Glow Up Time!✨

Sparkly Innovations & iOS 18 Magic and help with your tech!

Apple’s latest products bring next-level features, plus I’ve been diving into iOS 18 beta — it’s making life so much easier!

I LOVE how Reminders is working with iCal… how the clean-up function works in Photos… math, highlighters and audio transcriptions that are UNreal in Notes…schedule/send later/enhanced features in messages (thank gawd so hard), customize your homescreen, the updated safety protocols in passwords… I MEAN it goes on and on, OMG.

Friends, for the life of me I can’t understand why anyone would spend $1500 on a device and not learn how to use it!!! 😱 Please, please if you need to learn something or figure something out, ask me and I’ll make a tutorial and share or figure it out and share.

SRSLY. I will help you. This weekend I ran ALL 3 biz remotely (traveled for work) on my iPhone so I didn’t have to carry my laptop. Created images, wrote blog posts, used ChatGPT, used Canva, messaged, submitted talent for work, shared sheet music for an upcoming gig and didn’t miss a beat. THIS is my goal… I want to be abe to go anywhere, any time and keep things going. #travelismyfave

I do have some cool mini-gear that helps, but sometimes I didn’t use that either! I use an iPhone stand and a bluetooth Apple keyboard, if you’re wondering.

Here’s a detailed look at these must-have releases. 🌟

iPhone Pro and Apple Watch Screenshots from Event

iPhone 16 Pro & Max: Smarter, Stronger, Sleeker

Apple’s flagship phones just got a major glow-up! The iPhone 16 Pro, powered by the A18 Pro chip, offers unparalleled performance with faster speeds, enhanced battery life, and jaw-dropping 4K 120fps Dolby Vision video. The Grade 5 titanium design is lightweight but ultra-durable, while thinner bezels make for a bigger screen experience. Plus, the 48MP camera with spatial photography is a dream for capturing life’s moments in stunning detail. 📸✨

• Why you’ll love it: If you love capturing high-quality content on the go, this is your dream phone! With multiple zoom options and pro-level control over your shots, you’ll feel like a pro photographer with just your phone.

• Am I gonna get it: Undecided. I have the 15 Pro Max and love this baby. I’m going to make a genius appointment and get some hands on time before I make a decision. Den is going to upgrade so I’m sure I’ll be full of major FOMO, lol.

Apple Watch Series 10: Your Ultimate Health Companion

Apple Watch has always been great for fitness tracking, but the Series 10 takes it to new heights. With advanced health features like sleep apnea detection, real-time activity tracking, and even reminders to focus on your breathing, this watch has your back 24/7. The new display is larger (helps the 👀) and brighter, making it easier than ever to stay connected on the go. 🏃‍♀️💡

• Why you’ll love it: Whether you’re hitting fitness goals or just staying on top of your health, the Series 10 makes everything easier with improved tracking and health insights. This is a total glow-up for your wellbeing!

• Am I gonna get it: OH yes def! I wear my current watch (Apple Watch 8) 24/7. Working on my health and sleep + focus modes makes my work day and personal time organized in a way that is SOO helpful. I love this thing!

AirPods Pro 2 & AirPods Max: Sounds Like a Glow-Up

AirPods Pro 2 and Max aren’t just stylish; they’re smart. With new hearing health features like automatic sound adjustments and custom audio profiles, they’re designed to give you the best listening experience possible. Plus, AirPods Max is now available in even more colors, so you can glow in your style! 🎧💫

• Why you’ll love it: Whether you’re working out or winding down, or need hearing protection, (hint we all do) AirPods now adapt to your needs and make your audio experience just right.

• Am I gonna get it: NOPE not this time! I have AirPods Pro and the hubs has Max so we are good *for now*.

iOS 18: My Personal Glow-Up Story

I’ve been using the iOS 18 beta, and honestly? Game-changer!

From enhanced productivity features to smarter notifications, (Focus Modes FTW!) everything runs more smoothly. Features like improved privacy settings, better multitasking, and app customizations are making it so much easier to manage my daily tasks — all without (as much) stress. 📱🌈

• Key Highlights:

  Get ready for some 📲 magic with iOS 18! Apple has sprinkled tons of exciting updates into your favorite device, making it smarter, sassier, and more fun to use. Let’s dive into the goodies!

  Apple Intelligence & Siri Glow-Up:

  • Writing tools now help you sound like the pro you are! Want to rewrite a text in a friendly, concise, or professional tone? 💥 done. ChatGPT integration means Siri can now whip up content for you and even add pics. Talk about a multitasker!

  • Image Playground is here to make your imagination come alive. Create wild images of your friends on the moon or remix your past creations—all saved across your devices for easy sharing. It’s playtime!

  • Siri is now the ultimate personal assistant, fully aware of your calendar, messages, and emails. Ask her to recall what movie your friend suggested last week or to pull your passport info from a photo for easy form-filling. Plus, she’s rocking a glowing edge light when she talks back—so fancy!

  Messaging Like a Pro:

  • Schedule messages like a boss! Plus, with the new Rich Communication Services (RCS), chat seamlessly with Android folks—no more missing out on group convos. Also, satellite texting makes sure you’re never “off the grid,” so you’re always connected.

  Photo Fun & Next-Level Notes:

  • The Photos app gets its biggest glow-up yet! It’s all about simplicity with one unified view. And for the perfectionists, the Clean Up tool (it’s worked REEEEALLY well so far!) zaps away unwanted objects in your pics. Insta-perfect!

  • Need a summary of your long meeting notes or a voice memo transcribed? The Notes app has got your back. Live transcription means no more scrubbing through audio—just the juicy bits. 🤯

  Customize It Your Way:

  • Go wild with Home Screen layouts, dark mode icons, and widget shuffling. Whether you want a sleek look or a color explosion, it’s all up to you!

  • The Control Center is also more flexible than ever. Rearrange it, resize it, and even slap it on your Lock Screen for quick access to all your favs.

  Game Mode Activated:

  • Gamers, this one’s for you: Game Mode ups your performance and immersion, cutting down background noise and boosting frame rates. Add in Personalized Spatial Audio, and you’ll feel like you’re IN the game.

  Wallet & Apple Pay—Now Even Cooler:

  • Tap to Cash lets you exchange Apple Cash just by holding your phones together. No numbers, no emails—just quick and private transactions.

  • Plus, pay in installments and manage your loyalty cards all in the revamped Wallet app. Easy peasy 🍋 squeezy!

  Privacy & Accessibility Superpowers:

  • Eye-tracking now lets you navigate your iPhone with just your gaze. Privacy settings are clearer, giving you full control over what apps know about you. It’s your world—own it!

I can’t wait for you to experience this glow-up for yourself!

I’m starting a new series this Friday where I will focus on one platform per issue. Don’t miss it! First up… Instagram!

See you in a coupla days!

🦋 Karen