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272 'Basics' stories February 2019 - May 2021
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How to use Apple Maps cycling directions in iOS 14

iOS 14: How to use detailed cycling directions in Apple Maps [U]

Avatar for Michael Potuck May 5 2021 - 12:00 am PT
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A valuable update to Apple Maps that came with iOS 14 is cycling directions. While Google Maps has had this feature for some time, Apple goes a step further by including if you’ll be using bike lanes or side roads on your route, a toggle to avoid busy roads or hills, and more. Read along for a look at how to use the Apple Maps cycling directions in iOS 14.

Update May 2021: Apple has expanded the feature recently across California and Seattle.

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5G iPad Pro rebate

Buying a 5G iPad Pro through Apple? Here’s how to get up to $200 back

Avatar for Michael Potuck Apr 30 2021 - 9:38 am PT
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The new iPad Pro is the first of Apple’s tablets to come with 5G for the cellular models. While Apple normally doesn’t do discounts, it’s partnered with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to offer rebates when you buy a cellular iPad Pro through the Apple Store – but there is some fine print to sift through. Follow along for how the 5G iPad Pro rebate works through Apple.

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16-inch macbook pro

How much is your MacBook Pro worth right now?

Avatar for Stephen Hall Apr 30 2021 - 12:10 am PT
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The MacBook Pro is one of Apple’s most popular laptops, and for good reason. With the exception of some keyboard stumbles and minor issues throughout the years, it’s certainly one of the best computers for professionals of all kinds. But as is the case with any other device we own, there comes a time to sell it or trade it in for an upgrade. In this article, we’re going to help you understand which MacBook Pro you have and check on its trade in value…

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iphone 8 trade in value

How much is your iPhone 8 / 8 Plus worth right now?

Avatar for Stephen Hall Apr 29 2021 - 12:06 am PT
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So you have an iPhone 8 or 8 Plus laying around, and you’re wondering what it’s value would be if you were to trade it in. Great, you’ve come to the right place! You might be surprised how simple it is to ditch your old iPhone 8 or 8 Plus and get on with updating to the latest iPhone. But first, let’s find out how much it’s worth and how to get the most value for your trade.

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iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone XS Max

How much is your iPhone XS/XS Max worth right now?

Avatar for Stephen Hall Apr 27 2021 - 1:56 am PT
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It might feel like it was just yesterday that Apple launched the iPhone XS, but is it already time to check its trade in value? Regardless of which phone you’re looking to upgrade to, you might be curious to know what your iPhone XS or XS Max is worth. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to get the most cash for your phone…

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Hands-on: Here’s how iPhone battery recalibration works in iOS 14.5

Avatar for Michael Potuck Apr 26 2021 - 11:01 am PT
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How iPhone battery recalibration works in iOS 14.5

One of the notable changes with iOS 14.5 is iPhone 11 battery recalibration. The new feature gives an updated, more accurate reading of your device’s maximum battery capacity and peak performance capability and can fix unexpected battery drain. And in rare cases, it could lead to a free battery replacement. Follow along for a hands-on look at how iPhone battery calibration works.

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Sell your iPhone 11 quickly

How much is your iPhone 11/Pro worth right now?

Avatar for Stephen Hall Apr 21 2021 - 1:41 am PT
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The iPhone 11 and 11 Pro are no longer the latest and greatest iPhones, and that means it’s time to check your trade in values. Whether you’re looking to sell your iPhone 11 to upgrade to the iPhone 12 mini or even the iPhone 12 Pro Max, you’ve come to the right place. First, let’s find out how much it’s worth and how to get the most value for your trade-in.

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How to turn on/off 5G iPhone 12

iPhone 12: How to manually manage 5G to optimize for speed or battery life

Avatar for Michael Potuck Apr 15 2021 - 12:00 am PT
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Next-generation 5G cellular service is one of the key features of the iPhone 12 lineup. Apple is using a “5G Auto” setting it refers to as “Smart Data mode” as the default to give users a balance between network speed and battery life. Follow along for how to turn 5G on/off on iPhone 12, including how to keep it on permanently or turn it off completely.

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Should you buy the iPad Air or the 11-inch iPad Pro?

Avatar for Michael Potuck Apr 7 2021 - 12:00 am PT
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The 2020 iPad Air is a compelling tablet and will be the top pick for a lot of users. However, while it matches and even surpasses the 2020 11-inch iPad Pro in a variety of aspects, the latter still holds the upper hand when it comes to certain use cases. Let’s look at some important factors to help you decide if you should buy iPad Air or the 11-inch iPad Pro.

Update 4/20: Apple has officially announced the 2021 iPad Pro.

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How to install iOS 14.5 on iPhone

How to install iOS 14.5 beta w/ Apple Watch Unlock, new emoji, Siri voices, battery recalibration

Avatar for Michael Potuck Apr 2 2021 - 1:25 pm PT
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The iOS 14.5 developer and public beta includes a number of notable features and changes. There’s the ability to unlock iPhone with your Apple Watch when Face ID detects you’re wearing a mask, over 200 new emoji, iPhone 11 battery recalibration, and new Siri Voices. Let’s look at how to install the iOS 14.5 beta and watchOS 7.4 beta to get access to all the useful new features.

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Tips and tricks for backing up the data from your iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Avatar for Michael Potuck Mar 31 2021 - 7:28 am PT
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How to backup iPhone, iPad, Mac with native and third-party options

Today, March 31 is World Backup Day – a good reminder to check in on how your device backups are looking. Even with Apple’s high-quality products, it’s important to backup regularly. No device works flawlessly all the time and there are many scenarios outside of device failure when a backup is crucial like upgrading, accidents, bugs, loss, or theft. Let’s look at a variety of ways to backup iPhone, iPad, and Mac with built-in and third-party options, NAS, and more.

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