You Can Download the Android 14 Beta Right Now on Your Pixel

This is the first public beta Google has released of Android 14, aka Upside Down Cake.

The first Android 14 beta is here. Google announced the release of Android 14 Beta 1 in a blog post last week. If you want to test out the experimental software right now, you can download and install it on your phone today — as long as it’s compatible.

Android 14 brings several tweaks and revamps, including updates to the Android system UI, like a new back arrow and a better share menu, as well as improvements to privacy and security.

Android 14 Beta 1 is Google’s most stable Android 14 release since February, when Google released the first Android 14 developer preview, meant for developers looking to make their apps compatible ahead of the eventual general release.

Prior to this release, the process of installing the developer preview of Android 14 hasn’t been overly difficult, but it also isn’t easy. It involved unlocking developer options, downloading a sizable file, factory resetting your device and more. Now, it’s much more simple to download and install the latest Android 14 beta.

The final version of Android 14 will eventually be the most accessible way to get it, but that’s not expected until later this year. If you really want an early look at what’s coming, and you have a supported Android device, such as the Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro, you can begin testing Android 14 beta 1 right now. Here’s how.

While you’re here, check out the best Android phones you can buy in 2023 and how the Galaxy S22 and S23 stack up against each other.

Is the Android 14 beta safe to download?
Although the Android 14 beta is more refined and solid than the Android 14 developer preview, you should still expect bugs with this release that may make your phone more difficult to use. Only download the Android 14 beta if you’re willing to deal with these issues or if your device is a backup from your daily phone. Also, make sure to back up your device before downloading the Android 14 beta, in case something goes wrong or you decide to leave the program later.

Note: Some of the new features that are in development might not end up in the final version of Android 14, so anything you do use should be considered an early preview and not necessarily final.

Which Android devices are compatible with the Android 14 beta?
For now, only a select number of Pixel smartphones support Android 14:

Pixel 4A 5G
Pixel 5
Pixel 5A
Pixel 6
Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 6A
Pixel 7
Pixel 7 Pro
You can check out if your device is compatible with Android 14 Beta here. We’ll add more devices to this list as they become supported.

How to download Android 14 beta on your supported device
The easiest way to download the Android 14 beta on your phone is to go to the Android Beta for Pixel page on your computer, check if your device is supported and then enroll in the Android 14 program.

Under the Your eligible devices option, you should see your phone if it is supported (make sure your phone is charged over 10% or else it may not appear).

As long as you haven’t signed up for the Android 13 beta or Android 14 developer preview, you will see the option to opt in. If you’ve already signed up for the aforementioned prereleases, you don’t need to do anything to get Android 14. You should automatically receive an update on your phone.

To enroll in the Android 14 beta, click Opt in and then click Confirm and enroll after reading the terms and conditions. You should see a notification that says your device is now part of the Android 14 beta program.

You will then receive an over-the-air update on your phone. If you don’t get a notification on your phone, go to Settings > System > System update to view your Android 14 update. It may take up to 24 hours to receive the OTA update.

How long will the Android 14 beta last for?
You should expect updates up until the public release of Android 14, which will likely launch sometime in the fall of this year. According to Google, you should receive an update a month in May and June, with two in July.

Also, the Android 14 beta program as a whole will continue until next year, which means that you’ll continuously receive beta updates up until the next beta release, unless you opt out.

How do I opt out of the Android 14 beta?
To opt out of the Android 14 beta program, go back to the Android Beta for Pixel page, but this time click Opt out. Within 24 hours, you should receive an OTA update on your phone that will wipe out all your locally saved data and provide you with whatever the latest public version of Android is at the time. As mentioned before, this is why you need to back up your device before enrolling in the Android 14 beta program.

Galaxy Watch 5 Update Makes It Easier to Track Your Menstrual Cycle

The update to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro models aims to help make fertility tracking a little simpler.

Samsung’s planned upgrade to its temperature sensor for menstrual cycle tracking has arrived for the Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro. The cycle tracking feature is being released as an update starting now in the US, Korea and 30 regions in Europe, the company said Wednesday.

Samsung’s temperature sensor will now let wearers measure basal body temperature while asleep, thanks to a tracking feature powered by Natural Cycles’ technology. Designed to monitor a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility status, Natural Cycles’ algorithm can help determine periods and ovulation windows. Samsung first shared news of its partnership with Natural Cycles in February, and said the partners planned to roll out the update by the end of June.

