According to Exploding Topics, Apple’s iPhone has almost 58% market share in the United States. The iPhone preference over Android is particularly noticeable among Gen Z and Millennials—both would rather have an iPhone than an Android.
Even if you already own an Android, the appeal to switch to an iPhone is understandable. Perhaps you are unhappy with your Android or simply want a different smartphone altogether.
A switch will require some time to get used to the iPhone. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to make the most out of your smartphone.
1. Optimize Battery Life
Poor battery lifespan is annoying since you have to constantly charge the device. A new iPhone should not have this issue, but you are bound to notice a worse overall battery life after a while. Or, if you buy a second-hand iPhone, the problem could come with your purchase.
To get better battery life on an iPhone, keep an eye on background applications and close them instead of letting them run in the background.
Next, limit applications that use Bluetooth. You can disable the feature by going to Settings -> Privacy -> Bluetooth.
Similarly, some applications might be consuming extra battery life due to location access. Open the Settings and tap on Privacy. Go to the Location tab and adjust the settings. Disable location access from redundant applications.
Finally, and this one is an extreme example, your iPhone’s battery might be on its last legs, and replacing it is the only option.
2. Utilize Siri
Siri is a digital AI assistant that receives new features in each major iOS update. For new iPhone users, utilizing Siri might feel a bit weird at first. However, once you get the hang of it, you will appreciate just how much the assistant brings to the table.
Siri comes in handy, particularly when you are busy and cannot tap your fingers on the phone. Giving a voice command to google something, check the weather, send a text, make a call, etc., without using your hands is invaluable.
Check the available Siri commands and try them for yourself. You are bound to change the way you view the capabilities of an iPhone.
3. Schedule Your Messages
If you have some texts you want to send later but don’t want to forget about them, utilize the scheduling feature.
Learning how to schedule text message on iPhone is pretty easy. Use the Shortcuts application, which is available by default on iOS 13 and up. If you have an older operating system version, you will need to download the application manually from the App Store.
To schedule the message, open the Shortcuts app, tap Automation (bottom of the screen), and click on the New Automation tab.
From here, you will be given prompts to choose the time when to send the text, what the message says, and who the recipients are. Follow the instructions to set up the message.
4. Download and Install iOS Updates
Prioritizing iOS updates is a good rule of thumb to follow. iOS updates are not that frequent, but as soon as you see a notification indicating that a new version is out, don’t delay and download it.
Many smartphone users associate iOS updates with extra features. However, the benefits don’t stop there.
A new iOS version also brings performance improvements and security features, particularly addressing potential security holes to the latest cybersecurity threats.
5. Enable the Dark Mode
As surprising as it may sound, it took Apple a long while to finally introduce the dark mode feature.
It’s annoying to adjust the screen brightness every time you change the surroundings. The purpose of the dark mode is to turn white iPhone backgrounds into dark backgrounds.
The change helps your eyes and slightly reduces battery consumption. To enable the dark mode, go to Settings, tap on Display & Brightness, and select the Dark option located at the top of the iPhone screen.
6. Adjust Screen Text Size
If you have poor eyesight, adjust the screen text. Go to the Settings menu, open the Display & Brightness tab, and tap on Text Size.
Here, you will see a slider that adjusts the font size. Use it until you are happy with the font size. Also, if you want to emphasize the text even more, find the Bold Text option at the bottom of the slider and enable it.
