For the umpteenth time in the life of the social networking giant, Facebook is preparing to implement a top-to-bottom overhaul of its signature blue app in the face of a serious competitive threat. After making Snapchat-style Stories and TikTok-inspired Reels the centerpiece of the Instagram experience, Meta-owned Facebook is now preparing to make the TikTok-ification of the Facebook app even more pronounced.

TikTok is currently the most visited website in the world, with the popular video service having established its pop-culture dominance by attracting influencers, celebrities, brands, and of course, everyday individuals across the world. For the time being, though, Facebook parent Meta remains the biggest, and most consequential, social media platform and company globally.

It’s also for that reason, by the way, that Facebook and Instagram accounts remain juicy targets for hackers. That’s no surprise, given the staggering number of users who still rely on the services to consume content. And to stay connected with friends and loved ones.

Facebook account hacked?

One of the common knocks against Facebook — that it knows and tracks so much about you and your activity — can actually work in your favor if you’re trying to determine whether someone has unauthorized access to your account.

Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR

There are some pretty easy steps you can follow to make sure your Facebook account has not fallen victim to a snoop or malicious hacker.

First, sign in to your account. If you’re on the web, next click your profile image in the top right corner. And then, from the drop-down menu, select Settings & Privacy > and then Settings.

After that, click on Security and Login. Then look over to the right. You should see a listing of devices under the heading Where you’re logged in.

Two should be showing immediately. But if you click on “See More” you can expand that list. See any that are questionable or that you’re sure weren’t you? Simply choose “log out” from the three-dot icon over on the right.

While we’re at it, if you haven’t turned on Two-Factor Authentication for your Facebook account, you definitely need to do that right now. Simply scroll down on the same page that had the “Where you’re logged in” menu. Look for the Two-Factor Authentication option. Turn it on, and then from that point onward Facebook will ask for a login code if there’s an attempt to log in to your account from an unrecognized device or browser.

The beginning of the end for Zuckerberg’s empire

Of course, steps like those are only useful to anyone out there who still uses and enjoys Facebook. A service that’s now facing perhaps its toughest competitive threat to date, in the form of an app that tens of millions of people around the world now love more — such that Facebook is prepping an overhaul to make itself more in line with that rival app.

In a leaked memo obtained by The Verge, company executives laid out a plan to prioritize Facebook posts that are likely to spur engagement. At the expense, of course, of posts from individuals that people actually follow. In effect, Facebook will try and mimic TikTok’s For You Page. That’s the TikTok discovery engine that expertly doles out videos while keeping consumers engaged for hours on end.

Instagram is already doing this in a big way. Facebook, meanwhile, got as big as it did partly because of the algorithm that surfaced the content you’re likely to most engage with … from within the universe of people and pages you already follow on Facebook.

TikTok running on a smartphone. Image source: Kaspars Grinvalds/Adobe

Therein lies a key distinction that TikTok capitalized on. Because TikTok is freakishly good at showing you content that the app thinks you will love … from potentially any account on the service. Whether you follow that account or not.

Bottom line: The business strategy behind Facebook’s approach makes sense on a surface level. However, it has the potential to destroy the very thing that made Facebook popular in the first place. That would be the actual connections between friends, family, and acquaintances.

The post This red flag may tell you if someone hacked into your Facebook account appeared first on BGR.

There has been increasing talk about a Netflix with ads subscription tier coming soon, another attempt from the company to steady the ship and return to growth. Netflix has now confirmed that the ad tier is coming soon, with Co-CEO Ted Sarandos explaining the decision at the Cannes Lions advertising festival.

It has been a tumultuous year for the streaming giant, with Netflix announcing a subscriber loss last quarter amid increased competition from rivals like Disney Plus and HBO Max.

Before confirming the Netflix with ads tier, the company also revealed it’s testing a new type of subscription where people who share passwords will pay an additional fee.

Combined with the ad-supported subscription plan, the crackdown on passwords should help Netflix bring in more revenue and possibly return to growth. Initially, however, it could prompt many subscribers to cancel their service.

(L-R) Kevin Hart as Teddy and Woody Harrelson as The Man From Toronto in the Netflix movie “The Man From Toronto.” Image source: Sabrina Lantos/Netflix

Netflix with ads: When is the new plan coming?

It’s unclear when Netflix will release these products. The password-sharing test has already encountered issues, and it seems like Netflix might need more time to implement it widely. But a Netflix with ads subscription would be a lot easier to launch.

That said, Sarandos did not specify a release timeframe. “We’ve left a big customer segment off the table, which is people who say: ‘Hey, Netflix is too expensive for me, and I don’t mind advertising,’” Sarandos said Thursday. “We adding an ad tier; we’re not adding ads to Netflix as you know it today. We’re adding an ad tier for folks who say, ‘Hey, I want a lower price, and I’ll watch ads.’”