When the Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro models launched in August 2022, the temperature sensor wasn’t active. Now the feature is coming out through the Samsung Health app, where users can choose Cycle Tracking to begin monitoring and logging their information. In addition to checking one’s basal body temperature on waking up, the feature also provides a calendar, monthly graph, symptom checker and tips on how to manage your cycle.

“The new infrared temperature sensor on Galaxy Watch 5 broadens our whole health offerings, providing more convenient ways to track and understand personal health,” said Dr. Hon Pak, who heads Samsung’s digital health team.

With the new feature, the Watch 5 joins other wearables that offer people an easy way to track their temperature in relation to their menstrual cycle. Apple released an ovulation tracking feature alongside the Apple Watch 8 last year. The Oura ring also lets wearers sync their temperature data to the Natural Cycles app.

Top New Phones Coming Soon: iPhone 15, Pixel Fold and More

Apple, Google, Samsung and OnePlus are rumored to have some exciting new phones in the second half of 2023.

Smartphone shoppers have a lot to look forward to in 2023. This year has already brought new devices from Samsung and OnePlus, and there’s even more to be excited about as we approach the second half of 2023, especially if you’re interested in foldable phones.

Though it’s hard to predict exactly what’s in store for the phone industry, it’s possible to make some educated guesses since many companies stick to the same launch routine. The iPhone 15 lineup, for example, is expected to arrive in September, possibly with USB-C charging for the first time. Google’s rumored Pixel 8 could launch in the fall, likely with a new Tensor processor.

Such launches would follow the subtle but important progress that phones made in 2022. The iPhone 14, for example, gained satellite connectivity for emergencies and car-crash detection, while Google found more ways to make use of its custom Tensor chip in the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Samsung, meanwhile, gave its flagship Galaxy S lineup a fresh look and an upgraded camera last year, while this year’s S23 is a modest step forward.

Here are the new phones we’re likely to see in 2023, based on previous launch cycles, rumors and reports.

Apple iPhone 15 lineup

What we’re expecting: Apple’s new iPhone family usually launches in September, and we have no reason to believe 2023 will be any different. The adoption of USB-C charging is one of the biggest changes we’re expecting to see on Apple’s next-generation iPhones.

The European Union recently mandated that all new phones sold in the region must support USB-C charging by 2024. Apple said it would comply with these rules but did not specify whether that means we’ll see a shift to USB-C starting in 2023. It’s also not confirmed if a USB-C iPhone would get a global release, or if it would remain solely a European model.

Otherwise, we’re likely to see routine changes such as some camera upgrades and a new processor. TF International Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is known for making pretty accurate predictions about upcoming Apple products, tweeted that Apple may do more to distinguish the iPhone 15 Pro from the regular iPhone 15.

It already made a step in that direction with the iPhone 14 generation by keeping features like the Dynamic Island and new A16 Bionic processor exclusive to the Pro line. What’s more interesting, however, is the idea that Apple could further differentiate the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max from the smaller iPhone 15 Pro, according to Kuo.

The main difference between the regular Pro and Pro Max comes down to screen size. Giving the Pro Max some extra perks could further convince shoppers to splurge on Apple’s biggest (and most expensive) iPhone. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also believes Apple could change the name of the iPhone Pro Max to the iPhone Ultra in the future to better align with other products like the Apple Watch Ultra.

Why I’m excited about it: The iPhone’s long-anticipated transition to USB-C is arguably the biggest reason to get excited about Apple’s next smartphone. The switch means iPhone users will finally be able to charge their iPhone, iPad and Mac with the same type of charging cable, reducing friction and making the iPhone that much more convenient. I’m also looking forward to seeing whether Apple further distinguishes the iPhone 15 Pro Max from the iPhone 15 Pro. I’ve argued that Apple needs to give its supersized iPhones more functionality that takes advantage of their larger screens, similar to the iPad.

What we’re expecting: OnePlus plans to launch its first foldable phone in the second half of 2023, the company said before its event at Mobile World Congress in February. Unfortunately, we don’t know much else. The company has yet to announce any details about the device itself, precisely when it plans to launch the phone, or how much it could cost.

