After reports that T-Mobile was blocking iCloud Private Relay for most subscribers, the carrier found a bug in iOS causing all the ruckus.
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
Apple Glass Patent Suggests Vision Correction
A just-granted Apple Glass patent could be excellent news for those of us who already wear prescription eyeglasses.
National Clean Your Desk Day Means Your Mac Desktop, Too
Maybe you’ve already taken care of your physical space for National Clean Your Desk Day, but what about your Mac desktop?
Getting Ready for the Next iPhone SE
The next iPhone SE may be right around the corner, sources say. It will offer a beefier processor and 5G connectivity.
HomeKit Secure Video Bug Breaks Thumbnails
While the live security camera view works fine, a bug in HomeKit Secure Video may leave your quick-look thumbnails very outdated.
Nanoleaf Strengthens Its Thread Over HomeKit Support
Nanoleaf devices will help strengthen your smart home mesh network acting as border routers for other Thread over HomeKit devices.
Oral-B Demonstrates the Latest in Connected Mouth Care at CES
Oral hygiene is important, and Oral-B has made some big announcements in its connected mouth care product lineup at CES 2022.
Dreame Shows Off Its Robotic Vacuum GOAT of Avoidance at CES 2022
A robot vacuum that can avoid objects left on the floor is great, and this CES exhibitor says its model is the best at such avoidance.
The HomeKit Bug That Can Cripple Your iPhone
Triggering this HomeKit bug requires using an older version of iOS, but it’s still a viable threat to your iPhone that’s easy to implement.
Eve Launches Two Firsts in the Smart Home Industry
In two smart home categories, Eve is breaking ground with industry firsts. You can automate your blinds with Thread and take Eve Cam outside.
2021: Reviewing a Year of Apple Hardware
Apple unveiled a number of new products in 2021, along with some discontinued items. Let’a check out a year in review of Apple hardware.
How to Use Apple Maps to Check for COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements
If you want to check for COVID-19 vaccination requirements, Apple Maps is a good start. The app partners with Yelp to display the details.
The Four Products Apple Should Drop in 2022
For me, these are the four products Apple should discontinue from its lineup. I do believe they’re lost in time and any customer that bought one right now would be disappointed with the general experience.
I agree that it’s high time for Apple to discontinue the iPod touch, Watch Series 3, and Beats Solo3 Wireless. These products just aren’t reflective of the best Apple can offer anymore. Some might say the Apple Watch Series 3 is still a good choice. I’d argue most would be better off with the SE model. It’s only $70 more expensive and much more robust. But the Intel-powered Mac mini? I can’t really buy into this idea, simply for the sake of anybody who still needs to dual-boot Windows and macOS.
How to Stop the In-App Review Annoyance
If you’re annoyed with being bombarded with in-app review requests, you aren’t alone. Here’s how to turn those prompts off completely.
TwelveSouth’s Happy New Gear Sale Could Save You a Bundle
Looking for a case for that new iPhone? Maybe a stand for your MacBook Pro? Take a look at the Happy New Gear Sale at TwelveSouth for terrific savings on elegant accessories for every Apple device.
Apple Puts India iPhone Factory on Probation
The southern India iPhone factory operated by Foxconn will remain closed until living conditions are improved to Apple’s satisfaction.
iOS: Changing Key Frames in Live Photos
While the Camera app in iOS is pretty good at setting this automatically, it’s nice to be able to change the key photo to your own personal favorite.
Nomad Helps You Get the Gift You Wanted
Now that you’ve got a new iPhone or Apple Watch, you’ll want some stylish accessories. Nomad’s “Get the Gift You Wanted” sale has the goods.
CES 2022 Proves We’re Not Ready for Normal
As the world grapples with COVID-19’s omicron variant, CES 2022 shows tech giants and organizers don’t think it’s time to return to normal.
5 Hidden iOS Features You Might Not Know
You’ll be amazed at how much nicer your iPhone experience is with these iOS tips from Jeff Butts.
How to Set a Playlist for Your HomePod Alarm
Using a song from Apple Music for your alarm is nothing new. However, you can do much more with your HomePod alarm, like use a playlist.
Rumored Hire Hints Apple AR Headset Coming Soon
If the hiring rumor is correct, Meta’s AR communications and PR head will help bring the first Apple AR headset to the public.
Every Apple TV Original Series Ranked, But Not Really
The major omissions from the list, Foundation and Invasion, give me pause. Those series both have huge followings, and I’m baffled at their exclusion. That being said, this ranking of “worst to best” definitely shows the quality Apple is demanding from its original series. The second-worst, Dickinson, is a brilliant comedy loved by the critics and audiences alike. Even the worst-ranked show earned an 85% score from Rotten Tomatoes.
Straight out of the gate, Apple established itself as a dominant programming force and continues to pile on the hits two years later. With the return to television at the end of the month of The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart and a new comedy series starring superstars Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell, it’s easy to see why Apple’s content generates so much buzz. While the following list ranks the drama and comedy offerings of Apple TV+ Originals from worst to best, it’s clear worst hardly means bad where Apple is concerned.
MacKeeper Helps Your Mac Run Like New
When you want to ensure your Mac keeps performing at its best, a tune-up is essential. Jeff Butts looks at how well MacKeeper does that.