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Sarandos offered his remarks during an interview with the Sway podcast during Cannes Lions.

This marks Netflix’s first time participating in Cannes Lions, which is an advertising festival. It certainly seems like the right venue to confirm that a Netflix with ads tier is coming soon. Sarandos will be honored with the Cannes Lions’ Entertainment Person of the Year award at the event.

The Co-CEO also confirmed that Netflix is in talks with potential ad-sales partners.

Gracie Dzienny as Elinor Fairmont in the Netflix original series “First Kill.” Image source: Brian Douglas/Netflix

How much will Netflix with ads cost?

The Basic Netflix subscription currently costs $9.99 per month. An ad-based tier will likely be cheaper than that, although Sarandos did not mention prices during the interview.

Furthermore, the executive did not reveal what an ad-supported Netflix plan will have to offer buyers. The no-ads subscription cost between $9.99 and $19.99. The more expensive tiers add additional screens and improve the streaming quality of movies and TV shows.

Also, Netflix didn’t say whether each of the current tiers will get a cheaper ad-based equivalent.

Moreover, it’s unclear what sort of advertising experience Netflix customers are going to get. Analysts think Netflix will show anywhere between four and fix ads per hour, and each one might be 15-30 seconds long. Ads would likely also appear before a movie or show begins streaming.

Comparatively, Disney Plus is looking at adding four minutes of ads per hour, according to a recent report. Of course, Disney will want strict control over what sort of ads are played on its platform.

More Netflix coverage: For more Netflix news, check out our coverage of the latest new Netflix movies and series to watch.

The post Netflix CEO confirms upcoming new plan with ads appeared first on BGR.

Google’s Chrome browser isn’t just the biggest desktop browser in the world — it’s also the most popular mobile browser on Earth. That will likely continue as long as Google continues to add new features to its app as frequently as it does. Speaking of, Google announced five new features coming to Chrome on iPhone and iPad this week.

5 new features coming to Chrome on iOS

These new features are available in the latest version of Chrome on iPhone and iPad.

Stronger protection from phishing and malware

In Chrome 103, iPhone and iPad owners will finally have access to Enhanced Safe Browsing. If you turn on ESB, Chrome will predict and warn you proactively when you visit a dangerous website. Chrome will also tell you if your username and password have been compromised in a data breach. It will then prompt you to change them.

Fill in passwords on any app

You can now set up Google Password Manager as your Autofill provider on iPhone and iPad. This will let Chrome quickly create, store, and fill in your passwords on any website or within any app on your phone or tablet. Very useful if all your passwords are in Chrome.

Discover something new, or pick up where you left off

Google wants to make it easier to find fresh content while browsing on Chrome. In order to accomplish that, a new “Discover” section will appear when you open a new tab. You can still find your recent tabs as well. This feature will hit Android soon too.

Translate websites faster into your language

Chrome will use on-device machine learning to make websites translate into your preferred language faster. The latest version of Chrome includes “an updated language identification model to accurately figure out the language of the page you’re visiting.”

Use Chrome Actions to quickly get things done

Finally, Chrome Actions make it easier to get stuff done from the address bar. From now on, if you want to perform an action like clearing your browsing history, opening an incognito tab, or setting Chrome as your default browser, just type it into the address bar. Chrome Actions will let you spend less time in menus and more time browsing.

Other additions

The release notes for Chrome 103 on the App Store reveal a few other new features:

• Manage camera and microphone permissions for specific sites using the camera and microphone icons in the address bar.
• You can now download and add iCalendar (iCal) files to your Calendar.
• Chrome will remove duplicate New Tab Page tabs in the background.
• Stability and performance improvements.

You can download the latest version of Chrome on your iPhone or iPad right now.

The post Google brings five vital new features to Chrome browser on iPhone and iOS appeared first on BGR.

Earlier this month, Apple revealed iOS 16 at WWDC 2022. We got to see the redesigned lock screen, Live Text for videos, the ability to unsend text messages, and more. We also learned that iOS 16 will lose support for five older iPhone models. This was not especially surprising, as iOS 13, iOS 14, and iOS 15 all supported the same iPhones. But it turns out that not every feature coming to iOS 16 will be available on supported devices. For some of the best new iOS 16 features, you’ll need at least an iPhone XS.