Why we’re excited about it: Like Google, OnePlus has a reputation for beating Samsung and Apple on price. That makes me hopeful that OnePlus’ foldable phone will be significantly less expensive than the $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 4. The Oppo Find N2 from OnePlus’ sister brand has also been well received, with CNET’s Sareena Dayaram calling it the lightest foldable she’s ever carried, so there’s a chance OnePlus could follow in its sibling’s footsteps. Plus, it’ll be nice to see Samsung face more competition in this space.

Google Pixel 7A

What we’re expecting: If Google maintains its tradition, we could see a cheaper version of the Pixel 7 known as the Pixel 7A launch in the spring or summer time frame. Rumors about the Pixel 7A are scarce right now. But developer Kuba Wojciechowski says he found details possibly pertaining to the Pixel 7A in the Android codebase, suggesting that some fairly significant upgrades are in store.

Wojciechowski’s findings indicate the Pixel 7A could have a screen with a higher refresh rate of 90Hz and wireless charging — two characteristics that are noticeably absent from the Pixel 6A. Leaked renders from Hemmerstoffer that were once again published on Smartprix also suggest the Pixel 7A will have a very similar design as its predecessor.

The Pixel 7A could also include the same Tensor G2 processor that powers the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro as well as a camera setup that includes wide and ultrawide sensors. That’s if the Pixel 7A follows in the same footsteps as the Pixel 6A, of course.

The Pixel 7A is also believed to have surfaced on the Vietnamese website Zing News, which suggests it will have a 6.1-inch screen and a design that’s very similar to the Pixel 7’s — even down to the camera bar.

Why I’m excited about it: Google’s A-series Pixel phones are seriously impressive from a value standpoint. That’s why the Pixel 6A has received a CNET Editors’ Choice award and is our favorite Android phone under $500. If Google manages to address the Pixel 6A’s very few shortcomings while maintaining the same price of $449, it’ll be an even more formidable challenger to Samsung in the affordable phone market.

Google Pixel 8 lineup

What we’re expecting: Google’s Pixel 7 and 7 Pro have only been out since mid-October 2022, but rumors have already started to surface about the Pixel 8 family. German tech blog WinFuture reports that it found references to two unreleased Pixel smartphones in publicly available code. The findings indicate that these two devices are codenamed “Shiba” and “Husky” and that they’re powered by a new processor codenamed “Zuma.” The code also suggests these devices will run on Android 14 and include 12GB of RAM, according to WinFuture.

Prolific leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer also partnered with the tech blogs MySmartPrice and SmartPrix to publish what are said to be renderings of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Based on these images, both phones will have a similar design with softer edges compared to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.

Why I’m excited about it: There haven’t been many rumors about the expected Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, which means there isn’t too much to get excited about yet. But what I’m most interested in is what new features Google’s next-generation chip will bring to its future phones. Google’s current Tensor chips have enabled features that seem practical and useful in everyday life, such as Magic Eraser and Face Unblur for improving photo quality and the ability to add speaker labels to transcripts in the Recorder app. That makes me excited about where Google could take things next.

Google Pixel Fold

What we’re expecting: Google hasn’t entered the foldable phone race yet, but that could change very soon. The search giant may release a foldable Pixel phone as early as June, according to 9to5Google and WinFuture.

Google’s take on the foldable phone could look like the Oppo Find N, according to 9to5Google. YouTube personality Dave2D says he received a blank model showing what the rumored Pixel Fold’s design could look like, and it kind of resembles Microsoft’s Surface Duo.

Developer Kuba Wojciechowski also reportedly discovered clues in the Android 13 beta hinting at a possible foldable Pixel device. The code suggested the phone would have a main, telephoto and ultrawide camera just like most premium phones, along with the same inner selfie camera as the Pixel 6.

Why we’re excited about it: We won’t know anything for certain unless Google announces a foldable phone. But there are a couple of reasons why I’m excited about the idea of a Pixel Fold.

Google typically undercuts Samsung and other phone makers on price, meaning the Pixel Fold could end up being fairly affordable compared to competitors. Foldables are also still largely a novelty. They appeal to early adopters, but most people still don’t really see the value in foldable phones just yet. Foldables phones are only expected to have accounted for 1.1% of the global smartphone market in 2022, according to The International Data Corporation’s estimate.

