPhone model since the original one. I love discovering new ways to make the most of my iPhone, and I’m here to share some of my best tips with you.

Whether you’ve just got a new iPhone 15, or you’re still rocking an older model, there are plenty of features and settings that you can tweak to improve your experience. From customizing your home screen to managing your battery life, from taking stunning photos to securing your privacy, I’ll show you how to use your iPhone like a pro.

In this article, you’ll learn 23 expert tips that will help you get the most out of your new iPhone. These tips are based on the latest iOS 16 software, but most of them will also work on older versions. Ready to level up your iPhone skills? Let’s dive in!

Tip 1: Switch to USB-C for faster charging and data transfer

One of the biggest changes in the new iPhone 15 models is the switch from Lightning to USB-C. This means you can use the same cable and charger that you use for your iPad, MacBook, or other USB-C devices. USB-C offers faster charging and data transfer speeds than Lightning, and it’s also more widely compatible with other accessories and gadgets.

If you have an older iPhone model that still uses Lightning, you can still benefit from USB-C by getting a Lightning to USB-C cable and a USB-C power adapter. This will allow you to charge your iPhone faster than using the standard 5W charger that comes in the box. You can also use a USB-C to Lightning cable to connect your iPhone to your MacBook or iPad and transfer files or sync data.

Tip 2: Add widgets to your home screen for quick access to information and actions

Widgets are small boxes that display information or let you perform actions from your home screen. You can add widgets for various apps, such as weather, calendar, music, photos, and more. Widgets can help you stay updated, access your favorite content, and launch common tasks with a tap.

To add widgets to your home screen, press and hold anywhere until the app icons start wiggling, then tap the + button on the top left. Tap an app and select a widget size and it’ll appear right on your home screen. You can drag and drop the widget to rearrange it, or tap and hold it to edit it. You can also swipe left on your home screen to access the Today View, where you can add more widgets.

Tip 3: Use the Action Button to quickly access your most-used apps and settings

The new iPhone 15 models have a new feature called the Action Button, which is a small circle that floats on the top-right corner of your screen. You can tap the Action Button to access a customizable menu of your most-used apps and settings. You can also swipe the Action Button to perform actions such as going back, switching apps, or taking a screenshot.

To customize the Action Button, go to Settings > Accessibility > Action Button. You can choose which apps and settings you want to include in the menu, as well as the actions you want to assign to the swipes. You can also turn off the Action Button if you don’t want to use it.

Tip 4: Enable Dynamic Island to hide the notch and get more screen space

The notch is the black area at the top of your iPhone screen that houses the front-facing camera and other sensors. Some people don’t mind the notch, but others find it annoying or distracting. If you’re one of them, you can enable a new feature called Dynamic Island, which hides the notch and gives you more screen space.

Dynamic Island is a small graphic that appears at the top of your screen and changes depending on what you’re doing. For example, when you’re on the home screen, it shows the time and battery level. When you’re in an app, it shows the app icon and name. When you’re watching a video or playing a game, it disappears completely.

To enable Dynamic Island, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Dynamic Island. You can choose between three modes: Always On, Adaptive, or Off. Always On mode keeps the Dynamic Island on at all times, Adaptive mode turns it on or off depending on the app, and Off mode turns it off completely.

Tip 5: Take advantage of the new 5x zoom camera and ProRes video recording

The new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models have a new 5x optical zoom camera, which lets you get closer to your subject without losing quality. You can also use digital zoom up to 15x, but the quality will degrade as you zoom in more. The 5x zoom camera is great for capturing distant objects, such as wildlife, landmarks, or sports.

Another new feature for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models is the ProRes video recording, which lets you record high-quality videos with more detail and dynamic range. ProRes is a professional video format that is widely used in the film and TV industry, and it gives you more flexibility and control when editing your videos. However, ProRes videos also take up a lot of storage space, so you’ll need to have enough space on your iPhone or iCloud.

To use the 5x zoom camera, open the Camera app and tap the 1x button on the bottom-right corner. Swipe left or right to adjust the zoom level, or tap the 5x button to jump to the maximum zoom. To use the ProRes video recording, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and turn on Apple ProRes. Then, open the Camera app and swipe to the Video mode. Tap the HD button on the top-right corner and choose 4K ProRes. You can also adjust the frame rate by tapping the 30 or 60 button.

Tip 6: Use Face ID with a mask or glasses

Face ID is a feature that lets you unlock your iPhone with your face. It’s fast, secure, and convenient, but it can also be tricky to use if you’re wearing a mask or glasses. Fortunately, there are some ways to make Face ID work better with these accessories.

If you’re wearing a mask, you can use a new feature called Unlock with Apple Watch, which lets you unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch instead of your face. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and turn on Unlock with Apple Watch. You’ll need to have an Apple Watch that is paired with your iPhone, and both devices need to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. You’ll also need to have a passcode on your Apple Watch.

If you’re wearing glasses, you can try to improve Face ID’s accuracy by re-scanning your face. To do this, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and tap Reset Face ID. Then, tap Set Up Face ID and follow the instructions. Make sure to scan your face in a well-lit area, and hold your iPhone about 10-20 inches away from your face. You can also scan your face with and without glasses, to make Face ID more adaptable.

Tip 7: Use Siri to automate tasks and control your smart home

Siri is a voice assistant that can help you with various tasks and questions. You can use Siri to make calls, send messages, set reminders, play music, get directions, check the weather, and more. You can also use Siri to automate tasks and control your smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, cameras, and locks.

