One of the best features of the iPhone camera is Portrait mode. By simulating an expensive DSLR camera and lens setup, images captured in Portrait mode blur the background, highlighting the subject and providing a more professional result. Those shooting in Portrait mode may not even realize this setting has more to offer when editing photos.

The background blur, or bokeh, is not fixed as it would be when capturing images using different aperture (or f-stop) settings. In fact, on the iPhone, the background blurriness can be adjusted after the picture is taken.

Threads has responded to user complaints by introducing a new privacy option, which allows users to disable the automatic sharing of Threads posts on Instagram and Facebook. Seeking to boost the popularity of its new platform Threads, Meta displayed suggested posts on other Meta-owned apps. This move triggered criticism from users, who were automatically enrolled in external sharing.

In a significant shift, Apple has announced it will adopt the RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging standard, yielding to years of pressure from competitors like Google and Samsung. This strategic move, scheduled for a 2024 release with iOS 18 marks a big change for cross-platform messaging between iPhone and Android users.

Responding to Google's persistent push for adoption, Apple's decision aims to enhance interoperability, addressing issues like poor image and video quality for Android users in group messages receiving scaled-down media via traditional MMS.

Apple Music Classical has expanded its reach beyond iPhones and Android devices, making its debut on iPads with the latest update. Version 1.1 is available on the App Store today. The update introduces a tailored interface optimized for the larger iPad display, featuring a navigation sidebar and media playback controls at the bottom.