Since Google operates Android and has a history of coming up with unique features for its regular Pixel phones, I’m hoping it’ll do the same for a Pixel Fold. With its current Pixel devices, Google has added helpful features like the ability to sharpen photos that are out of focus and have Google Assistant wait on hold for you. If it does release a foldable, I’d like to see it follow the same approach and develop creative, useful features that take advantage of a foldable screen.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

What we’re expecting: Even though foldable phones are still new to most people, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold will be on its fifth generation in 2023. The next version of Samsung’s phone-tablet hybrid could have a slot for storing Samsung’s S Pen stylus, a lighter design and a less noticeable crease, according to Korean news outlet The Elec. The report didn’t definitively say the Z Fold 5 will have these improvements, but did say Samsung has cited them as barriers that must be overcome to make foldable phones more popular.

Other more recent reports from The Elec, ET News and well-known leaker Ice Universe suggest Samsung could implement a water drop-shaped hinge on the Galaxy Z Fold 5. That new hinge would likely help with minimizing the device’s crease and thickness.

Otherwise, we can probably expect to see routine improvements to the camera and processor in the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Samsung also added some new multitasking features to the Z Fold 4 this year, such as the ability to use the bottom portion of the screen as a mini trackpad when the display is folded halfway. So there’s a chance we’ll see other software enhancements in the future, too.

Samsung typically releases its new foldable phones in August, meaning we’re likely to see the next Z Fold around that time.

Why I’m excited about it: The Galaxy Z Fold 5 needs a lot more than an included S Pen to bring foldables into the mainstream. But making the S Pen a bigger part of the experience could go a long way in further defining who the Z Fold is for and why it exists in the first place. Samsung is promoting the Z Fold 5 as a productivity-oriented device, so having an embedded S Pen seems like a natural move. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Fold 3 are both compatible with the S Pen, but they must be purchased separately.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

What we’re expecting: Samsung’s next flip phone may have a larger cover screen and a less noticeable crease, according to Ross Young, cofounder and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants. Ross recently tweeted that the Z Flip 5 will have a cover display measuring around 3 inches and a new hinge design that could make the crease more subtle. That would represent a sizable increase from the current Z Flip 4’s 1.9-inch cover screen. Like with the Z Fold 5, there’s a chance we’ll see general improvements to camera quality and software as well as a new processor.

Why I’m excited about it: Making the cover screen slightly larger would address one of the Z Flip’s biggest shortcomings. As my colleague Patrick Holland wrote in his review of the Z Flip 4, the cover screen is the biggest area where Samsung could be doing more. I’m also hoping to see longer battery life from the Z Flip 5 considering that’s another area where Samsung’s current flip phone could use some improvement.

Overall
It seems like some of the biggest improvements we’re expecting to see across the board on new smartphones in 2023 will have to do with battery and charging improvements, as well as camera and design upgrades. We’ll know more throughout the year as more reports and rumors arrive, and as Samsung, Apple and Google actually debut their devices.

Your iPhone Calls Can Sound Better. Here’s How

An old FaceTime feature can now be used on regular phone calls.

When Apple released iOS 16.4 it March, it brought a host of new features to your iPhone. Among the new features, such as new emoji and Apple Music updates, Apple brought Voice Isolation, a handy FaceTime feature, to regular phone calls. Apple rolled out Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum to FaceTime calls with the release of iOS 15 in 2021, but only Voice Isolation is available for phone calls, too.

When enabled, Voice Isolation muffles distracting background noises that interrupt your phone call. That way, if you’re on a business call or catching up with friends, you won’t be interrupted by your dog’s barking or construction outside your home.

To enable Voice Isolation, you have to be on a phone call, and you won’t find the feature in Settings. But once you turn Voice Isolation on, it will stay on for all subsequent phone calls until it’s turned off.

Here’s how to activate and disable Voice Isolation for phone calls.

How to enable Voice Isolation

  1. Start or answer a phone call.
  2. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to access your Control Center.
  3. Tap Mic Mode near the top-right corner of your screen.
  4. Tap Voice Isolation.

Pro tip: Instead of turning this feature on during a call with someone else, you can call yourself and enable Voice Isolation by following the steps above.

To disable Voice Isolation, follow the same steps above and tap Standard in Mic Mode. This will return your microphone back to its default setting.

What is Wide Spectrum?
Alongside Voice Isolation in Mic Mode is Wide Spectrum. Unlike Voice Isolation — which muffles background sounds — Wide Spectrum amplifies background sounds without affecting your voice.

