The first public beta for iOS and iPadOS 16 is now available. Non-developers can begin testing the customizable Lock Screen and more.
Jeff Butts
Jeff Butts is a seasoned tech aficionado with deep roots in the Apple ecosystem. Starting his journey in the early 1980s by experimenting with hardware, Jeff has always been driven by a desire to get the most out of technological devices. His expertise has led him to prominent roles in the industry, including a nearly three-year stint as a Reporter at AppAdvice and an impressive seven-year tenure as a Writer/Editor for Byrnes Publishing, LLC. More recently, Jeff lent his technical insights to HotHardware, Inc. as a Tech Editor. With his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to providing valuable content, Jeff continues to be a trusted voice for readers keen on Apple products and innovations.
Articles by Jeff Butts
How to Create an Alarm or Timer From Spotlight on iOS 16
You can just ask Siri to do it, but that may not be convenient or reliable. in iOS 16, you can create an alarm or timer right from Spotlight.
Elon Musk Terminates Agreement to Buy Twitter, Which Vows Court Action in Response
In a regulatory filing letter, Elon Musk has announced he’s canceling his agreement to buy social media platform Twitter.
Belgian Bank Belfius Confirms Upcoming Apple Pay Support for Bancontact Cards
Belgian bank Belfius has recently confirmed it will soon offer Apple Pay support to its Bancontact cardholders.
Arizona iPhone Owners Can't Record Police at Close Range, New Law Says
A new law in Arizona says bystanders who record certain police actions must stand back a safe distance or face fines, jail time, or probation.
New Oregon Trail Update Brings Apple Arcade and Apple Health Together
Thanks to new integration between The Oregon Trail on Apple Arcade and Health, you can walk a virtual path through 1800s history.
M2 MacBook Air Available for Pre-Order, But Some Configs Face Shipping Delays
Just a few hours into pre-orders for the M2 MacBook Air, shipping delays are already showing the impact of supply chain constraints.
Apple to Launch Extreme Sports Watch for Fall 2022
The anticipated Apple Watch extreme sports edition should feature a larger screen and battery, along with better durability, sources say.
Apple’s M2-Powered MacBook Air Available to Order Beginning July 8
Apple’s all-new redesign of the MacBook Air, an M2-powered laptop, will be available to order in the coming days.
Apple Seeds Third Developer Betas of Latest Operating Systems, Meaning Public Betas Could Launch Soon
Whether your testing device is an iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, or something else, the third developer beta of its operating system is available.
OmniFocus to be Among First Third-Party Widgets for iOS 16 Customizable Lock Screen
When the new version of GTD app OmniFocus releases, support for iOS 16 Lock Screen widgets may come with it.
New AirPods Pro Should Arrive This Fall, But Don’t Expect Health Sensors
We’re expecting Apple to release a new version of its AirPods Pro this fall, but without the rumored health sensors we’d heard about.
EU Approves Legislation to Boost Regulation for Apple and Other Big Tech Firms
Landmark EU legislation to regulate Big Tech could have serious implications for Apple’s walled garden in iOS and iPadOS.
Happy 4th of July
The Mac Observer is taking the day off to celebrate the 4th of July. We wish you a wonderful day and will resume our Apple coverage July 5.
Kuo Doubtful About Report of Apple Cutting iPhone 14 Order
Ming-Chi Kuo doubts reports Apple has cut its initial iPhone 14 order. The analyst points out such a move would be atypical.
TikTok Claims Strong Data Security, Still Planning to Improve It Further
In response to mounting calls to delete TikTok from U.S. app stores, the company insists it maintains strong data security for American users.
Apple to Cut iPhone 14 Orders By 10% Despite High Demand, Sources Indicate
Demand for its next-generation smartphone is expected to run high. However, ongoing supply chain issues forced Apple to cut iPhone 14 orders.
This Fall, You May Be Able To Pay For Fuel Through CarPlay
A new features in Apple’s second-generation infotainment system is really handy. Soon, you’ll be able to pay for fuel through CarPlay.
Cybersecurity Firm Identifies Critical Exploit of iCloud Private Relay
Cybersecurity researchers in Israel uncovered an exploit of iCloud Private Relay. This allows attackers another way to cover their tracks.
FCC Commissioner Calls on Apple and Google to Delete TikTok From App Stores
Citing its use to conduct surveillance on Americans, an FCC commissioner says Apple and Google should delete TikTok from their app stores.
Celebrating 15 Years Since the First iPhone Went On Sale
Today, June 29, marks 15 years since the first iPhone went on sale. The device now is even more powerful and popular.
New Customizable Home View In iOS 16 Allows Resizing HomeKit Accessory Tiles
Along with the redesigned Home app in iOS 16, a new option allows for resizing your HomeKit accessory tiles in the Home View.
Apple Watch ECG Technology Infringes on AliveCor’s Patents, ITC Rules
A federal judge issued an initial determination that Apple has infringed on AliveCor patents related to ECG tracking in Apple Watch.
Rumored iPad mini 7 With 120Hz ProMotion Display Unlikely
The rumors of a 7th-generation iPad mini with 120Hz ProMotion support seem highly unlikely, a display analyst believes.