To use Siri, you can either say “Hey Siri” or press and hold the side button on your iPhone. Then, say what you want Siri to do, such as “Call Mom”, “Remind me to buy milk”, or “Play some jazz”. You can also ask Siri questions, such as “What’s the capital of France?”, “How many calories are in a banana?”, or “Who won the Oscars?”.

To use Siri to automate tasks, you can use a feature called Shortcuts, which lets you create custom commands that trigger a series of actions. For example, you can create a shortcut that says “Good morning”, and have Siri turn on your lights, read your calendar, and play your favorite playlist. To create shortcuts, go to Settings > Shortcuts and tap Add Shortcut. You can also download ready-made shortcuts from the Gallery, or from third-party apps that support shortcuts.

To use Siri to control your smart home devices, you’ll need to have devices that are compatible with HomeKit, Apple’s smart home platform. You’ll also need to set up your devices in the Home app, which lets you organize and manage your smart home. To use Siri to control your devices, you can say commands like “Turn on the living room lights”, “Set the thermostat to 72 degrees”, or “Show me the front door camera”.

Tip 8: Use Dark Mode to save battery and reduce eye strain

Dark Mode is a feature that changes the appearance of your iPhone’s interface, making it darker and easier on the eyes. Dark Mode can also help you save battery life, especially if you have an iPhone with an OLED display, such as the iPhone 15, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 14, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 13

Tip 9: Use App Library to organize and access your apps

App Library is a feature that automatically organizes your apps into categories, such as Social, Productivity, Entertainment, and more. You can access the App Library by swiping left on your home screen until you reach the end. You can also search for apps by name or use the alphabetical list on the right.

App Library can help you keep your home screen clutter-free and find your apps faster. You can also hide the apps that you don’t use often from your home screen and access them only from the App Library. To do this, press and hold anywhere on your home screen until the app icons start wiggling, then tap the – button on the top-left corner of an app. Tap Remove App and choose Move to App Library.

Photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash

Tip 10: Use Picture-in-Picture to watch videos while using other apps

Picture-in-Picture is a feature that lets you watch videos in a small window while using other apps. You can use Picture-in-Picture with apps that support it, such as YouTube, Netflix, FaceTime, and more. You can also use Picture-in-Picture with Safari, by playing a video on a website and tapping the Picture-in-Picture button on the video player.

To use Picture-in-Picture, start playing a video in a supported app, then swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go to the home screen or switch to another app. The video will continue playing in a small window that you can move around, resize, or hide. You can also control the playback, pause, or close the video from the window.

Tip 11: Use Back Tap to launch actions or shortcuts with a double or triple tap on the back of your iPhone

Back Tap is a feature that lets you launch actions or shortcuts with a double or triple tap on the back of your iPhone. You can use Back Tap to do things like take a screenshot, lock your screen, open the Control Center, or activate Siri. You can also use Back Tap to run shortcuts that you’ve created or downloaded.

To enable and customize Back Tap, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. You can choose what you want to happen when you double or triple tap on the back of your iPhone. You can also test the feature by tapping on the back of your iPhone and seeing the result.

Tip 12: Use App Clips to try apps without downloading them

App Clips are mini versions of apps that let you try them without downloading them. You can use App Clips to do things like order food, rent a bike, pay for parking, or join a game. App Clips are fast, lightweight, and secure, and they disappear after you use them.

You can access App Clips from various sources, such as QR codes, NFC tags, Safari, Messages, or Maps. You can also use the App Clip Code Scanner, which is a new feature that lets you scan App Clip Codes, which are special codes that look like colorful patterns. To use the App Clip Code Scanner, go to Settings > Control Center and add the App Clip Code Scanner. Then, swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open the Control Center and tap the App Clip Code Scanner. Point your camera at an App Clip Code and tap Open to launch the App Clip.

Tip 13: Use Translate to communicate in different languages

Translate is a new app that lets you communicate in different languages. You can use Translate to translate text or speech, or have a conversation with someone who speaks a different language. Translate supports 12 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and more.

To use Translate, open the app and choose the languages that you want to translate between. You can type or paste text, or tap the microphone button and speak. You can also tap the Conversation button and turn your iPhone to landscape mode to have a two-way conversation. You can also download languages for offline use, or use the Safari extension to translate web pages.

Tip 14: Use CarPlay to connect your iPhone to your car

CarPlay is a feature that lets you connect your iPhone to your car’s display and use your favorite apps while driving. You can use CarPlay to make calls, send messages, get directions, play music, and more. You can also use Siri to control CarPlay with your voice, or use the touch screen or knobs on your car.

To use CarPlay, you’ll need a car that supports CarPlay, or a compatible aftermarket system. You’ll also need an iPhone with iOS 14 or later, and a Lightning or USB-C cable. To connect your iPhone to your car, plug one end of the cable into your iPhone and the other end into your car’s USB port. Your car’s display should show the CarPlay logo and your iPhone’s home screen. You can also use wireless CarPlay if your car supports it, which lets you connect your iPhone to your car without a cable.

Tip 15: Use AirPods to listen to audio and interact with Siri

AirPods are wireless earbuds that let you listen to audio and interact with Siri on your iPhone. You can use AirPods to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, phone calls, and more. You can also use AirPods to control your iPhone with Siri, such as asking questions, setting reminders, adjusting the volume, and more.

