iPhone Life Magazine is the destination for Apple enthusiasts and lifelong learners. Discover the best apps and gear with our annual guides, learn with our easy-to-follow tips, and unlock the potential of the devices you use every day.
The first time I saw the Apple logo light up on the inky black surface of the Vision Pro headset, a feeling of awe settled over me. The last time I had that feeling was almost a decade ago in 2015 when I unboxed my first-generation Apple Watch. Now, Apple was once again launching a product in a new category, opening the potential to disrupt markets and change the face of consumer technology. As I lowered the Vision Pro over my eyes, one simple knob made it easy to fit the strap snugly around the back of my head. Suddenly I was inside the Apple ecosystem, familiar yet foreign. I could still see sunlight filtering through the trees outside my window as I sat back comfortably on the couch in…
Countdown & Count Up Timer (Free) “When I set goals, like ditching sugar or starting a daily workout, I love using this countdown app to track my daily streaks or days until I reach my goal. I can even add events or goals as widgets on my iPhone Home Screen, so I’m reminded each time I open my phone. It’s a super simple hack to help me stay motivated and focused!” - Ashleigh Page, Associate Editor FoodbyMaria (Free for access to recipes only, $3.99/month for all features) “I stumbled upon Food by Maria, a Greek and Mediterranean-based recipe app and website while searching for plant-based recipes to help with my NewYear’s resolution. Wow, what a treasure trove! More than 700 recipes, over 400 of them plant based, with categories…
I was one of few voices in the 1990s writing columns urging manufacturers to create a super-sized handheld. So, naturally I bought an iPad as soon as Apple introduced it in 2010 and have owned one ever since. Then in fall of 2022, my old laptop died. I wondered, should I stick with Windows, make the switch to a MacBook, or go for a budget-friendly Chromebook? Retired in theory, I assessed my needs. I don’t travel as much as before but continue to teach, coach, write, and consult. Ten years back, I tried using an iPad as my laptop. The experiment failed because I missed having a mouse, larger screen, no multitasking, and desktop software. With better iPads and lighter usage, maybe it was time to try again. I already…
Color me a virtual-reality optimist. Alongside writing for iPhone Life, I’m a video game developer, 3D artist, and sci-fi author. I own a Meta Quest 3 and use it all the time to play games and view 3D models as I work. My first experience of VR on a Valve Index is a cherished memory—it was so much fun to explore video game environments as if actually visiting them! When Apple announced its premium augmented reality headset, the Vision Pro, I was about as excited as anybody could be. That is, until I tried it. SOME QUICK DEFINITIONS FOR THE UNINITIATED Virtual reality (VR) refers to immersive worlds portrayed using headsets that have one screen for each of your eyes, so you can see in 3D. When you put on…
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked by friends and family is “Which app should I download?” With millions of options out there, choosing which apps to use is a task that stumps many people. Will a free version overload you with ads? Is the paid version worth it? Testing apps and deciding which earn our seal of approval is one of the more fun parts of my job, and one of the most important. From budget, to security, to storage space, we consider every angle when it comes to which apps we recommend you use. This time, writers Olena Kagui and Ashleigh Page have joined me in combing through hundreds of options to bring you only the ones we think will enrich your life. Do you have an…
FOCUS FOR FREE Obsidian - Connected Notes (Free) Obsidian is similar to the native Notes app but has some extra features like a graph view that lets you organize and navigate your ideas in a unique way. Google Voice (Free) Keep your personal and work lives separate by creating a free phone number. Use it from your phone or computer to call, text, and leave voicemails. Asana (Free) Make teamwork a piece of cake by splitting up tasks and delegating them directly through the app. Easily track deadlines and cross off finished tasks. Structured - Daily Planner (Free) Split your day into waking hours and get a realistic idea of what you can accomplish between the time you wake up and go to bed. Easily add,…
