I use my iPhone for everything and feel I am pretty adept at most things. I have 766 apps on my iPhone 15 Max with iOS 17 and the apps are all organized into folders so I can easily find things.
However, I continue to learn plenty of new things about the capabilities of the iPhone from users on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Threads. I want to share some of my favorites with you. In some cases, if you don't have a newer phone, you may not be able to use some of these tips, but it is nice to read how they work anyway, so you are ready when you upgrade!
However, I continue to learn plenty of new things about the capabilities of the iPhone from users on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Threads. I want to share some of my favorites with you. In some cases, if you don't have a newer phone, you may not be able to use some of these tips, but it is nice to read how they work anyway, so you are ready when you upgrade!
TIP 2: Sending a hand-written iMessage to send to someone.
- Click on your recipient.
- Tap in the message box.
- Turn your phone to landscape orientation.
- Tap the little squiggle you see in the bottom right.
- A blank screen will pop-up.
- Use your finger to write the note, hit DONE, and send!
TIP 3: Taking a long-exposure image
Long-exposure images are beautiful and it is easy to take one with your iPhone camera.
Long-exposure images are beautiful and it is easy to take one with your iPhone camera.
- Make sure LIVE PHOTOS is turned on. The LIVE PHOTOS option is found in the top right of the screen in the camera (when the phone is in portrait mode) and in the top left of the screen when the camera is in landscape mode. It looks like an icon of two circles with a dotted circle around them. When there is no line through the icon, Live Photos is turned on.
- When taking a long-exposure image, it is important to find a place to prop your phone. I often use a horizontal fencepost or a wall in the vicinity to lean on. If you don't have anywhere to rest the phone, tuck your elbows in towards your body and hold your breath.
- Whether you phone is propped, on a tripod, or being held, there is one very important thing you need to do to get a great long-exposture shot. Hold your phone still for 5 seconds BEFORE you take the photo and 5 seconds AFTER you take the picture.
- Once you have finished the shot. open your image in in Photos, and tap the LIVE icon that comes up. You will be presented with a menu of choices.
- Pick LONG-EXPOSURE and the magic will happen!
TIP 4: IOS 17 AND FACETIME FUN
-With the advent of iOS 17, FaceTime has some cool new on-screen features!
During a call, go to Control Center, tap Video Effects, and turn on Reactions.
During a call, go to Control Center, tap Video Effects, and turn on Reactions.
- If you give two peace signs at the same time. confetti rains down.
- If you give just one peace sign, balloons pop up all around you.
- If you make your hands into the "heart" symbol, red hearts come out.
- If you put two thumbs down, you get a thunderstorm.
- If you two thumbs up, you get fireworks
- If you make the "rock-on" sign with each hand, you get some cool lasers.
Please share in the comments any cool things you do with your iPhone!