Features that won’t work with all supported models

As spotted by 9to5Mac, some of Apple’s new features for iOS 16 will only work on iPhones with the A12 Bionic chip or newer. This chip first appeared on the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

iOS 16 will support the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, but they come with the A11. That means they won’t have access to some key features.

iOS 16 features for iPhone XS and newer models

Image source: Zach Epstein, BGR

• Multilayered photo effect: Photo subjects are dynamically displayed in front of the time to make the subject of the photo pop.
• Live Text in videos: Text is completely interactive in paused video frames, so you can use functions like copy and paste, lookup, and translate. Live Text works in Photos, Quick Look, Safari, and more.
• Quick actions in Live Text: Data detected in photos and videos is actionable with a single tap. Track flights or shipments, translate foreign languages, convert currencies, and more.
• New languages for Live Text: Live Text adds recognition of Japanese, Korean, and Ukrainian text.
• Emoji in texts: Insert emoji when sending messages with Siri.
• All-new Dictation experience: While dictating on your device, you can move fluidly between voice and touch. Type with the keyboard, tap in the text field, move the cursor, and insert QuickType suggestions, all without needing to stop Dictation.
• Emoji support in Dictation: Insert emoji using your voice while dictating on your device.
• Hey Siri, what can I do here?: Discover Siri capabilities in iOS and apps by asking “Hey Siri, what can I do here?” You can also inquire about a specific app by saying, for example, “Hey Siri, what can I do with iRobot?”
• Call hang up with Siri: You can now hang up phone calls and FaceTime calls with Siri. Just say “Hey Siri, hang up” (participants on the call will hear you). You can enable this feature in Settings.
• Expanded offline support for Siri: Siri processes more types of requests offline without an internet connection, including Home Control (HomeKit), Intercom, and Voicemail.
• Add medications using your iPhone camera: You can quickly add your medications by using your iPhone camera. Simply position the medication label in the frame and you’ll see results for medication name, strength, and form.

iOS 16 features for iPhone 11 and newer models

An iPhone 11 Pro with the screen on. Image source: Zach Epstein for BGR

• Live Captions: Transcriptions are generated automatically in real time for users who are deaf or hard of hearing so they can follow along more easily with conversations, audio, and video.
• Live Captions in FaceTime: See automatically transcribed dialogue integrated into your FaceTime video calls. With speaker attribution, it’s easy to follow along with group conversations.

iOS 16 features for iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro

The back of Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro. Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR

• Detection Mode in Magnifier: Get rich descriptions of your surroundings with a new Magnifier mode that contains Door Detection, People Detection, and Image Descriptions.
• Door Detection in Magnifier: Locate a door, read signs or labels around it, and get instructions on how to open the door.

iOS 16 features for iPhone 13 and newer models

Apple iPhone 13 in blue. Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR

• Foreground blur in portrait photos: Portrait mode lets you blur objects in the foreground of a photo for a more realistic‑looking depth‑of‑field effect.
• Improved quality when recording in Cinematic mode: When recording videos in Cinematic mode on iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, the depth‑of‑field effect is more accurate for profile angles and around the edges of hair and glasses.

As you can see, iOS 16 will offer a very different experience depending on how old your iPhone is. Even if you can download the software update, you won’t be able to use all of the new features unless you have at least an iPhone 13. There’s a chance that some features will also be exclusive to the iPhone 14, but Apple hasn’t revealed them yet.

More iPhone coverage: For more iPhone news, visit our iPhone 14 guide.

The post A list of iOS 16 features that require an iPhone XS or newer appeared first on BGR.

Once iOS 16 finally arrives this fall and brings the next generation of Apple’s mobile operating software to iPhones, everyone’s going to be talking about the big highlights like customizable lock screens and long-awaited enhancements to the Apple Messages app. Among the laundry list of other new tools and features that’ll be part of iOS 16, though, there’s also a photo-editing ability coming that will no doubt be pretty useful to many people, especially if you take lots of photos with your iPhone.

Apple showed this new feature off at WWDC earlier month. It basically involves the user being able to cleanly lift the subject out of any photo he or she takes. The user can then drop that image onto another background, to create an entirely different image more to their liking.

New iOS 16 photo-editing feature

Visual Look Up, according to Apple’s own description, takes photos even further by introducing a new feature that allows users to do the following. You’ll now be able to “tap and hold on the subject of an image to lift it from the background and place it in apps like Messages,” Apple says. “Visual Look Up also expands to recognize birds, insects, and statues.”

Here’s an example of what the feature looks like in action:

iPhone owners also use this feature to drop images onto a different background. Creating new images, in other words, rather than simply sharing an image subject inside an app like Messages. Twitter users have described the feature as everything from “kinda amazing” to “the most fun thing to come out of WWDC 2022.”

