What's new in iOS, macOS, watchOS and more

Apple's latest software upgrades bring lots of changes ... some good, some atrocious.

Author

Lewis Wallace
September 21, 2024

In partnership with

With loads of new hardware and software releases, this was a big week for Apple. If you already did the upgrade dance with your iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch and/or Vision Pro, take a look at our roundups of the best new features in iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11 and visionOS 2 to see what features you should try first.

One of the biggest changes is Apple’s radical redesign of the Photos app. It’s making some people very angry, but you needn’t let this happen to you. Our guide shows you how to adjust to the new normal by explaining how the Photos app works in iOS 18.

And if you don’t need the deep dive, just check out these four easy tweaks that will make the new Photos app work more like the old one.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

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How-tos

Everything new in iOS 18

iOS 18 is a surprisingly rich software update with major new customization features and big changes in Photos, Messages, Safari and more.

Plus: Everything new in macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11 and visionOS 2.

How to set up your new iPhone the right way

The iPhone setup process gets easier every year. Let's see how to set up your new iPhone the right way.

How to make a good-looking custom Home Screen in iOS 18

You can customize iOS 18 Home Screen layout, icons and widgets like never before. Here's how to do it, and plenty of examples for inspriation.

How to add your driver’s license to Apple Wallet

In several states, iPhone and Apple Watch can carry a digital copy of the user's driver's license in the Wallet app. Here's how.

Don't let the radical new Photos app in iOS 18 throw you for a loop

The new Photos app in iOS 18 is the biggest change ever to how you browse your pictures, videos and memories. Here’s how to use it.

Pro Tip: Set up persistent notifications so you don't miss important alerts

If you rely on timely alerts from certain critical iOS apps, set up persistent notifications so you don't miss something important.

News

iPhone-hungry crowds pack Apple stores worldwide [Photos]

Photos show long lines at Apple Stores around the world as Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4 and more go on sale on iPhone 16 launch day.

Some users really hate iOS 18's revamped Photos app

After the iOS 18 Photos app backlash explodes on social media, a new photo library app might calm some of the outrage.

Burning London separates mother and son in Steve McQueen's epic ‘Blitz’ [Apple TV+ trailer]

The new "Blitz" film trailer makes the World War II epic set in bombed-out London look action-packed and emotionally rich.

Hall effect magnetic keyboards: The next big thing for Mac gamers?

Hall effect keyboards for Mac gamers just might give them an edge over traditional mechanical keyboard users.

Apple TV+ bags 10 Emmys, including first for ‘Slow Horses’

Apple TV+ wins 10 Primetime Emmy Awards for five shows and one commercial -- including a first for darkly funny spy thriller "Slow Horses."

Every iPhone 16 model got a battery boost

Every iPhone 16 version got a higher-capacity battery. Every one. So don't worry about battery life.

EU prepares to force iPhone and iPad to be more open to accessories

Europe will require iPhone and iPad to be more open to working with third-party smartwatches, headphones, VR headsets and more.

Deals

Grab a pair of noise-canceling JBL Tune 770NC headphones for just $89.99

Don't miss the new, open-box deal on JBL Tune 770NC over-ear headphones. Get a pair for just $89.99 (regularly $129) for a limited time.

Plus, more hardware from Cult of Mac Deals:

Giant screen, small price -- this 12.9-inch iPad Pro is on sale for $599.99

Whether you’re a creative, a multitasking pro or a casual user who craves performance, this refurbished 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a great deal.

A message from the Cult of Mac buyback program

With new AirPods, it’s a great time to sell your old buds

With new AirPods on the way, it’s a great time to sell your old buds. Apple won't buy back AirPods, but Cult of Mac will.

Grab an official Apple case for iPhone 16 at a sweet discount

Don't pay full price for Apple's own iPhone 16 case. You can already get one on sale, even before the handset itself launches.

Price drop: Score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac (just $70)

Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac (Home and Business edition), with essential productivity apps Word, Excel and more.

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

Reviews and recommendations

iPhone 16 and 16 Plus review roundup: Updates worthy of an upgrade

Our iPhone 16 review roundup finds a lot to love, as the base iPhone and Plus version see the biggest upgrades in years.

Plus, more review roundups:

iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro comparison: Worth the upgrade?

Wondering if you should upgrade to this year's Pro phone? Read this iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro comparison to find out.

Ugreen Uno 2-in-1 wireless bot charger smiles for a reason [Review] ★★★★☆

Ugreen's Uno 2-in-1 magnetic wireless charger bot pumps up iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods with a digital grin.

Setups

Cool dark MacBook Pro rig pairs HomePod minis

This dark and moody MacBook Pro setup relies on HomePod mini stands to perfectly place paired smart speakers.

Weird webcam placement works with stacked displays

The mastermind behind this dual-display MacBook Pro setup found an unusual place to stick the external webcam. Would it work for you?

Killer mechanical keyboard handles gaming and more

This M1 Mac mini and PC setup features a full-size Keychron K10 keyboard that the user highly recommends.