Wide Spectrum is useful for calls with multiple people on one phone line. That way, everyone can be heard, not just the person holding the phone.

Currently, Wide Spectrum is only available for FaceTime calls, not phone calls. But, since the feature is still present in Mic Mode when accessed during a phone call, this feature might become available for phone calls in the future.

For more, check out why you should download iOS 16.4.1, other new features in iOS 16.4 and what might be coming to iOS 16.5.

This Hidden iPhone Feature Saves Wi-Fi Passwords You Forgot

Can’t remember a Wi-Fi password? Your iPhone stores the ones you used to connect to a network. Here’s how to find them.
For the most part, I don’t need to remember any Wi-Fi passwords — once I connect to a network, my iPhone automatically reconnects to it when it’s nearby.

But there are times when I do need to know the actual password, if, for example, a friend or family member wants to connect to that same network and there’s no other way to share the password with them.

Helpfully, iPhones store the passwords of all the Wi-Fi networks you connect to — you just need to know where to find them.

Interested in other lesser-known features on your iPhone? Check out these 14 hidden features on iOS 16 and the trackpad hidden in your iPhone keyboard.

I always need a reliable, high-speed internet connection on my iPhone, whether it’s for work or leisure. That’s why, when my cellular connection is weak, I seek out and connect to Wi-Fi at home, friends’ houses, coffee shops, restaurants, airports and libraries. But with so many networks, it’s impossible to remember all these passwords.

View password for Wi-Fi network you’re currently connected to
This first method allows you to view the password of the Wi-Fi network you’re either currently connected to or have connected to in the past and are near enough to the router for the network to appear in your settings.

If you meet these requirements, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, find the Wi-Fi network you want the password for and tap the information icon. Next, tap Password and use Face ID, Touch ID or enter your passcode to view the Wi-Fi network password. Finally, hit Copy to save the password to your clipboard.

However, as mentioned, this only works for Wi-Fi networks you’re currently connected to or near to, but there is a way to find the passwords to all the other Wi-Fi networks you’ve connected to in the past.

Find the rest of your saved Wi-Fi passwords
If you want to view every single stored Wi-Fi password on your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap the Edit button on the top right. A list of your known networks, or every single Wi-Fi network you’ve ever connected to, will appear in alphabetical and numerical order.

To view a password, tap the information icon and then hit Password.

If you want to check out more about iOS, check out our review of the iPhone 14 and everything you need to know about the iPhone 14 series.

This Hidden iOS Feature Shows You All the Wi-Fi Passwords Stored on Your iPhone

If you’ve ever connected to a Wi-Fi network on your iPhone, even if it was years ago, the password is saved in settings.

I always need a reliable, high-speed internet connection on my iPhone, whether it’s for work or pleasure. It’s why I always seek out Wi-Fi when my cellular connection is weak. Besides my home network, I connect to Wi-Fi at friends’ houses, coffee shops, restaurants, airports and libraries, but with so many networks, it’s impossible to remember all these passwords.

For the most part, I don’t need to remember any Wi-Fi passwords — once I connect to a network, my iPhone automatically reconnects to it when it’s nearby.

But there are times when I do need to know the actual password, if, for example, a friend or family member wants to connect to that same network and there’s no other way to share the password with them.

Helpfully, iPhones store the passwords of all the Wi-Fi networks you connect to — you just need to know where to find them.

Interested in other lesser-known features on your iPhone? Check out these 14 hidden features on iOS 16 and the trackpad hidden in your iPhone keyboard.

View password for Wi-Fi network you’re currently connected to
This first method allows you to view the password of the Wi-Fi network you’re either currently connected to or have connected to in the past and are near enough to the router for the network to appear in your settings.

If you meet these requirements, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, find the Wi-Fi network you want the password for and tap the information icon. Next, tap Password and use Face ID, Touch ID or enter your passcode to view the Wi-Fi network password. Finally, hit Copy to save the password to your clipboard.

However, as mentioned, this only works for Wi-Fi networks you’re currently connected to or near to, but there is a way to find the passwords to all the other Wi-Fi networks you’ve connected to in the past.

Find the rest of your saved Wi-Fi passwords
If you want to view every single stored Wi-Fi password on your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and tap the Edit button on the top right. A list of your known networks, or every single Wi-Fi network you’ve ever connected to, will appear in alphabetical and numerical order.

To view a password, tap the information icon and then hit Password.

