The Weekender
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Safari's big upgrade!

Safari's big upgrade!

The iPhone web browser gains new features in iOS 18.

Lewis Wallace
August 17, 2024

Ever feel like the internet is broken? Especially when browsing the web on an iPhone, the onslaught of ads, videos and other annoying popups can drive you mad.

In iOS 18, Apple added a bunch of new Safari tools that can help with that. It’s a pretty substantial makeover that should make it easier (and less distracting) to surf the web on your iPhone.

Read this week’s feature story to find out what’s next for the iPhone’s web browser.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Apple’s new Passwords app stands out as another highlight of iOS 18. But the Notes app gains some cool new features as well.
By the way, you can grab the iOS 18 public beta now if you want an early peek at all these features. Plus, you can try out Apple Intelligence (if your device can handle it).
Cult of Mac writer Ed Hardy cooked up a theory that makes sense of those crazy “iPhone 17 Slim” rumors we keep hearing. What’s your take?
This week brought plenty of other wild Apple leaks and rumors, including a first glimpse of a possible bronze titanium iPhone 16 Pro, details about a new camera button coming to this year’s iPhone lineup, and an update on that possible “iPad on a robot arm” that sounds like a legit Frankendevice.
And finally, if you’re looking for something to stream on Apple TV+, don’t let the bad reviews for The Instigators put you off. It’s actually a pretty fun buddy flick.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Feature story

Here’s what’s new in Safari on iPhone and iPad in iOS 18

Apple redesigned its iPhone web browser in iOS 18, adding new Safari features like a better Page Menu and new ways to see highlights on a webpage.

How-tos

How to use the new Apple Passwords app

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

This iPad trick can end your Face ID woes

If it seems like Face ID isn't working on your iPad, you can speed up the process by changing a single security setting.

How to get Apple Intelligence features early — and in the EU

You can get the Apple Intelligence beta right now on your iPhone, iPad or Mac. And in the latest beta, you can even enable it in the EU.

All 25 iPhone Action and side button accessibility features, ranked

Customize your iPhone with shortcuts to accessibility features, triggered by triple-clicking the phone's side button or the Action button.

News

This theory makes sense of those crazy iPhone 17 Slim rumors

Recent leaks about a possible iPhone 17 Slim make no sense. But maybe there's an important detail left out of those reports.

Apple's next big thing is a tabletop iPad on a robot arm?

Apple might be getting into home robots, starting with a $1,000 iPad that can rotate, tilt and move on its own thanks to a robotic arm..

Plus, more Apple rumors and leaks:

8 best new features coming to 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.

Concept artist says Apple's lawyers are playing nice ... so far

After Apple lawyers request unspecified changes to photorealistic mockups they call "too real," Antonio De Rosa waits for next shoe to drop.

iOS 18 beta 6: All the new features and changes

iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 beta 6 are here, a week after beta 5 dropped. Here's a roundup of everything that's new.

Apple opens iPhone’s NFC chip to third-party apps — for a fee

Aside from the fees, iPhone app developers will be happy to hear that secure in-app NFC transactions are coming with iOS 18.1.

Deals

Sleek AirTag key organizer holds 5 keys, costs just $15

Never lose your keys again with this AirTag key holder. The KeySmart Air is an AirTag key organizer with special skills.

Plus, more gadgets from Cult of Mac deals:

Get AirTags for less than $20 each with this 4-pack deal

A four-pack of AirTags drops close to its lowest price ever. Or grab a single Apple tracker tag at a discount with these AirTags sales.

Make your AI writing sound totally human

The Undetectable Humanizer transforms your AI-generated text into natural, human-like prose to help it bypass AI-detection systems.

Buy any snazzy SwitchEasy Apple Watch band at 20% off

Pick from an array of cool Apple Watch bands in different styles and made of various materials, from braided nylon to stainless steel mesh.

Get an incredible deal on 'black box' iPhone 15

If you want an excellent deal on a new iPhone 15 ("black box," not refurbished), don't miss Woot's sale. You can save $150.

Reviews

‘The Instigators’ is old-school action-comedy fun [3 Reasons to Watch]

With Matt Damon as the straight man and Casey Affleck providing the wit, "The Instigators" brings buddy film fun to Apple TV+.

This iPad keyboard case offers 2 features Apple’s can’t match [Review] ★★★★☆

ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case 360 lets iPad users type in portrait or landscape mode, and use it with or without the keyboard.

Setups

Vivo mount lifts external displays and MacBook Pro together

In this cool setup, a coder uses a Vivo Dual Monitor Desk Mount to hold aloft two external displays, with a MacBook Pro on a tray.

Top audio interface sculpts software engineer's sound

A piece of Audient gear that made our list of the best audio interfaces for Mac plays a major role in this setup.

Classic Harmon Kardon SoundSticks rock MacBook Pro rig

Harmon Kardon SoundSticks sound great, but they also make this setup look like a million bucks.