More changes coming to your iPhone

Other iOS 16 features to look forward to, meanwhile, include a new notification design. Plus improved dictation, Apple Pay Later, and Live Activities — the latter being a feature whereby users can keep tabs on sports scores from the lock screen in real-time. Live Activities also makes it possible to track the progress of an Uber or food delivery from the lock screen.

iOS 16 will also spare users from the tyranny of forced CAPTCHA navigation around the Internet in many cases. Apple has reportedly worked with both Cloudflare and Fastly to develop Automatic Verification. Many sites that use these services to defend against spammers and bots should let you bypass the CAPTCHA process going forward.

Apple senior vice president Craig Federighi, during WWDC 2022. Image source: Apple

And then, of course, there are the new Messages features including the long-desired ability to unsend messages. Thanks to iOS 16, users will now also be able to edit sent messages. And to re-mark messages that you’ve already seen as unread.

For more details about the Messages enhancements in iOS 16, check out our earlier coverage. Meanwhile, our guide here for iOS 16 runs through some of the most exciting features of the new OS that will make your iPhone arguably feel brand-new.

More iPhone coverage: For more iPhone news, visit our iPhone 14 guide.

The post This crazy new iPhone photo-editing feature in iOS 16 is blowing people away appeared first on BGR.

iOS 16 brings over several novel features, and you can already try the new iPhone operating system, as long as you have access to a developer account. iOS 16 beta 2 arrived a few weeks after the beta 1 release. You’ll get the update seamlessly if you’re on the first iOS 16 version. As usual with new iOS beta releases, the update brings over several fixes and improvements. One of the things that iOS 16 beta 2 fixes concerns edited iMessages.

Specifically, iOS 16 beta 2 will now resend edited iMessages to the iPhone users on older software. That means iOS 15 and older.

How to edit a message in iOS 16

iMessage is one of the pillars of iOS, a standout iPhone feature that Google needed years to replicate. iOS 16 brings over a few highly anticipated features to the Messages app that concern iMessages, or the blue bubbles.

You can now edit an iMessage and even delete (unsend) it if you accidentally fired a text to the wrong person or group. We’ve already explained how it works, and it’s all very simple.

Just press and hold on the iMessage you want to edit. You’ll get new software menus for it. iOS 16 lets you edit or unsend the iMessage for up to 15 minutes after sending the original.

The OS will also notify the users in an iMessage conversation that a message was edited or unsend. However, since the iOS 16 beta 1 release, we learned that the iMessage editing features only work if all the participants are on the latest software.

Those people running older iOS, iPadOS, and macOS versions will still see the original unedited texts, including the iMessages you wanted to delete.

Apple is aware of the issue and is starting to fix it with iOS 16 beta 2.

iMessags will show an Undo Send button on iPhones running iOS 16. Image source: Apple Inc.

iOS 16 beta 2’s new behavior for edited iMessages

Most people will likely update to iOS 16 come September when the final release is out. But not everyone updates at the same time. And there will be devices that will be stuck on iOS 15 come September. The iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 models are not getting the iOS 16 upgrade.

Moreover, you also have to update iPads and Macs to the latest iOS and macOS versions to take advantage of the new iMessage editing features.

That said, iOS 16 beta 2 already fixes the behavior of iMessage editing on older devices.

When an iPhone user edits an iMessage sent via iOS 16 beta 2, the recipients will receive a new version of the message with an “Edited for” label. That means iPhone users on iOS 15 or older will have two similar iMessages in the conversation. The original and the edited version.

Chats between iOS 16 devices will only show the edited iMessage, as the feature is supposed to work.

While iSO 16 beta 2 fixes the edited iMessages issue, there’s no fix for deleting messages. As we’ve explained, older software versions will still see the iMessage a sender wanted to delete. It’s unclear how Apple will address the matter. The iMessage unsend feature has already stirred some controversy concerning abuse victims.

Some believe that some iPhone users may abuse the edit/unsend features. As a result, iMessage should provide a history of the edited and deleted messages to provide victims.

Maybe Apple will mark deleted iMessages on older devices, but that’s just speculation. For the moment, iOS 16 beta 2 only fixes the behavior of edited iMessages on older OS versions.

More iPhone coverage: For more iPhone news, visit our iPhone 14 guide.

The post iOS 16 beta 2 will resend edited iMessages to iPhone users on older software appeared first on BGR.

Apple rolled out iOS 16 beta 2 and iPadOS 16 beta 2 on Wednesday, June 22nd.

The second betas come just over two weeks after the first beta releases debuted at WWDC 2022. While Apple’s developer betas are typically followed shortly by public betas, we’re still waiting for the first public betas of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. In the meantime, you’ll need a developer account if you want to check out all of the new features.

What’s new in iOS 16 beta 2?

iOS 16 beta 2 makes it easier to delete your custom lock screens, added two new filters for wallpapers, improved SMS filtering in Messages, adds support for iCloud Backup over LTE and 5G, spruces up the system video player, and changes the Apple Cash UI.