If you want to check out more about iOS, check out our review of the iPhone 14 and everything you need to know about the iPhone 14 series.

iOS 16.4.1 Gives Your iPhone an Important Security Update

Here’s how you can download the update and protect your device and information.

Apple released iOS 16.4.1 last Friday, a little more than two weeks after the release of iOS 16.4. The latest update fixes a few problems that some users might’ve experienced with iPhone features, and, importantly, it also brings security fixes and bug patches to issues that might be actively exploited on your iPhone.

You can download the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update and tapping Download and Install.

Here’s what you’ll get in the update and why you should download it.

Security fixes and bug patches
The most important things in the latest update are patches for two security issues that Apple said might be actively exploited.

Apple said in one instance, an app could execute arbitrary code kernel privileges. According to MalwareBytes, kernel privileges are a serious issue since they offer greater access than administrative privileges. That means someone could access your personal files, load their own malicious code or programs onto your device or alter your system however they want.

The other fix applies to a WebKit issue where some malicious web content may lead to a code execution. According to Okta, this is a form of hacking that can be used to execute commands on your device without your knowledge. It can be used to load a virus, alter software and cause other issues on your device.

Both of these issues can be exploited, compromising your iPhone and your personal information. However, iOS 16.4.1 should fix both issues and protect you and your device.

Siri and emoji fixes
The iOS 16.4.1 update also fixes two issues users have run into: Siri not responding to requests, and the new pushing hands emoji not showing various skin tones.

Here are Apple’s release notes for iOS 16.4.1:

This update provides important bug fixes and security updates for your iPhone including:

Pushing hands emoji does not show skin tone variations
Siri does not respond in some cases
Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:

For more, check out what you might have missed in iOS 16.4 and what could be coming in iOS 16.5.

6 Rumored Apple Products That May Arrive in 2023

This year, we’re expected to see an iPhone 15 with USB-C charging and Apple’s first mixed-reality headset.

When it comes to upcoming Apple product launches, you never really know what to expect until the company makes an official announcement. However, Apple tends to release certain products on a regular schedule, providing possible clues about what’s to come. Leaks and rumors also paint a picture of potential gadgets we may see throughout 2023, such as the iPhone 15 and Apple’s long-rumored “mixed-reality” headset.

If the reports turn out to be accurate, 2023 could mark several firsts for Apple’s product lineup. We may see the company’s first AR/VR headset, the first iPhone with USB-C and the first 15-inch MacBook Air, for example. As for other products like AirPods, the Apple TV and the iPad, Bloomberg reports we likely won’t see major changes to those product lines this year.

The debut of a mixed-reality headset would signal an entirely new product category for Apple, while the other updates suggest Apple is further optimizing its devices to contend with Android and Windows competitors that offer bigger screens and universal USB-C charging.

Apple has already released several new products this year, including a new yellow version of the iPhone 14, an updated HomePod, a Mac Mini with the M2 and M2 Pro chips, and MacBook Pro computers with the new M2 Pro and M2 Max.

Here’s a look at what we’re expecting in 2023 based on Apple’s previous launches, rumors and leaks so far. Apple did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

iPhone 15 lineup

Apple usually launches new iPhones in September, and this year will likely be no different. Among the most significant changes we’re expecting to see in the iPhone 15 is the switch from the Lightning charging port to USB-C. That’s because there are new rules requiring tech products sold in Europe to support USB-C by 2024. Still, it’s unclear whether Apple will fully embrace the transition to USB-C across the entire iPhone 15 lineup, or if it will make a region-specific model for Europe.

Another potential update could include the Dynamic Island’s arrival on standard non-Pro iPhone 15 models, Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, tweeted in September. At the same time, Apple could add more features to the iPhone 15 Pro that differentiate it from the base models. Such features could include a new periscope camera with better optical zoom for the iPhone 15 Pro Max and solid-state buttons for both Pro phones, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Apple AR/VR headset

Apple’s long-anticipated mixed-reality headset could finally make its debut in June, according to Bloomberg, marking Apple’s first major expansion into a new product category since the Apple Watch. The headset is expected to blend elements of augmented reality, which lays digital graphics over real-world environments similar to the smartphone game Pokemon Go, and virtual reality, which envelopes users in 360-degree graphics like the $400 Meta Quest 2.

