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Hands-on with Apple Intelligence

Hands-on with Apple Intelligence

Just how useful and effective are Apple's upcoming AI features?

Lewis Wallace
October 05, 2024

Apple Intelligence — the MIA marquee feature of the iPhone 16 lineup — will arrive soon. While it’s odd the phones shipped without the AI features, bits of Apple Intelligence have been put in the hands of beta testers.

Cult of Mac how-to writer D. Griffin Jones has been trying out the first wave of Apple Intelligence features, and he says some of them are great. Others, not so much …

Read his full report after going hands-on with Apple Intelligence.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Today’s the 13th anniversary of Steve Jobs passing. Can you believe it’s been that long?
Rumors indicate Apple might host a product unveiling this month. If the October event happens, here’s what to expect.
Notes is turning into one of the most versatile apps in iOS 18. Here are the top eight features you should be aware of.
It's easy to back up your iPhone’s pictures and videos to external hard drives — with the right software. Here's how to do it.
Less than $400 for a large-screen iPad Pro? Get this grade-A refurbished 12.9-inch iPad Pro (third generation) is just $399.99.
AirTags are great, but the Pebblebee Clip tracker is better. See our hands-on review that explains why.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Feature story

Hands-on with the first 10 Apple Intelligence features

Apple Intelligence makes its debut with 10 new features — some are genuinely impressive, while a couple are … somewhat pointless.

How-tos

How to use the iPhone 16 Camera Control

The Camera Control is a new button on the iPhone 16 lineup that opens the camera, takes pictures and adjusts camera settings on the fly.

How to use the new Apple Passwords app

A new Apple Passwords app makes it easier than ever to save login details for your apps, switch to passkeys, create shared groups and more.

How to use and customize the iPhone’s Action button

The iPhone Action button replaces the former ring/mute switch, and while it fulfills the same purpose, there’s much more you can do with it.

How to transfer every picture from your iPhone to an external drive

With the right software, it's easy to back up iPhone pictures and videos. Here's how to transfer photos from iPhone to external hard drives.

News

What Macs and iPads to expect at Apple's rumored October event

Rumors say new Mac notebooks and a desktop, as well as new iPad tablets, will launch at an Apple October event.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

First iOS 18 and iPadOS patches fix serious bugs

iOS 18.0.1 fixes a bug affecting the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro touchscreen. And M4 iPad Pro users can safely install iPadOS 18.0.1.

Sources say ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 begins production in 3 months

If "Ted Lasso" season 4 production starts in January as claimed, fans of the Apple TV+ soccer comedy will finally have reason to "believe."

Plus, more Apple TV+ news:

8 best new features in the Notes app in iOS 18

Apple makes significant improvements to its Notes app in iOS 18. Here are the top eight features you should be aware of.

Watch this teardown utterly destroy AirPods 4

When an iFixit teardown destroys AirPods 4 -- just annihilates them -- you know the repairability score will be dismally low. Zero, actually.

New Apple Podcasts features focus on narrative series

Some new Apple Podcasts narrative series features focus on the long-form, multi-episode story many folks love.

Deals

Get a 12.9-inch iPad Pro for just $399.99

Want a large iPad Pro with a small price? Get this grade-A refurbished 12.9-inch iPad Pro (third generation) for just $399.99.

Plus, more deals on Apple gear:

Upgrade your car with a touchscreen, backup cam support and more

Want wireless CarPlay or Android Auto in your car? This rotating car touchscreen makes navigation and entertainment easy on the road.

Automate your day and save hours every week with this AI tool

Anyone can unlock new levels of productivity and creativity with DeskSense. The AI assistant can write, code, create images and more.

Plus, more software and services from Cult of Mac Deals:

These night-vision binoculars let you record stunning HD videos

With these digital night-vision binoculars, you can see things in low-light conditions with incredible clarity. On sale for just $89.97.

Reviews

Easily track PlugBug wall charger with built-in Find My support [Review] ★★★★½

PlugBug is the first USB-C wall charger/power supply to support Apple's Find My technology, making it very hard to misplace.

Mujjo’s fine leather case dresses up and protects iPhone 16 Pro [Review] ★★★★½

Our hands-on Mujjo leather iPhone case review finds the case protects iPhone 16 Pro well -- and with an undeniable touch of class.

3 reasons to watch comedy-thriller ‘Wolfs’ on Apple TV+

Hmm, three reasons to watch "Wolfs" on Apple TV+? Well, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and your hunger for a good popcorn movie.

5 ways Pebblebee Clip tracker tag is better than AirTag [Updated review] ★★★★½

Attach the Pebblebee Clip to your keys, backpack or purse and you won't need to worry about misplacing your item or leaving it behind.

Easily share your wireless network with Wifi Porter [Review]

Wifi Porter takes the hassle out of letting friends or guests access your wireless network. Don’t miss our hands-on review.

Setups

Developer sees the light in dual Studio Displays

The dual-monitor setup is now ubiquitous. And yet debate rages over what works best. This developer finds that size really does matter.

Bookshelf speakers kick out MacBook Air's jams on the cheap

Looking for affordable speakers to pump up your computer setup? This MacBook Air user enjoys 60-watt Sanyun Bookshelf Speakers.