Which devices work with the new beta?

iOS 16 beta 2 is now available to developers, as is iPadOS 16 beta 2.

If you want to know whether or not your device is compatible with iOS 16 or iPadOS 16, we put together a full list below containing every supported device. If your device is on the list and you have a developer account, you’re good to go:

• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone SE (3rd generation)
• iPod touch (7th generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
• iPad Pro 10.5-inch
• iPad Pro 9.7-inch
• iPad (7th generation)
• iPad (6th generation)
• iPad (5th generation)
• iPad mini (5th generation)
• iPad Air (3rd generation)

How to download and install iOS 16 beta 2

As you all know by now, installing the latest iOS or iPadOS beta on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch could not be easier. Just navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and then tap “Download and Install” at the bottom of that page.

If you want, you can also install the update through iTunes by connecting your iOS device to your computer. Whichever method you choose, just make sure to back up your device before installing the update. You can never be too careful!

More iOS 16 coverage: If you want to know even more about iOS 16, be sure to read our breakdown from the WWDC 2022 keynote in early June.

The post iOS 16 beta 2 and iPadOS 16 beta 2 now available to developers appeared first on BGR.

The next-generation version of the operating software that powers Apple’s iPhones and iPads is coming this fall, and it promises, as usual, a slew of updates, design changes, and performance tweaks to enhance the user experience. They include everything from Lock Screen customizations to a few long-requested improvements to Apple’s Messages app that are coming in iOS 16, as we saw during the software’s unveiling at WWDC 2022 in recent days.

For some of you, a favorite feature will be iOS 16 replacing one of the most annoying features of the internet in many cases: CAPTCHAs. And there’s still much more to talk about that’s coming with the new OS.

In this post, we want to walk through some of the biggest changes the new software is bringing to Apple’s mobile devices.

All-new Lock Screen experience in iOS 16

To get right into it, one of the many new features coming with the release of iOS 16 this fall is a redesigned lock screen experience. The new experience will encompass some live wallpapers, plus new widgets and other customizations that will now be available.

Customizing the lock screen in iOS 16 will actually feel a bit like setting up “complications” on the Apple Watch. iOS 16 will, in fact, let you change everything about the lock screen. That includes things like colors and fonts. You can even set up multiple lock screens and switch between them with a swipe.

“iOS 16 is a big release with updates that will change the way you experience iPhone,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, in an announcement about the software update. “We have reimagined how the Lock Screen looks and works with exciting new features that make it more personal and helpful, introduced iCloud Shared Photo Library for families, streamlined communication through new capabilities in Messages and Mail, and harnessed enhanced intelligence with updates to Live Text and Visual Look Up.”

The redesigned lock screen experience in iOS 16. Image source: Apple

The lock screen features widgets also make it easy to get information at a glance. That information includes details about the weather, battery levels, alarms, time zones, Activity ring progress, and more.

Long-awaited Apple Messages app updates, and more

Other iOS 16 features to look forward to, meanwhile, include a new notification design. Plus an updated Messages app, with the ability to unsend messages and recover deleted messages. Additionally, we’re getting improved dictation, Apple Pay Later, and much more.

With Live Activities, users can now keep tabs on sports scores from the lock screen in real-time. It also makes it possible to track the progress of your Uber or food delivery service from the lock screen.

Regarding the CAPTCHAs feature we mentioned above, Apple has reportedly worked with both Cloudflare and Fastly to develop Automatic Verification. Many sites that use these services to defend against spammers and bots should let you take advantage of the new feature. When you visit a website with a CAPTCHA, instead of displaying a puzzle for you to solve, the website will ask your phone if a human is using it. If the answer is yes, voila — no puzzle to solve.

Messages

Power users of Apple’s mobile Messages app will also appreciate the changes coming therein. The iPhone maker is finally bringing some long-requested features to Messages that users have been wanting for so long. Like:

• The ability to edit a message that you just sent to someone
• Users can also now un-send messages. Importantly, though, you’ve got a time limit on editing and recalling messages. You can only do either of these within 15 minutes of sending
• If you’re busy, meanwhile, and you want to highlight a message you’ve just read, to remind you to respond to it later? Finally, you can do that, as well.
• There’s also a recovery option for deleted messages coming as well. But only for up to 30 days after you’ve deleted the message

Apple Pay Later in iOS 16

Apple Pay Later, meanwhile, provides users in the US with a secure way to split the cost of an Apple Pay purchase into four equal payments. They can be spread over six weeks, with zero interest and no fees.

Image source: Apple

From Apple: “Built into Apple Wallet and designed with users’ financial health in mind, Apple Pay Later makes it easy to view, track, and repay Apple Pay Later payments within Wallet.