To use AirPods, you’ll need an iPhone with iOS 14 or later, and a pair of AirPods or AirPods Pro. To connect your AirPods to your iPhone, open the AirPods case and hold it near your iPhone. A pop-up will appear on your iPhone, asking you to connect. Tap Connect and follow the instructions. You can also switch between your iPhone and other Apple devices that are signed in with the same Apple ID.

To use Siri with your AirPods, you can either say “Hey Siri” or tap the AirPods twice. Then, say what you want Siri to do, such as “Play some rock music”, “Call Dad”, or “What’s the weather like?”. You can also adjust the settings and features of your AirPods, such as noise cancellation, spatial audio, battery level, and more, by going to Settings > Bluetooth and tapping the i button next to your AirPods.

Tip 16: Use Wallet to store and use your cards, tickets, and passes

Wallet is an app that lets you store and use your cards, tickets, and passes on your iPhone. You can use Wallet to pay with Apple Pay, which is a secure and convenient way to pay with your iPhone. You can also use Wallet to store and access your boarding passes, movie tickets, loyalty cards, coupons, and more.

To use Wallet, you’ll need an iPhone with iOS 14 or later, and a compatible card, ticket, or pass. To add a card to Wallet, open the Wallet app and tap the + button on the top-right corner. Then, follow the instructions to scan or enter your card details. You can also add cards from supported apps or websites, or by scanning a QR code.

To use Apple Pay, you’ll need to have a card added to Wallet, and a device that supports Apple Pay, such as a terminal, vending machine, or online checkout. To pay with Apple Pay, you can either use Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, depending on your iPhone model. To use Face ID, double-click the side button and glance at your iPhone, then hold it near the reader. To use Touch ID, rest your finger on the Home button and hold your iPhone near the reader. To use a passcode, double-click the side button and enter your passcode, then hold your iPhone near the reader.

To add a ticket or pass to Wallet, you can either use an app or website that supports Wallet, or scan a QR code or barcode. To use a ticket or pass, open the Wallet app and tap the ticket or pass that you want to use. You can also access your tickets or passes from the lock screen, by double-clicking the side button or the Home button.

Tip 17: Use Health to track and improve your health and fitness

Health is an app that lets you track and improve your health and fitness on your iPhone. You can use Health to monitor your activity, sleep, heart rate, blood pressure, nutrition, and more. You can also use Health to store and share your medical records, allergies, medications, and emergency contacts.

To use Health, you’ll need an iPhone with iOS 14 or later, and a compatible device or app that can measure or record your health data, such as an Apple Watch, a fitness tracker, a blood pressure monitor, or a nutrition app. To add a device or app to Health, go to Settings > Health > Data Access & Devices and tap the device or app that you want to add. Then, turn on the categories that you want to share with Health.

To view your health data, open the Health app and tap the Browse tab. You can see various categories of health data, such as Activity, Sleep, Heart, Nutrition, and more. You can also tap the Summary tab to see a dashboard of your most important health data, such as your steps, calories, sleep hours, and more. You can also customize your Summary by tapping Edit and adding or removing the data that you want to see.

To manage your medical records, allergies, medications, and emergency contacts, open the Health app and tap the Profile icon on the top-right corner. Then, tap Medical ID and fill in the information that you want to store and share. You can also turn on Show When Locked, which allows emergency responders to access your Medical ID from your lock screen.

Image by: https://www.zdnet.com/

Tip 18: Use Maps to explore and navigate the world

Maps is an app that lets you explore and navigate the world on your iPhone. You can use Maps to find places, get directions, see traffic, transit, and weather information, and more. You can also use Maps to discover new places, such as restaurants, landmarks, museums, and more.

To use Maps, open the app and type or speak the place that you want to find. You can also tap the compass icon on the top-right corner to see your current location. You can zoom in or out, swipe, or rotate the map to see different views. You can also tap the i button on the top-left corner to change the map type, such as satellite, hybrid, or terrain.

To get directions, tap the Directions button on the bottom-left corner and choose your mode of transportation, such as driving, walking, cycling, or transit. Then, enter your destination and tap Go. You can also add multiple stops, avoid tolls or highways, or share your ETA with your contacts. You can also use Siri to get directions, such as “Hey Siri, take me home” or “Hey Siri, how do I get to the airport?”.

To see traffic, transit, and weather information, tap the i button on the top-left corner and turn on the layers that you want to see. You can see the traffic conditions, such as green for clear, yellow for moderate, or red for heavy. You can also see the transit lines, such as buses, trains, or subways. You can also see the weather forecast, such as sunny, cloudy, or rainy.

To discover new places, tap the Search button on the bottom-right corner and browse the categories, such as Food, Shopping, Travel, and more. You can also tap the Guides button to see curated collections of places, such as Best of New York, Must-See Museums, or Hidden Gems. You can also create your own guides, or follow guides from trusted sources, such as Lonely Planet, The Washington Post, or Zagat.

Tip 19: Use Messages to chat and have fun with your friends and family

Messages is an app that lets you chat and have fun with your friends and family on your iPhone. You can use Messages to send and receive text messages, photos, videos, audio messages, stickers, emojis, and more. You can also use Messages to make voice or video calls, play games, send money, and more.

To use Messages, open the app and tap the New Message button on the top-right corner. Then, enter the name, phone number, or email address of the person that you want to chat with. You can also tap the + button to add more people and create a group chat. Then, type your message and tap the Send button. You can also tap the Camera button to take a photo or video, or tap the Photo Library button to choose a photo or video from your iPhone. You can also tap the Microphone button to record an audio message, or tap the App Store button to access various apps and features, such as stickers, games, Apple Pay, and more.