But don’t expect Apple’s headset to come cheap. The device could cost $3,000 and will run on a new type of software that’s essentially a 3D version of the iPhone’s interface, Bloomberg reports. Expect it to be powered by Apple’s M2 chip, which can be found in its current MacBook lineup, the report says. Although Bloomberg reported that Apple could introduce the headset in June, a tweet from Kuo suggests mass production of the device may have been delayed.

Tech giants from Meta to Sony to Microsoft have all tried their hand at virtual or augmented reality. But there’s an expectation that Apple’s first VR product could popularize the technology, since the company has a long track record of doing so with other products.

“I think Apple is going to be a big help to the market kind of like it has with, let’s face it, smartphones, tablets and smartwatches,” said Ramon Llamas, a research director at the International Data Corporation.

Apple Watch Series 9

Like clockwork, Apple typically releases new Apple Watch models alongside its new iPhones in the fall. This year, however, we may see a more modest update than usual. Bloomberg reports that we shouldn’t expect to see significant changes to the Apple Watch this year. What that means is unclear, but it’s possible the watch could include routine updates like performance enhancements rather than significant new health-tracking features.

That falls in line with the pattern that Apple has followed in recent years. Other than the addition of temperature sensing and car-crash detection, the Apple Watch Series 8 is very similar to the Series 7. Apple has also introduced more new features through software updates rather than hardware changes in recent years, such as the ability to track sleep stages that arrived in WatchOS 9. But I’m hoping the Series 9 inherits some features from the Apple Watch Ultra, especially its handy Action button, which makes it easier to jump right into a workout.

There haven’t been many rumors or reports about whether to expect updated Apple Watch SE or Ultra models in 2023. But since Apple doesn’t always release special-edition products on an annual cadence, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Apple skip those updates this time around.

A new iMac

Fans of Apple’s colorful all-in-one computer may have something to look forward to this year. The company’s next iMac is at an advanced development stage, meaning it could arrive in the second half of this year, according to Bloomberg. The refreshed computer will likely run on Apple’s rumored M3 processor, which would be a step up from the M2 chip powering the current MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. It’ll have a 24-inch screen like the 2021 edition and will be available in the same color options, but will have some internal design changes, according to the report.

Mac Pro with M2 Ultra

Apple is also readying a new version of its top-of-the-line Mac Pro that would run on a chip called the M2 Ultra processor, likely a successor to the M1 Ultra, according to Bloomberg. That would mark a departure from the current model, which debuted in 2019 and runs on Intel’s Xeon processors. The chip will reportedly have 24 CPU cores, 76 graphics cores and 192GB of memory.

The $5,999 Mac Pro is Apple’s high-end desktop computer aimed at professionals. It’s the last remaining Mac in Apple’s current lineup that doesn’t include the company’s own silicon. The report suggests it will launch between late spring and summer, meaning we might see it at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

A 15-inch MacBook Air

Apple’s lightweight laptop will reportedly be available in a 15-inch size for the first time this year. Bloomberg reports that a 15-inch MacBook Air is in Apple’s 2023 product roadmap, although it’s unclear whether this machine will run on the company’s expected M3 chip. A new 13-inch MacBook Air is also said to be in the works.

These two laptops are also expected to arrive in the late spring or summer, so we should be hearing about them in the coming months if Bloomberg’s report is accurate.

All told, the rumors, leaks and reports suggest 2023 could be a pivotal year for Apple’s computing lineup. If Apple does announce its first mixed-reality headset, we’ll get a glimpse at the company’s vision for the future of computing. Apple CEO Tim Cook has been vocal about the potential he sees for augmented reality, but we haven’t seen dedicated Apple hardware for providing those experiences yet. The arrival of Apple silicon in the Mac Pro would also mark the completion of Apple’s transition to its homegrown Mac chips within its current lineup.

Capture It All: Use This Hidden Feature to Take Really Long iPhone Screenshots

A scrolling screenshot lets you capture more than your average iOS screenshot.

Pretty much everyone knows how to take a screenshot on the iPhone. For the unfamiliar, all you have to do is press the volume up and side buttons at the same time to capture exactly what’s on your screen — nothing more, nothing less.

If you want to capture more, like what’s above or below what you see on your screen, there is another way to take screenshots that you may not know about.

Hidden within iOS is a scrolling screenshot feature that allows you to snap multiple pages with only a single screenshot. There are third-party apps you can use to stitch together individual screenshots and create a longer one, but a scrolling screenshot makes the process easier.

