iPhone

Google and Apple each have their own ecosystems, and they are understandably keen for people to remain within them. But the reality is that people who start off with an Android handset may one day decide that they want to jump into the world of iPhone; conversely it is far from unknown for iPhone users to take the decision to embrace Android.

Making the switch from one mobile platform to another is not impossible, but it can be something of an arduous task. The lack of compatibility or interoperability between iOS and Android has meant that moving data between different types of device is a time-consuming and frustrating process. But new collaboration between Apple and Google means that things should start to become a good deal simpler.

Apple has announced the winners of its 2025 App Store Awards. The editors selected this year’s 17 winning apps and games from a long list of 45 finalists, focusing on innovation, user experience, and thoughtful design across Apple’s ecosystem.

“Every year, we’re inspired by the ways developers turn their best ideas into innovative experiences that enrich people’s lives,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “This year’s winners represent the creativity and excellence that define the App Store, and they demonstrate the meaningful impact that world-class apps and games have on people everywhere.”

Out of the blue, Google has announced a significant change to the Quick Share feature of Android. The company says that – on a limited number of devices – Quick Share can now be used to share files and photos from Android to iPhone thank to newly added compatibility with Apple’s AirDrop.

The strange and sudden interoperability comes as good news, but it is not clear how many Android devices will ultimately be able to take advantage of this change, or when. It is also not clear quite what prompted the move from Google, although the company has quite a lot to say about what is involved.

Apple has launched Digital ID, a new Apple Wallet-store identity document for US users that is accepted at airports and other locations.

Digital ID is created from information from a US passport, and it can be used as a travel document as well as a way of proving age. Although the company is making much of the system, it concedes that there are numerous limitations.

Apple has joined forces with ISSEY MIYAKE to create a new way for iPhone owners to carry and protect their smartphone. The iPhone Pocket is a sash-style 3D-knitted pocket which is available in a rainbow spectrum of colors.

This is not the first time the iPhone-maker has collaborated in this way, and the result this time around is a versatile phone sling that can be worn or carried in a variety of ways. There are two different styles to choose from, but potential buyers may baulk at the price.

Any major visual change to software is likely to result in a mixed reaction – this is certainly true of the Liquid Glass transparency effect Apple introduced into its desktop and mobile operating system recently.

Apple is a company that prides itself on producing designs that balance beauty with utility, so it was probably surprised when users complained about Liquid Glass. Not willing to give in entirely and allow users to switch the effect off completely, Apple has relented a little, introducing controls to change the intensity of the look.

Lexar has launched a compact external drive designed for creators who need fast, reliable, and easily accessible storage. The ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD offers read and write speeds of up to 2000MB/s and attaches directly to MagSafe-compatible iPhones or other magnetic surfaces.

The ES5 comes in capacities of up to 4TB and allows users to record in Apple ProRes at 4K 120FPS and Samsung Pro Video at 8K 30FPS.

“In a world of constant distraction, the POP Phone invites you to slow down and bring meaning back to every call.” That is how Native Union describes its new handset which is designed to mimic the landline phones many of us grew up with in the 1980s and 1990s (and ever further back).

Retailing for $39.99/£34.99, the POP Phone pairs retro charm with a USB-C connection that works seamlessly with today’s smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Is it practical? Not really. Is it cool? Hell, yeah.

Among all the new hardware that Apple announced today -- including iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone Air, and Apple Watch Series 11 -- the tech giant also had something for professional video creators with the launch of Final Cut Camera 2.0.

The updated app, available for free on the App Store, introduces ProRes RAW capture and genlock on iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, alongside expanded support for the new Center Stage front camera across the latest iPhone lineup.

Although it was overshadowed by the new iPhone Air, Apple today announced iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, which, in typical Apple style, it described as the most powerful Pro models yet (you'd have to worry if they were worse than their predecessors).

Both devices feature the new A19 Pro chip, an aluminum unibody design with a built-in vapor chamber for better thermal management, and the "biggest leap in battery life ever for iPhone".

As well as the new iPhone 17 and 17 Pro and Pro Max, Apple today revealed the iPhone Air, a new addition to its smartphone lineup that offers a thinner, lighter build without cutting back on power.

At just 5.6mm thick, iPhone Air is the thinnest Apple phone yet, crafted from titanium with Ceramic Shield on both the front and back, which Apple says makes it more durable than any previous model.

Belkin has announced a new line of wireless chargers that use the new Qi2 25W standard. The UltraCharge series includes three products designed for different use cases, all capable of charging devices faster and more efficiently than earlier Qi models.

Qi2 is the newest wireless charging standard created by the Wireless Power Consortium. It allows speeds of up to 25W, greater energy efficiency, and better compatibility across devices from multiple brands.

Some Apple Watch users are about to receive a software update which will provide them with a redesigned Blood Oxygen feature.

The update affects owners of Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US who do not yet have the Blood Oxygen feature. Access to the health tool comes after a US Customs ruling.

A new analysis of smartphone security habits reveals that Android users are safer online than their iPhone counterparts. Based on data from over 1,300 people in the US, UK, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, the report from Malwarebytes highlights key differences in how Android and iPhone users behave, and how those choices impact their chances of falling for online scams.

According to the research, Android users more often use security tools, make smarter purchasing decisions, and protect their accounts with stronger passwords. They are also less likely to fall for scams.

Apple has launched a new tier of its device protection, support and insurance scheme called AppleCare One. This new level of subscription is aimed at those who have fully bought into the Apple ecosystem, as it makes it possible to cover up to three devices with a single plan.

As well as simplifying the process of getting service and support for Apple devices, AppleCare One addresses one of the key complaints levelled against the program – price. Any three devices are covered by a single $20 plan, which could represent a big saving for some people.