To make voice or video calls, tap the Contact button on the top-right corner and choose Audio or FaceTime. You can also use Siri to make calls, such as “Hey Siri, call Mom” or “Hey Siri, FaceTime John”. You can also join or start group FaceTime calls with up to 32 people, and use fun effects, such as Animoji, Memoji, filters, and stickers.

To have more fun with Messages, you can use various features, such as:

Tap and hold the Send button to access the Message Effects, which let you add animations and expressions to your messages, such as balloons, confetti, fireworks, or slam.
Tap the Memoji button to create and use your own personalized emoji, or use the Animoji button to use animated emoji, such as a monkey, a unicorn, or a robot.
Tap the Emoji button to access the emoji keyboard, which lets you choose from hundreds of emoji, or use the Tapback feature, which lets you react to messages with emoji, such as a heart, a thumbs up, or a question mark.
Tap the Digital Touch button to send sketches, taps, or heartbeats, or use the Handwriting feature, which lets you write messages with your finger.

Tip 20: Use Photos to capture and edit your memories

Photos is an app that lets you capture and edit your memories on your iPhone. You can use Photos to take photos and videos, apply filters and effects, crop and rotate, adjust the color and light, and more. You can also use Photos to organize and manage your photos and videos, create albums and slideshows, and share them with your friends and family.

To use Photos, open the app and tap the Camera button on the bottom-right corner. Then, choose the mode that you want to use, such as Photo, Video, Portrait, or Pano. You can also swipe up or down to access more modes, such as Time-Lapse, Slo-Mo, or Night Mode. You can also tap the Flash button to turn on or off the flash, tap the Live Photo button to capture a short video with your photo, or tap the HDR button to capture a high dynamic range photo. You can also tap the Filter button to apply a filter, such as Vivid, Mono, or Noir.

To edit your photos and videos, open the Photos app and tap the photo or video that you want to edit. Then, tap the Edit button on the top-right corner. You can use various tools, such as:

Tap the Crop button to crop, rotate, flip, or straighten your photo or video.
Tap the Adjust button to adjust the color and light, such as exposure, contrast, saturation, or warmth.
Tap the Filter button to apply or change a filter, such as Vivid, Mono, or Noir.
Tap the Markup button to draw, write, or add shapes to your photo or video.
Tap the More button to access more features, such as retouch, sharpen, or reduce noise.

To organize and manage your photos and videos, open the Photos app and tap the Albums tab. You can see various albums, such as Recents, Favorites, People, Places, and more. You can also create your own albums, or use the Smart Albums, which automatically group your photos and videos based on criteria, such as date, location, or person. You can also tap the Search tab to search for photos and videos by keywords, such as “dog”, “beach”, or “birthday”.

To create albums and slideshows, open the Photos app and tap the + button on the top-left corner. Then, choose New Album or New Slideshow. You can name your album or slideshow, and choose the photos and videos that you want to include. You can also edit your album or slideshow, such as adding or removing photos and videos, changing the order, or adding music, transitions, or themes.

To share your photos and videos, open the Photos app and tap the photo or video that you want to share. Then, tap the Share button on the bottom-left corner. You can choose how you want to share, such as Messages, Mail, AirDrop, or social media. You can also use iCloud Photo Sharing, which lets you create and join shared albums with your friends and family, and comment and like each other’s photos and videos.

Tip 21: Use Music to listen to your favorite songs and discover new ones

Music is an app that lets you listen to your favorite songs and discover new ones on your iPhone. You can use Music to access your music library, stream millions of songs with Apple Music, listen to live radio stations, and more. You can also use Music to create and manage playlists, download songs for offline listening, and share your music with your friends and family.

To use Music, open the app and tap the Library tab. You can see your music library, which includes the songs that you’ve added from your computer, iTunes Store, or Apple Music. You can also tap the Browse tab to explore various categories, such as New Music, Playlists, Genres, and more. You can also tap the Radio tab to listen to live radio stations, such as Beats 1, NPR, or BBC. You can also tap the Search tab to search for songs, artists, albums, or playlists.

To stream millions of songs with Apple Music, you’ll need to have a subscription, which costs $9.99 per month, or $14.99 per month for a family plan. You can also try Apple Music for free for three months, and cancel anytime. To sign up for Apple Music, open the Music app and tap the For You tab. Then, tap the Try It Free button and follow the instructions. You can also use Siri to play songs from Apple Music, such as “Hey Siri, play the latest album by Taylor Swift” or “Hey Siri, play some jazz music”.

To create and manage playlists, open the Music app and tap the Library tab. Then, tap the Playlists button and tap the New Playlist button. You can name your playlist, add a description, and choose a cover image. Then, tap the Add Music button and choose the songs that you want to include. You can also edit your playlist, such as adding or removing songs, changing the order, or renaming it.

To download songs for offline listening, open the Music app and tap the song, album, or playlist that you want to download. Then, tap the Cloud button to download it to your iPhone. You can also turn on Automatic Downloads, which automatically downloads the songs that you add to your library.

Tip 22: Use Reminders to create and manage your tasks and lists

Reminders is an app that lets you create and manage your tasks and lists on your iPhone. You can use Reminders to set reminders for things that you need to do, such as buy groceries, pay bills, or call someone. You can also use Reminders to organize your tasks into lists, such as Work, Personal, or Family.

