iOS 26: Here's Your Fast Track Guide to Your iPhone's New Features

Recording phone calls on an iPhone can be a useful feature for various reasons, such as keeping track of important conversations or interviews. While Apple does not provide a built-in call recording option due to privacy concerns, there are several third-party apps and methods available that can help users achieve this. Understanding how to navigate these options is important for anyone looking to utilize this feature responsibly and legally.

The latest iOS 26 update brings exciting new features to iPhones, including larger lock screen clocks, alerts for dirty camera lenses, and enhanced spam detection. These improvements not only enhance user experience but also help users stay informed and secure. With these tricks, iPhone users can make the most of their devices, ensuring they are both functional and stylish.

This week's gear news highlights some exciting developments in technology. The iPhone Air has been praised for its surprising repairability, making it a more sustainable choice for consumers. Additionally, Gemini is now available on Google TV, enhancing the streaming experience. Withings has partnered with Clue to provide advanced tracking for women's cycles, showcasing a commitment to health tech. A new Balmuda toaster promises to elevate breakfast, while Shokz introduces Dolby Audio-powered open earbuds, offering a fresh take on audio quality. These innovations matter as they reflect a growing trend towards user-friendly, sustainable, and health-conscious technology.

Exciting news for iPhone users! With the latest Apple Intelligence feature, you can now create and customize your own emojis, making your messaging experience more personal and fun. This innovation not only enhances communication but also allows for greater self-expression, reflecting your unique personality in every text.

If your iPhone's photo library feels overwhelming, you're not alone. Many users struggle with cluttered photo collections, but there's a simple solution. By utilizing the 'Duplicates' folder in the Photos app, you can easily identify and remove duplicate images, freeing up valuable storage space. This not only helps your device run more smoothly but also makes it easier to find the photos you truly cherish. It's a quick fix that can significantly enhance your iPhone experience.

As we look ahead to 2025, our extensive testing of various smartwatches has led us to identify the best options in different categories. This guide is essential for anyone seeking a smartwatch that perfectly aligns with their lifestyle, whether they prioritize value, advanced features, or stylish design. Knowing which smartwatch to choose can enhance your daily routine and keep you connected.

YouTube Premium has rolled out exciting new features, including high-quality audio and four times playback speed for users on iOS, Android, and desktop. This upgrade enhances the listening experience, allowing users to enjoy their favorite content with superior sound quality and greater convenience. These improvements not only cater to audiophiles but also make it easier for busy individuals to consume more content in less time, reflecting YouTube's commitment to enhancing user satisfaction.

YouTube Music is exploring the integration of AI hosts that could potentially interrupt your listening experience. This initiative is part of YouTube Labs, a platform designed to showcase upcoming AI features for the app. While this could enhance user interaction, it also raises questions about how it might affect the enjoyment of music. It's an interesting development that highlights the ongoing evolution of music streaming services.

Apple's upcoming Maps app on iOS 26 is generating excitement as it introduces new features that could rival Google Maps, which has been the go-to for many iPhone users. This shift is significant because it highlights Apple's commitment to enhancing user experience and could lead to a more competitive landscape in navigation apps.

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 have received a positive review, highlighting their improvements and exceptional performance, particularly for iOS users who value noise cancellation. This matters because as technology evolves, having high-quality audio accessories can significantly enhance the user experience, making these earbuds a top choice for those in the Apple ecosystem.

While waiting for the initial bugs of iOS 26 to be resolved, it's a great time to optimize your iPhone with essential settings from iOS 18. These adjustments can enhance your device's performance and user experience, making it feel fresh and new. By taking the time to tweak these settings, you can ensure that your iPhone runs smoothly and efficiently, even before the latest update is fully ready.

Apple is making strides with a new ChatGPT-like app designed to enhance the testing of Siri, which is set for a major update next year. This development is significant as it shows Apple's commitment to improving user experience and keeping pace with advancements in AI technology, potentially making Siri more competitive in the digital assistant market.

Exciting news for retro computing enthusiasts! IEEE Spectrum has teamed up with local science and technology museums to offer a unique opportunity to build your own Commodore 64 cartridge. This initiative not only allows fans to dive deeper into the nostalgia of classic computing but also promotes hands-on learning and engagement with technology. It's a fantastic way to connect with the past while inspiring future generations to explore the world of computing.

In this edition of the Technology newsletter, we explore various intriguing topics including Peter Thiel's controversial views, the ongoing rivalry between Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, and the challenges surrounding AI's spending habits. These discussions are significant as they highlight the evolving landscape of technology and its implications for the future.

OpenAI is facing backlash from ChatGPT subscribers who are upset about recent changes to the platform. Users have accused the company of secretly switching to inferior models, leading to a decline in performance. This situation is significant as it highlights the growing concerns over transparency and user trust in AI technologies, which are crucial for their continued adoption and success.

Recording phone calls on an iPhone can be a useful feature for various reasons, such as keeping track of important conversations or interviews. While Apple does not provide a built-in call recording option due to privacy concerns, there are several third-party apps and methods available that can help users achieve this. Understanding how to navigate these options is important for anyone looking to utilize this feature responsibly and legally.

Apple's internal ChatGPT-style chatbot app is generating buzz, and many believe it should be released to the public. This move could enhance the credibility of Apple's revamped AI system, showcasing its capabilities to a wider audience. Additionally, there's excitement around new MacBooks and external monitors, alongside discussions about the iPhone 17 Pro's 'scratchgate' controversy and Tim Cook's recent memo to employees. This news matters as it highlights Apple's ongoing innovation and the potential impact of its AI developments on the tech landscape.

In an age where privacy is increasingly at risk, using a burner phone can be your best defense against invasive border searches. Even locked devices can be accessed by border patrol, making it crucial to understand the limitations of your personal technology. A burner phone offers a simple, effective solution to protect your sensitive information while traveling, ensuring that your data remains secure and private.