“Users can apply for Apple Pay Later when they are checking out with Apple Pay, or in Wallet. Apple Pay Later is available everywhere Apple Pay is accepted online or in-app, using the Mastercard network. Additionally, with Apple Pay Order Tracking, users can receive detailed receipts and order tracking information in Wallet for Apple Pay purchases with participating merchants.”

You can read more about how to download the iOS 16 beta right here. Also, be sure and check out Apple’s preview page for iOS 16.

More iPhone coverage: For more iPhone news, visit our iPhone 14 guide.

The post iOS 16 vs iOS 15: Biggest changes coming to your iPhone appeared first on BGR.

The iPhone is a formidable device, the main computer many people interact with during the day. The same goes for Android handsets, of course. Smartphones can replace a desktop or laptop for many digital chores that would have needed a traditional computer. But the iPhone wasn’t always like this. The original iPhone lacked copy and paste support. That’s a must-have feature on any computer, a feature that we’ve been taking for granted for years.

Apple only added support for copy and paste in 2009 on the third-gen iPhone, the iPhone 3GS. And we finally know why Apple had to wait as long, as a former engineer revealed more secrets about the iPhone’s copy and paste feature.

How copy and paste works on iPhone

It’s incredibly easy to copy and paste stuff on iPhone. Whether it’s text, images, a combination thereof, or other digital content, the operation is simple.

First, you’ll want to touch and hold on the screen until you can select the text and/or image you need to copy. The select tool is really what you want to bring up by touching and holding the finger on the screen.

Once you can select an item, you’ll be able to choose a Copy item from the menu that hovers around your selection.

Repeat the gesture in the app you want to paste the copied text/photo. That’s it! It’s that simple to copy and paste on iPhone. And the same goes for iPad.

On top of that, Apple’s Continuity features let you paste the digital content from the iPhone to a different Apple device, like an iPad or Mac.

That’s all part of the current iPhone experience. But copy and paste wasn’t part of the first-gen iPhone OS 1, the operating system that powered the original iPhone.

Apple’s iPhone 13 notch next to the iPhone 12 notch. Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR

Why the original iPhone lacked copy and paste

Former Apple software engineer Ken Kocienda took to Twitter to explain why the original iPhone lacked support for copy and paste. Kocienda joined Apple in 2001 and worked on the Safari web browser before developing iOS features for the original iPhone.

The reason why Apple decided not to bring copy and paste to the original iPhone is quite simple. And it’s hilarious. Apple didn’t have time to implement the feature properly. Kocienda says he and his team were working on the iPhone’s virtual keyboard and the autocorrect feature. The copy and paste feature didn’t make the cut.

The original iPhone didn’t have cut/copy/paste. Infamous! The quickest explanation is that I didn’t have time to do it right. I had too much keyboard, autocorrection, and text system work to do. The design team didn’t have time either. So we passed on the feature for 1.0. https://t.co/SLncIxohkk

— Ken Kocienda (@kocienda) June 19, 2022

The team started working on the feature after the original iPhone launched in 2007. But it wouldn’t be until 2009 that Apple was ready to announce it.

The engineer revealed that he came up with the magnifying text loupe to ensure that users could accurately touch the screen where they wanted to insert content. Furthermore, Kocienda implemented a failsafe system that ensured the iPhone understood correctly where you wanted to insert the content. That’s a touch history log that would make up for errors.

To fix this jitter, I implemented a touch history log just for text editing. When you lifted your finger off the screen while positioning the insertion point, I put the blinking cursor back in the spot it was in a couple hundred milliseconds before the final touch-end event.

— Ken Kocienda (@kocienda) June 19, 2022

Apple ended up bringing copy and past to the iPhone 3GS in the summer of 2009. And all iOS devices have had the feature ever since.

The post Ex-Apple engineer explains why the original iPhone couldn’t copy and paste appeared first on BGR.

Apple’s big WWDC 2022 keynote is now over, and we can’t believe how many exciting new announcements were packed into the event. Of course, the biggest news was iOS 16 and the exciting new iPhone features Apple added to its mobile operating system.

Needless to say, the #1 thought on everyone’s mind is to wonder when they can download the first iOS 16 developer beta release.

Some of Apple’s new iOS 16 features already leaked ahead of time in the developer beta. But those leaked barely scratched the surface. There are so many amazing new capabilities in iOS 16.

It’s not just developers who get first dibs at the software as soon as it’s available. Regular users can also try out the developer beta. But when will Apple release the first iOS 16 beta so you can download it?

It’s already been released!

You can download the iOS 16 beta one developer beta right now! Here is how.