To use Reminders, open the app and tap the New Reminder button on the bottom-right corner. Then, type your reminder and tap the i button to add more details, such as a due date, a location, a priority, or a note. You can also tap the Flag button to mark your reminder as important, or tap the Camera button to add a photo or scan a document. You can also use Siri to create reminders, such as “Hey Siri, remind me to buy milk tomorrow” or “Hey Siri, remind me to call Mom when I get home”.

To create and manage lists, open the Reminders app and tap the Add List button on the bottom-left corner. Then, name your list and choose a color and an icon. You can also tap the Edit button on the top-right corner to edit, delete, or rearrange your lists. You can also share your lists with your contacts, and collaborate on tasks together.

Tip 23: Use Find My to locate and protect your iPhone and other devices

Find My is an app that lets you locate and protect your iPhone and other devices, such as your iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, or AirTag. You can use Find My to see your devices on a map, play a sound, lock or erase them, or mark them as lost. You can also use Find My to find your friends and family, and share your location with them.

To use Find My, you’ll need to have an iPhone with iOS 14 or later, and a device that supports Find My, such as an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, or AirTag. You’ll also need to turn on Find My on your devices, by going to Settings > Your Name > Find My and turning on Find My iPhone, Find My Network, and Send Last Location. You can also use Siri to locate your devices, such as “Hey Siri, where are my AirPods?” or “Hey Siri, find my Mac”.

To locate and protect your devices, open the Find My app and tap the Devices tab. You can see your devices on a map, and tap on them to see more options, such as:

Play Sound: This will make your device play a loud sound, which can help you find it if it’s nearby or lost.
Directions: This will open the Maps app and give you directions to your device’s location.
Notifications: This will let you choose to receive a notification when your device is found, or when it’s moved.
Mark As Lost: This will lock your device with a passcode and display a message with your contact information. It will also disable Apple Pay and other services on your device, and track its location history.
Erase This Device: This will erase all the data and settings on your device, and remove it from your account. This option should only be used as a last resort, as you won’t be able to locate or recover your device after erasing it.

To find your friends and family, open the Find My app and tap the People tab. You can see your contacts who have shared their location with you, and tap on them to see more options, such as:

Contact: This will let you call, message, or FaceTime your contact.
Directions: This will open the Maps app and give you directions to your contact’s location.
Notifications: This will let you choose to receive a notification when your contact arrives or leaves a certain place, or when they share their location with you.
Add to Favorites: This will add your contact to your favorites, which will make them easier to find and access.
Stop Sharing My Location: This will stop sharing your location with your contact, and remove them from your list.

To share your location with your friends and family, open the Find My app and tap the Me tab. You can see your current location and status, and tap the Share My Location button to choose who you want to share your location with. You can also turn on or off Share My Location, which will let you control whether your location is visible to others or not. You can also use Siri to share your location, such as “Hey Siri, share my location with John” or “Hey Siri, stop sharing my location with everyone”.

I hope you enjoyed these 23 expert tips to make the most of your new iPhone. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. Thank you for reading!

Author

Fred Wilson

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Technology

Apple’s Health Care Revolution: Challenges and Promise

Published

8 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ethan Daniel

Reviewed
By Linda Ocean

Introduction

Apple has long dreamed of transforming health care. With tools like HealthKit, the Apple Watch, and the new Health Records feature, the company aims to put personalized health data at users’ fingertips Apple. Yet bringing this vision to life means tackling tough hurdles: patient privacy, regulatory complexity, device interoperability, and user engagement. In this article, we’ll survey the scope of Apple’s health care revolution, explain the key technologies involved, and dive into the major challenges and promise that lie ahead.

The Promise of Apple’s Health Initiatives

1. Putting Data in Users’ Hands

Traditionally, health data—lab results, imaging scans, prescriptions—lives in siloed hospital systems. In 2018, Apple introduced the Health Records feature on iPhone, letting patients view their medical records from multiple providers in one place. This open API approach, based on the FHIR standard, empowers users to manage their own information, share it with apps, and take a more active role in their care.

2. Continuous Monitoring with Apple Watch

Since its 2015 debut, the Apple Watch has steadily added health sensors:

Heart Rate and ECG: Alerts for irregular rhythms.
Blood Oxygen: Measures SpO₂ levels on Series 6 and later.
Fall Detection: Can auto-call emergency services.
Sleep Tracking: Helps identify patterns that affect well-being WIRED.

By gathering data around the clock, Apple Watch can spot early warning signs—atrial fibrillation, respiratory issues, or sleep apnea—sometimes before users even feel symptoms.

3. Research and CareKit Platforms

Apple’s ResearchKit and CareKit frameworks enable medical studies and care plans to scale via apps. Researchers can recruit large, diverse populations remotely and collect data passively. CareKit, in turn, helps doctors build patient-facing modules for tracking symptoms, medication adherence, and appointment schedules.

4. AI and Predictive Health

Recently, Apple announced Apple Intelligence, its foray into on-device AI, promising tools like nutritional coaching and predictive alerts WIRED. By processing data locally, Apple aims to keep sensitive health insights private while offering personalized guidance—diet reminders, activity suggestions, or hydration nudges—tailored to each user’s history.

Major Challenges Facing Apple’s Health Care Effort

Image by: Yandex.com

1. Data Privacy and Security

Collecting health data is sensitive. A 2024 review noted that massive data gathering raises serious privacy and autonomy concerns, with 63% of UK survey respondents uneasy about sharing personal data for AI training. Apple counters this by encrypting health data on-device and in iCloud, giving users control over what to share. Still, as features expand—like on-device AI health coaches—maintaining airtight security will be an ongoing test.

