Smartphones

How to maximize the features from iOS 15

Taking organization to a new level

Published

September 21, 2021

Luigi Leonardo

iOS 15 is finally here. As expected, the new update brings a host of new features for Apple users. With so many features set for iOS 15, it’s too easy to miss all the little details coming with the update. If you’re getting the update today or anytime soon, here’s a nifty little list of features that you should definitely take advantage of for iOS 15.

Keeping everyone in the loop

Watching a movie or listening to music with friends and family just got easier with iOS 15. With the new SharePlay feature, FaceTime users can easily share their screen while on a call with a loved one.

Speaking of FaceTime, Apple users can now invite users from other platforms for a call. Even if the other person is on Android or Windows, FaceTime can invite them for a secure call.

Organizing your life

With iOS 15 filled to the brim with new features, it’s getting harder to maintain a productive lifestyle. iOS 15’s new Focus feature lets users manage which notifications go through. Users can set up profiles depending on what they’re doing, whether if it’s at work or at a fancy dinner. (Notifications are much more readable now, by the way.)

Likewise, Apple is introducing Tab Groups, allowing users to group up tabs that belong together for better organization.

To help organize photos with text, Live Text automatically recognizes text from images. Users can then use the text for their own purposes such as copy-pasting, searching for it on Safari, or contacting a phone number from a business card.

Finally, Interactive Memories are also introducing a new way to organize and customize stories with Apple Music.

Sharing while keeping private

Apple is making it easier to share your information from the Health app with family members or caregivers. In much the same way, users can receive notifications about their loved ones’ health information especially amid drastic changes.

Despite the added ease for sharing information, iOS 15 is maintaining Apple’s efforts for privacy. Mail Privacy Protection hides IP addresses and geographical location when users open emails. The new App Privacy Report alerts users when an app contacts another domain from their phone.

News

Report: ‘Accessible flagship’ smartphones might provide best value this year

Next-gen hardware, AI optimization among consumer demands to justify price hike

Published

April 9, 2026

GadgetMatch

As global smartphone prices continue to rise, the “accessible flagship” segment could be the only bright spot for manufacturers this year.

But that’s only if they gamble and improve specs significantly for attractive devices. According to a recent Counterpoint report, taking into consideration MWC 2026 Barcelona insights, consumers are looking for significant upgrades for their next smartphone purchase instead of iterative updates.

This includes a combination of next-generation hardware, deeply optimized AI software, and affordability for a premium-grade experience.

The demand for these upgrades from one generation to another stems from a massive spike in memory costs. With smartphone manufacturers increasing their prices drastically, consumers in turn are demanding more in return to justify such adjustments.

As such, manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, HONOR, Motorola, and OPPO continue to democratize features once reserved for the most expensive handsets.

Chance for smartphone manufacturers to shine

It is clear that leading smartphone companies are focusing on next-generation chipsets, professional-grade imaging, and high-efficiency batteries, as well as AI adoption.

So those who successfully integrate cutting-edge hardware with deeply optimized AI software into such accessible flagship ((US$ 700 to US$ 999) devices will more likely win the battle.

According to the report, only Samsung and Xiaomi have released phones falling under the “accessible flagship” category so far this year. These are obviously the Samsung Galaxy S26 series and Xiaomi 17 series, although OPPO has also launched the Reno15 series.

This means there is an opportunity for other OEMs like Google, Motorola, and HONOR to launch better packages later in the year.

The report specifically mentions HONOR as a brand that has seen considerable growth in its accessible flagship tier (HONOR number series) sales outside of China in the last few years.

The report concludes by mentioning that in 2026, shipments are predicted to drop by 12% (year-on-year). Along with this, only improving specs significantly shall enable brands to stand out.

News

Apple’s iPhone Fold reportedly hits engineering delays

But it’s still supposedly on track for a September launch.

Published

April 8, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The foldable iPhone might be the most mythical device in technology today. Rumoured as far back as the launch of the very first Galaxy Fold, the so-called iPhone Fold has peeked in and out of the spotlight over the years but has yet to make its full debut. Sources today have speculated that Apple is readying its much awaited launch for this year; however, a few hitches might derail the expected unveiling.

According to Nikkei, Apple has pushed forward with the foldable iPhone’s test production phase, which marks an advanced stage in the device’s production. However, a source indicates that the device has encountered engineering issues, potentially pushing its launch back by an undisclosed amount of time. Apple is reportedly working on the issues now.

Opposite this report, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reports that the iPhone Fold can still reach its projected launch later this September. As any fan of the iPhone can attest to, September is the usual ground zero for the latest generation of iPhones. Should Apple meet its September launch, the iPhone Fold will launch alongside the iPhone 18 series. This also makes it possible to be Apple’s “one more thing” for September’s event.

There’s a lot riding on Apple’s foldable phone. Fans have been clamoring for the iPhone Fold for a while now, especially since Samsung remains an undisputed cornerstone in the foldable market. Despite the demand, it might take a while for the foldable to truly take off. If Apple’s gingerly approach to foldables is any indication, the iPhone Fold will likely take a few iterations to match Samsung in terms of supply and market share.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 17e review