How to make your own iMessage backup

You can save iCloud storage space using this free Mac tool.

Author

Lewis Wallace
April 29, 2023

If you can’t bear to part with your text messages, they’re probably taking up a ton of storage in your iCloud account. But you don’t have to keep them there forever (and continue forking over storage fees to Apple).

You can use a free, open-source tool called iMessage Exporter to create your own local backup on your Mac. While it’s not as simple as downloading an app — you’ll need to use Terminal — this week’s top how-to walks you through the steps.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

How-tos

How to back up your iMessage history and save space

iMessage Exporter will create a local backup with your full conversation history that you can search and read through. It saves it in a rich file format that looks a lot like an iMessage thread.

Simple security hack keeps your iCloud account safe from iPhone thieves

Add an extra password to your iCloud account on your iPhone and it might save your skin if your phone is ever stolen in a bar or in public.

Pro Tip: Hot corners make it easy to mouse around your Mac

If you use your Mac with a standard two-button PC mouse instead of Apple’s Magic Trackpad or Magic Mouse, hot corners can replace the multitouch gestures that you miss out on.

News

Download the Apple Watch face Tim Cook uses

How does Tim Cook customize his Apple Watch face? I’ll break down Cook’s watch and show you how to download the customized face.

Apple VR/AR headset remains on course to launch at WWDC23

Production of Apple's first VR/AR headset is in "the final sprint," according to a new report out of Taiwan.

Plus, more Apple hardware rumors and leaks:

Gorgeous OnePlus Pad reflects fatal flaw of Android tablets

At first glance, the new OnePlus Pad looks like solid competition for iPad, with a beautiful 11.6-inch screen and a $479 price. Nope.

iOS 17 could bring new Lock Screen features, App Library customization

A new leak details several new iOS 17 features, including Lock Screen customization sharing and a simplified Apple Music interface.

Plus, more Apple software rumors and leaks:

The most confusing and misused emoji will melt your brain

Ever find yourself perplexed by the intended meaning of an emoji in a text? Or even offended? A new survey suggests you're not alone.

Deals

This 6-in-1 cable can charge all your gear

Why carry multiple cables when one can connect any of your devices to any available charger? The inCharge X Max gives you six ways to connect: USB-A and USB-C on one end, and Lightning, USB-C and micro-USB on the other.

Unleash your creative side with 26 Adobe apps on sale

This special offer lets new customers work with more than 20 apps in the Adobe Creative Cloud for only $29.99 (regularly $82).

Get 30% off MagSafe Power Bank and 4-in-1 MagPower stand

SwitchEasy's Portal power bank pops right out of the sleek stand for mobile use with iPhone. It and the 4-in-1 MagPower stand are 30% off.

The Ultimate Golf Lovers Bundle gives you three ways to play

The Ultimate Golf Lovers Bundle is a triple-threat package that lets you play golf however, and whenever, you want.

This stock-analyzer app can teach you to invest like a pro

The stock market may seem like a lot to take in at first, but you don’t have to be a millionaire to start making money there. All you have to do is invest wisely, and the Tykr stock-screener app can help you do it.

Reviews

‘Drops of God’ turns wine into fascinating television [Apple TV+ recap]

New Apple TV+ series “Drops of God,” about a contest of senses to win the fortune of the world’s most famous eccentric wine connoisseur, hits a roadblock this week.

Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps:

Every Mac nerd needs this whimsical wallet [Review]

The Untitled Folder Wallet is handy and practical while doubling as a funny visual joke. It’s a premium leather wallet that happens to look like the New Folder icon in macOS.

5 blazing-fast reasons you should play ‘Sonic Racing’

Sonic the Hedgehog knows everything worth knowing about speed, so it's no surprise that “Sonic Racing” is one of the best games on Apple Arcade.

Ignore the critics -- ‘Ghosted’ is a lot of fun

The first unadulterated action movie on Apple TV+ stars Chris Evans and Ana de Armas. It does not deserve the critics' insults.

Every display should have this iPhone MagSafe mount [Review]

Belkin's iPhone Mount with MagSafe for Mac Desktops and Displays does one thing remarkably well: It mounts your iPhone to a desktop display.

‘Frog and Toad’ faithfully adapts the classic book series [Apple TV+ review]

The new Apple TV+ children’s show, based on books by Arnold Lobel about two amphibious friends, is smartly and simply animated. “Frog and Toad” is a real gem!

Tozo’s top new noise-canceling earbuds compete where it counts [Review]

With its new Golden x1 Wireless Earbuds, Tozo competes with the big players on excellent sound. But noise cancellation could be stronger.

Setups

Top 20 items to boost your setup for less than $50

This setup is a tribute to all the little things that make a difference, from laptop stands to double-sided tape.

Mac mini drives 3 displays in wild winged formation

Just when you thought you'd seen every arrangement of displays known to computer setups, something comes along to surprise you.

Could this be the perfect pair of displays?

This setup replaces ultra-wide and 4K monitors with a Studio Display and an LG DualUp. The duo seems well-suited to certain types of workers.