APPLE is planning to give iPhone owners a way to make their old mobiles last longer.
A setting in a future version of the iPhone operating system could allow users to download security updates separately from software updates, according to 9to5Mac.
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Typically, iPhone bundles the two together. One keeps your mobile safe from hackers while the other gives you all the latest software features.
The vast majority of iPhone users would be wise to download both – but they can cause those with older handsets serious issues.
Newer software sometimes causes ageing iPhones to slow down, reducing their performance and tanking their battery life.
Having the option to skip software updates while enjoying the latest security protections would offer a way to keep old models going for longer.
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According to 9to5Mac, Apple is testing the setting in an early version of iOS 14.5, the latest version of its operating system.
The tech news site spotted the feature hidden within the code of an early version of the update that Apple released to app developers this week.
The California company has said that it will release iOS 14.5 worldwide in early Spring.
Apple has always offered the choice not to upgrade to the latest software, but this has meant users also miss out on vital security enhancements.
iPhone tricks to try today
Here are some of the best…
- Typing cursor – When typing, hold down the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad, letting you move around words and sentences more easily
- Close all Safari tabs – To do this in one go, simply hold the overlapped squares in the bottom right-hand corner, and press close all tabs
- Delete lots of photos quickly – Hold down on a photo and then drag your finger diagonally in Photos to select lots of images at once, then hit delete
- Convert currency quickly – Swipe down from the top of your Home screen (or swipe left to right on an iPhone X or later model), then tap in the bar and type a currency (like $200) and it will automatically covert to your local currency
- Check if you’re due a battery upgrade – Batteries inside smartphones degrade over time. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, and check out the Maximum Capacity reading. Generally a battery is considered worn when you’re down to 80% capacity. If you’re below, you can buy a battery swap from Apple
- Move apps around faster – Hold an app until it starts wiggling, then (while still holding) tap other apps, causing them to stack so you can move them around easier
The new setting finally separates the two, though it’s not guaranteed to land on your iPhone when iOS 14.5 launched in the coming weeks.
Apple hasn’t confirmed it’s working on the feature, and bin it ahead of release, so take the news with a pinch of salt for now.
We’ll likely know more when iOS 14.5 drops around the time of its next rumoured product launch.
As well as the new update setting, the upgrade is expected to bring new emoji, as well as a feature that allows you to use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone.
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What do you make of Apple’s upcoming update? Let us know in the comments!
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