2. Regulatory Hurdles

Health care is one of the most regulated industries. In the US alone, HIPAA governs patient privacy, and the FDA clears medical devices. When does an Apple Watch feature become a “medical device” needing FDA approval? As Apple adds more clinical capabilities—blood pressure monitoring or non-invasive glucose sensing—it must navigate a maze of global regulations. Delays or missteps could stall product rollouts.

3. Interoperability and Standards

Despite FHIR’s emergence, many hospitals and clinics still use legacy systems with proprietary data formats. Apple’s Health Records has onboarded dozens of health systems, but true nationwide interoperability requires more partners and consistent data quality. Variability in how institutions code lab results or observations can lead to gaps or errors when merging records WIRED.

4. User Engagement and Digital Divide

Having a robust health-tracking ecosystem means little if users don’t stick with it. Studies show that app engagement often drops after a few weeks. Apple needs to design experiences—goal reminders, actionable insights, seamless sharing with clinicians—that keep people involved long-term. There’s also a digital divide: an estimated 19 million Americans lack reliable internet or suitable devices, limiting access to Apple’s digital health tools.

5. Evidence and Clinical Validation

Health care professionals demand evidence. For Apple’s features to be trusted in clinical settings, they must demonstrate accuracy and impact on outcomes. Early studies on Apple Watch’s arrhythmia detection have been promising, but widespread adoption in hospitals will hinge on peer-reviewed trials showing reduced hospitalizations, better chronic-disease control, or improved preventive care metrics.

Real-World Impact and Early Successes

1. Reduced Hospital Readmissions

Some health systems using HealthKit data have reported lower readmission rates. By monitoring heart-failure patients’ weight and activity, clinicians can intervene before fluid buildup resurfaces, preventing costly hospital stays.

2. Large-Scale Research

ResearchKit apps have enrolled hundreds of thousands of participants in studies on Parkinson’s disease, heart health, and women’s menstrual cycles. The scale and diversity of data collected remotely have accelerated insights into disease progression and treatment responses.

3. Remote Patient Monitoring

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Apple devices helped track oxygen levels and symptoms in quarantined patients. Such remote monitoring eased the burden on overwhelmed hospitals and protected frontline workers.

Strategies for Overcoming the Challenges

1. Strengthen Privacy Safeguards

On-Device Processing: Continue shifting AI workloads locally to minimize data transmission.
Granular Permissions: Let users define exactly which metrics apps and health providers can access.
Transparency Reports: Regularly publish audits of data requests and breaches to build trust.

2. Collaborate with Regulators Early

Pre-Submission Meetings: Engage FDA and equivalent bodies globally at the concept stage for new features.
Real-World Evidence: Partner with health systems to run pilot programs and gather data supporting regulatory filings.

3. Promote Interoperability

Open Partnerships: Encourage more hospitals and EHR vendors to adopt FHIR through incentives and developer-friendly tools.
Data Quality Standards: Work with HL7 and other standards bodies to define consistent coding for labs, imaging, and vitals.

4. Boost User Engagement

Gamification: Introduce reward systems for meeting health goals—step counts, heart-health challenges, mindfulness minutes.
Personalized Coaching: Use AI to deliver tailored feedback and next-step suggestions based on each user’s data pattern.
Family Sharing: Expand features that let family members or caregivers observe users’ health trends, with consent.

5. Build Clinical Partnerships

Academic Collaborations: Fund clinical trials at universities to validate new sensors or AI models.
Health System Integration: Offer grants or technical support to hospitals willing to pilot advanced Apple health tools.

The Road Ahead: Apple’s Vision for 2026 and Beyond

Apple’s health care journey is just beginning. Near-term plans likely include:

Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring: A long-floating rumor, now backed by AI advances in optical sensing.
Blood Pressure via Watch: Early studies show promise using pulse-wave analysis.
Expanded Nutrition and Mental Health Coaching: Leveraging Apple Intelligence for holistic wellness.
Vision Pro in Health: AR/VR tools for surgical planning, remote medical education, and rehab exercises.

The ultimate goal: a seamlessly connected health ecosystem that spans prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. If Apple can navigate the regulatory, technical, and human-behavioral challenges, it stands to redefine health care delivery and patient empowerment.

Conclusion

Apple’s health care revolution blends cutting-edge devices, open data platforms, and emerging AI to promise more personalized, proactive care. From HealthKit and Apple Watch innovations to Health Records interoperability and future AR/VR applications, the potential impact on patient outcomes is enormous. Yet realizing this promise requires solving tough challenges: safeguarding privacy, meeting regulatory demands, ensuring true interoperability, and sustaining user engagement. By forging strong partnerships with health systems, regulators, and the developer community—and by keeping user trust at the core—Apple may well transform health care into a more connected, human-centric experience.

Author

Ethan Daniel

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Business

Unity 3D Game Development in 2025: First Choice for Scalable

Published

1 day ago

July 10, 2025

vasundharainfotech

Reviewed
By Easton Sky

Unity 3d game development - vasundhara infotech

Quick Answer: Unity 3D game development leverages the Unity engine to create visually rich, scalable, and cross-platform games. It supports 3D rendering, AR/VR integrations, multiplayer features, and real-time simulation. In 2025, Unity remains the go-to choice for startups and enterprises alike to build immersive games for mobile, PC, console, and the metaverse.