Read more: 14 Hidden iOS 16 Features That Will Make Your Life Easier

If you want to save a film script in Safari or a long PDF in your email, here’s what you need to know to take scrolling screenshots on your iPhone.

And if you’re interested in learning about other hidden iOS features, check out this sneaky way to secretly message someone else on iOS and the hidden trackpad that lives in your iOS keyboard.

What is a scrolling screenshot?
A full-page screenshot, or scrolling screenshot, captures an entire page — webpage, document or email — without you having to take multiple screenshots and then stitch them together. For example, if you wanted to screenshot a 116-page document in Safari, you would only have to take a single screenshot to capture the entire thing.

How to take a scrolling screenshot on your iPhone
To take a scrolling screenshot, do the following:

  1. First, take a regular screenshot on your iPhone. If you have Face ID, quickly press the side button + volume up button. With Touch ID, it’s side/top button + home button.
  2. Tap the screenshot preview that appears in the bottom-left corner. It appears for about five seconds, so you must be somewhat swift.
  3. Next, go to the Full Page option. Underneath Full Page, you’ll see a preview of the entire scrolling screenshot on the right side, along with a larger preview in the middle. You also have tools to crop the scrolling screenshot, in case it’s too long.
  4. Once you’re finished editing the scrolling screenshot, hit Done. You’ll see two options: one to save the scrolling screenshot and another to delete it.
  5. Finally, tap Save PDF to Files to save the scrolling screenshot.

You must choose a folder to save the scrolling screenshot in. By default, the Files app will select the last folder you saved something to or the Downloads folder.

How to view scrolling screenshots on your iPhone
All scrolling screenshots are converted to PDFs, so they’re saved to the native Files app. To view your scrolling screenshot, open the Files app, go to the folder in which your screenshot was saved and tap the screenshot.

Here you can rename the file, draw on it, leave comments and more. You can also share the scrolling screenshot, but the other person must have Files or another PDF-reader to view it.

Also, check out 13 new iPhone features you’re missing out on without iOS 16.4 and our iOS 16 cheat sheet.

This Hidden iPhone Setting Makes Your FaceTimes Sound Clearer

Stop letting barking dogs or loud children interrupt your calls. This feature makes sure others hear you, not the noise in the background.

FaceTime calls can be hectic. From ensuring you have a good connection so your video isn’t choppy to making sure the other person doesn’t put their phone up to their ear, there are plenty of ways a video call can go awry. But there is something you can do to cut back the chaos: enable your iPhone’s Voice Isolation feature.

Voice isolation for FaceTime calls was introduced with the release of iOS 15 in 2021. The feature muffles background noises, like the sound of kids playing in a nearby room or your dog barking at something outside, so others on the FaceTime call can hear you without interruptions.

However, you won’t find the Voice Isolation feature in Settings, as you might expect. Instead, you have to be on a FaceTime call to enable it. But once you activate the feature, it will stay on the next time you’re on a FaceTime call.

Here’s how to activate Voice Isolation so people can hear you more clearly in FaceTime calls. If you prefer voice calls, you can enable Voice Isolation for that too, thanks to iOS 16.4.

How to enable Voice Isolation

  1. Start or join a FaceTime call.
  2. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to access your Control Center.
  3. Tap Mic Mode near the top-right corner of your screen.
  4. Tap Voice Isolation.

Pro tip: You don’t have to interrupt a FaceTime call with family and friends to turn this feature on. You can call yourself on FaceTime and enable Voice Isolation following the steps above.

How to enable Wide Spectrum
In Mic Mode, there’s another feature alongside Voice Isolation called Wide Spectrum. While Voice Isolation muffles other noises around you in a FaceTime call, Wide Spectrum enhances the noises around you without affecting your voice.

Wide Spectrum is good for conference calls over FaceTime or if you have a large group of people FaceTiming someone else. If you have a little brother or sister who moves away to college and you and your family want to wish them a happy birthday, Wide Spectrum can help you all sing happy birthday to them at once.

To enable Wide Spectrum, follow the steps above, but tap Wide Spectrum instead of Voice Isolation.

Like Voice Isolation, Wide Spectrum will stay enabled the next time you make a FaceTime call. To disable either Voice Isolation or Wide Spectrum, follow the instructions above and tap Standard. This will return your microphone to its default setting.