How to download and install iOS 16 beta 1

iOS 16 Beta Homescreen Image source: Jonathan Geller, BGR

If you’ve installed the beta profile linked above, installing the first iOS 16 beta release couldn’t be easier. Here’s all you need to do:

• First, back up your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes
• Open the Settings app on your iPhone
• Tap on General
• Tap Software Update
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install Apple’s iOS 16 beta

That’s it! You’ll see the first iOS 16 beta release listed as an available update. Now, just follow the instructions on your iPhone screen to download and install it.

Once again, however, note that installing this software update on your main iPhone may not be a very good idea. There will inevitably be many bugs, and your battery life will suffer. Also, some of your existing apps might not work at all. And lastly, there’s always a chance you could lose data.

Keep scrolling if you need to downgrade from this new version to the latest iOS 15 version or perhaps join the Apple developer program to get access to Betas and stable builds quickly.

iOS 16 beta 1 release date

iOS 16 adds new features to Apple’s iPhone. Image source: Apple

Apple usually releases the first iOS beta within a few hours after the main WWDC keynote. That means iOS 16 beta 1 was expected to be released on June 6th, soon after the press conference ended.

Thankfully, Apple followed its typical pattern. That means the Apple beta software program release is now available for download on compatible iPhones.

However, we’ll remind you that the first beta version is not officially open to all iPhone users. That’s because the first iOS 16 beta will be an unstable version of iOS 16 that’s full of bugs.

Only if you’re an Apple developer should you install the first beta. Even at that, it’s safer to do it on development hardware rather than an ios device that’s regularly used.

That said, people who get early access to developer profiles will be able to try the iOS 16 beta 1 release as early as June 6th. As most of you already know, Apple’s iOS beta profiles are available to download for free on a bunch of sites around the web.

New iPhone features in iOS 16

iOS 16 Beta Wallpaper Image source: Jonathan Geller, BGR

Are you wondering whether or not the iOS 16 developer beta is worth installing on your iPhone? Well, the best way to decide is to read about all the new features that Apple added to the new mobile software update.

One of its most exciting new features is the new lock screen. Apple now lets you add widgets similar to the Apple Watch complications. You can see an example pictured above.

There are also tons of new iPhone features in Messages, the Health app, Apple Wallet, Apple Maps, and so much more.

We’ve also highlighted 7 features that will make your iPhone feel brand new — that’s where you’ll learn how to customize the new lock screen experience in iOS 16. 

iOS 16 widgets below the clock.

Similarly, iOS 16 beta 1 lets you test the unsend iMessage feature in the Messages app. It’s very easy to delete accidental texts, as long as everyone in the conversation is on iOS 16. 

iOS 16 will also let you password-protect the Hidden and Recently Deleted photo folders, and it all works automatically. The iPhone will use your lock screen password to do it (that’s PIN and Face ID/Touch ID).

Separately, we’ve listed all the available widgets that work on the lock screen in iOS 16 beta 1. You can only expect widgets from Apple apps for the time being, as developers create their own lock screen complications.

Also, you should know that iOS 16 lets you delete even more Apple apps than before.

If you want to see what else is new, check out our coverage of all the new iPhone features in iOS 16.

iPhones showing various iOS 16 features. Image source: Apple Inc.

What about the iOS 16 public beta?

The first iOS 16 public beta should follow iOS 16 developer beta 1 in a few weeks. It would normally coincide with the iOS 16 beta 2 release for developers. However, this year, there’s talk that iOS 16 is still so buggy that the first public beta will be delayed a bit.

The public beta should be more stable than the previous versions, which means you’ll have fewer problems running the iOS 16 public beta 1 on your main iPhone. 

Even still, bugs will be part of the experience. You might run into problems with some Apple apps or third-party apps. Battery life issues are also part of the iOS beta experience, so these are things to keep in mind if you plan to install the iOS 16 beta, even after its public release.

And as we mentioned, some rumors say that Apple apparently delayed the iOS 16 public beta release because the software is buggy.

According to Apple, the first iOS 16 public beta will be released sometime in July.

You’ll have to register for the iOS 16 public beta to get access to it. Apple has a handy portal that will let you register for public beta downloads.

It’s not just iOS 16 coming out in beta form. Apple also released the developer beta versions for iPadOS 16, tvOS 16, watchOS9, and macOS 13 after WWDC 2022. The public betas should come in the following weeks, just like iOS 16.

iOS 16 Undo Send feature in Messages.

What to expect from the next-gen iPhone software

A series of reports detailed some of the features that Apple built into iOS 16. The new software version might deliver changes to widgets, including a new lock screen with widget support. Some reports even mentioned interactive widgets.

Now, iOS 16 is official, and you can read about all the new iOS 16 features coming to your iPhone.

iOS 16 adds audio and social networking features to Messages. Moreover, the Health app gets a big refresh. And of course, one of the most exciting new features is lock screen widget support in iOS 16.