What is Unity 3D Game Development?

Unity 3D game development is the process of using the Unity game engine to build three-dimensional games. It allows developers to:

Build interactive environments
Animate 3D characters
Apply physics simulations
Integrate real-time lighting and shading
Deploy to Android, iOS, Windows, consoles, AR, and VR

Unity uses C# scripting, making it ideal for both indie developers and enterprise-grade studios. Learn more about our Game Development Company

Why Unity Is Still the Top Game Engine in 2025

Unity leads because of its flexibility and toolset:

Cross-platform deployment (25+ platforms including consoles and WebGL)
Robust Asset Store with prebuilt 3D models and systems
AR/VR toolkit with native support for Oculus, Vision Pro, HoloLens
Unity DOTS & ECS (for performance-based coding)
Unity Cloud Build and CI/CD integrations

In a 2025 developer survey, 61% preferred Unity for 3D games due to its quick learning curve and scalability.

Considering Unity vs Unreal? Ask our experts which suits your goals

Top Use Cases for Unity 3D Games

Unity powers a wide variety of 3D game genres:

First-person shooters (FPS)
Adventure & platformer games
Survival & sandbox simulators
Racing and sports titles
Multiplayer co-op or PvP games
Metaverse exploration environments

Businesses also use Unity for training simulations, education apps, and brand gamification. See how our AR Game Development Company brings Unity into immersive AR projects.

Popular Game Types Created with Unity 3D — Vasundhara

Core Benefits of Unity 3D for Developers & Businesses

FeatureBenefitCross-Platform BuildLaunch your game on iOS, Android, Windows, consolesReal-Time RenderingCinematic visuals at runtimeAsset Store AccessSpeed up development with ready-to-use assetsMultiplayer FrameworksBuilt-in support for Photon, Netcode, MirrorIn-App MonetizationUnity Ads, IAP, subscriptions, in-game economiesScalabilityEasily scale servers and performance with Unity Cloud

Our Unity 3D Game Development Process

At Vasundhara, we follow a tested Unity 3D development lifecycle:

Concept Planning & Wireframes
Asset Planning & 3D Design
Gameplay Logic with C# + Unity Editor
AR/VR or Multiplayer Integration
Performance Tuning + Bug Testing
App Store Deployment + SDK integrations
LiveOps: Analytics, Patches, Leaderboards

Learn more about our Mobile App Development Services

Key Tools & Technologies Used in Unity Projects

We use advanced tech to supercharge our Unity projects:

Unity Pro / Unity Enterprise licenses
Photon Engine / Netcode for Multiplayer
Blender & Maya for 3D asset design
Unity MARS for AR game interactions
Unity Performance Profiler
Unity Remote Config + Unity Analytics

Our stack ensures games are fast, bug-free, and scalable.

Real-World Projects Built With Unity

From global hits to indie successes, Unity powers:

Among Us (multiplayer logic)
Monument Valley (3D puzzle)
Beat Saber (VR integration)
Pokemon Go (AR layer)

At Vasundhara, we’ve delivered Unity games for:

Simulation training (enterprise)
Mobile RPGs (freemium models)
Augmented reality adventures

Why Choose Vasundhara as Your Unity 3D Game Partner

✅ 12+ Years in Game Development (Unity Certified Engineers) ✅ 250+ Projects Delivered Globally ✅ Unity Pro License & Photon Experts ✅ Scalable CI/CD Deployment Pipeline ✅ Real-time Optimization for 60+ FPS Games

We align with your vision, budget, and target audience.

Explore our custom software development services that complement Unity games with backend services.

Ready to build a high-performance Unity 3D game? Contact our team now

Conclusion:

Unity 3D game development empowers creators to build immersive, scalable, and revenue-ready games across any platform. In 2025, businesses and developers trust Vasundhara Infotech for custom 3D Unity games with multiplayer, AR/VR, and metaverse-ready capabilities.

Have a Unity 3D game idea? Let’s turn it into reality

FAQs — Unity 3D Game Development, Vasundhara Infotech

1. Is Unity worth using in 2025?

Yes, Unity remains a highly relevant and powerful game development engine in 2025. Its continuous updates, strong community, extensive asset store, and support for AR/VR, mobile, console, and PC make it a great choice for both indie and professional developers. Unity’s flexible licensing and low barrier to entry also keep it appealing to beginners and small studios.

2. Does Unity support cross-platform development?

Absolutely. Unity is designed with cross-platform compatibility in mind. You can build your game once and deploy it to over 20 platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, WebGL, and more — all with minimal changes to your code.

3. What is the Unity controversy?

The “Unity controversy” typically refers to the backlash in late 2023 when Unity announced changes to its pricing model, introducing a new “Runtime Fee” based on game installs. Many developers criticized the lack of transparency and the potential financial impact on smaller studios. Unity later revised its policies in response to community feedback, but the episode highlighted the importance of clear and fair business practices in the industry.

4. How does Unity handle multi-platform game development?

Unity uses an abstraction layer and platform-specific build settings to make multi-platform development seamless. Developers write most of their code in C# once, while Unity’s editor and build pipeline handle the differences in rendering, input, and deployment for each platform. You can also use conditional compilation and platform-specific APIs when needed.