Additionally, iOS 16 will contain features that Apple won’t showcase until September, when the final OS version is about to be released.

Examples include always-on display support that might be coming to the iPhone 14 Pro models this year.

Mid-September is also when Apple will release the final iOS 16 version to all compatible devices. People who do not like testing beta releases will need to wait until then to get the most stable iOS 16 release.

Speaking of official releases, iOS 16 also brings bad news for iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 users. The 2015 and 2016 phones will no longer receive the latest iOS version.

You’ll need an iPhone 8 or later to run iOS 16, including the beta release that is now available to download.

Some iPhone 7 users have been vocal online about Apple’s unexpected decision to terminate support for iPhone 7. That’s because older iPads featuring the same chips can run iPadOS 16.

iOS 16 announcement at WWDC 2022. Image source: Apple Inc.

How to downgrade from iOS 16 beta 1 to iOS 15

The problem with beta software is that some features might not work. You can experience bugs throughout the OS or app-specific issues. Moreover, some early adopters might encounter battery life issues with the first beta versions.

Your iOS 16 beta 1 mileage may vary depending on various factors. If you think you’ve had it with the bugs at any point, there’s a way to return to the more stable iOS 15 version available for your iPhone. That might be iOS 15.5 or later, depending on when you decide to abandon the iOS 16 beta software.

That’s why we told you to back up your data before getting the beta. You’ll want to ensure no data loss while moving between iOS releases.

The easiest way to remove the iOS 16 beta 1 release from your iPhone is to delete the beta profile and wait for the next software update.

• Go to the Settings app > General, and tap VPN & Device Management.
• Tap the iOS Beta Software Profile.
• Tap Remove Profile, then restart your device.

However, iOS 16 will not just disappear. You’ll have to wait for Apple to update iOS 15, at which point your phone will revert automatically to the latest stable iOS 15 release. The problem here is that you have to wait.

The good news is that you can wipe your iPhone clean and restore it to a previous backup. The problem, in this case, is that you might lose some of the data you’ve generated since using the iOS 16 beta 1.

The restore process involves using a computer to reflash your iPhone to iOS 15 and reinstall the most recent archived backup. The process takes longer, with detailed instructions available from Apple.

Finally, there’s also a way to downgrade iOS 16 beta 1 to iOS 15 without losing any data. It also involves using a computer to Upgrade the software via iTunes/Finder. This older downgrade guide should help you through it.

As a reminder, it’s a good idea to back up your iOS 16 beta 1 iPhone. In a worst-case scenario, you’ll be able to restore your iPhone to that version.

How to Join the Apple’s developer program

For future sake, there’s a guaranteed way of being one of the first people to get updates, Betas, and software installations. That is simply by becoming an Apple developer. aBut head’s up, to become an Apple developer, you’ll have to create an Apple developer account and pay the annual $99 Apple developer membership fee.

That said, if you’re okay with that, here’s how to join the Apple developer program:

Requirements

To join the developer program, there are certain minimum requirements you should have

• An iPhone or iPad with enabled Face id, Touch ID, or iPhone Passcode.
• Apple ID account with two-factor authentication
• Apple ID account with valid information
• The latest version of the Apple developer app.
• A connected iCloud account.
• Front and back picture of your driver’s license or a government-issued id.

The Process

If you meet these requirements, you can now proceed to join the developer beta with these steps:

• Open the Apple developer app on your device
• Sign in with your Apple ID.
• Review the developer consent form.
• Agree, and tap on enroll.
• Fill in your valid personal information and upload the required documents.
• Finally, subscribe by paying the annual apple developer membership fee, and that’s it! You’ll now have an apple developer account.

FAQs

Is iOS beta safe?

You are advised not to install apple’s public beta program on a device you don’t own entirely or control. It is Apple’s confidential information as of now.

What phones can get iOS 16?

The iOS 16 is compatible with all Apple devices from iPhone 8 upwards. This means that the first generation iPhone SE, iPhone 7,6, 5, and lower won’t support it.

How do I uninstall iOS beta?

• Navigate to your Settings, tap General and then tap on VPN & Devices Management
• Select the iOS Beta software profile
• Tap Remove and then restart your iPhone device

What is the latest version of iOS?

Version 15.5 is the latest version available.

What is the difference between the Apple beta software program and Apple Developer program?

The Apple developer program allows developers to build and test apps. The Apple beta software program collects feedback on software that has been pre-released.

Is iOS 16 available?

Right now, you can get the developer beta of the iOS 16. However, the general release of public betas will start rolling out by July.

More Apple Coverage: For more Apple news, visit our iPhone 14 guide.

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