5. What is the best platform for game development?

There is no single “best” platform; it depends on your goals:

For beginners and indies, Unity is one of the best due to ease of use, cross-platform support, and community resources.
For high-end AAA graphics, Unreal Engine might be better suited.
For 2D games, both Unity and tools like Godot are excellent.
For web and casual games, HTML5 frameworks or Unity WebGL can work well.
Need help choosing a platform? Contact Vasundhara Infotech for the target devices and your project’s technical needs.

Author

vasundharainfotech

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Technology

What Is a Dispatching Service? A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Published

1 day ago

July 10, 2025

robertroger

Reviewed
By Elliot Harlow

In today’s logistics-driven economy, a dispatching service isn’t just a tool—it’s a strategic asset. Whether you’re running a trucking company, a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) service, a delivery fleet, or a freight brokerage, having a professional dispatching service ensures smooth operations, timely communication, and maximum efficiency.

A dispatching service is a centralized operation responsible for coordinating drivers, routes, shipments, and schedules across a transportation network. Dispatchers act as the communication hub between shippers, drivers, and customers, ensuring that goods or passengers are moved efficiently, safely, and on time.

From real-time tracking and load planning to route optimization and customer support, dispatching services are crucial in maintaining the integrity and reliability of any logistics or transportation operation.

Core Features of Professional Dispatching Services

The best dispatching services go beyond basic scheduling. They offer a comprehensive suite of features tailored to your business needs:

1. Load Planning and Assignment

We analyze delivery needs, available resources, and driver availability to assign optimal loads for maximum profitability and efficiency. Every decision is backed by data, not guesswork.

2. Real-Time Communication and Monitoring

Using cutting-edge GPS tracking and telematics, our dispatchers maintain 24/7 communication with drivers, ensuring instant responses to traffic issues, weather delays, or customer changes.

3. Route Optimization

By leveraging AI-powered route planning tools, we reduce delivery times, fuel consumption, and vehicle wear and tear. This not only saves money but improves overall customer satisfaction.

4. Compliance and Documentation

We assist in managing DOT regulations, ELD compliance, and daily logs, ensuring your fleet stays within legal boundaries at all times.

5. Freight Matching

For freight carriers, our dispatchers locate high-paying loads, negotiate rates, and ensure maximum vehicle utilization—minimizing deadhead miles and boosting profits.

Types of Dispatching Services We Offer

1. Truck Dispatching Services

Our truck dispatching services cater to owner-operators, small fleets, and mid-size carriers. We handle everything from booking loads and rate negotiation to driver communication and compliance paperwork. Key benefits include:

Dedicated dispatcher support
Broker coordination
Load board monitoring
Invoicing assistance

2. Freight Dispatching Services

For freight businesses, we act as your backend logistics partner. We:

Identify profitable lanes
Match freight with available trucks
Minimize downtime
Manage carrier-broker communication

3. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Dispatching

Our NEMT dispatching service ensures timely, safe, and compliant transportation for patients. We coordinate:

Ride scheduling
Real-time driver tracking
HIPAA-compliant communication
Optimized multi-pickup and drop-off routes

4. Courier and Last-Mile Delivery Dispatching

Speed is everything in last-mile delivery. Our dispatchers help local courier companies by:

Assigning orders in real-time
Balancing delivery loads
Resolving delivery issues fast
Enhancing delivery window accuracy

Industries That Rely on Dispatching Services

Professional dispatching services play a vital role across a wide range of industries:

Trucking and Logistics
Medical Transportation (NEMT)
E-commerce and Retail
Field Services (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical)
Construction and Heavy Equipment
Food Delivery and Grocery Services
Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services

Each industry has unique demands, and our dispatching model adapts to serve them all with custom workflows and smart scheduling tools.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Dispatching Service

Choosing to work with a reliable dispatching partner offers transformative benefits:

Increased Productivity: Efficient scheduling ensures drivers spend less time waiting and more time moving.
Improved Customer Service: Real-time ETAs and updates build trust and reduce service complaints.
Lower Operating Costs: Better routing and load planning reduce fuel usage and empty miles.
Scalability: Easily manage growth and expansion without hiring more internal staff.
24/7 Availability: We’re on-call even when your in-house team is off-duty.

Technology Behind Our Dispatching Operations

We use best-in-class software and platforms to support seamless operations:

Samsara and KeepTruckin for fleet tracking and telematics
DAT Load Board and Truckstop.com for freight discovery
McLeod Software for TMS (Transportation Management System)
Google Maps API for route optimization
Slack, Zoom, and VoIP systems for real-time communication

All data is securely stored and managed using cloud-based solutions that are scalable, secure, and compliant.

Why Choose Us for Your Dispatching Needs?

Our dispatching service is backed by:

Experienced industry professionals
Round-the-clock operational support
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Multilingual support (English, Spanish, and more)
Performance analytics and weekly reporting

We don’t just manage logistics—we optimize and improve them daily.

Client Success Stories

Case Study 1: A Small Fleet Owner in Texas
In just 3 months of partnering with us, this client saw:

40% reduction in deadhead miles
25% improvement in average RPM
Complete relief from paperwork burden

Case Study 2: Medical Transport Provider in Florida
Our dispatch system improved on-time arrivals by 60% and eliminated scheduling errors through automated dispatching tools.

Start Dispatching Smarter Today

In a world where time, reliability, and efficiency define business success, a dependable dispatching service can make or break your operations. Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, our team is equipped to provide strategic dispatching solutions that maximize ROI and simplify your day-to-day management.

Partner with us today and experience what it means to dispatch smarter, not harder.