NewImage
The iPhone can be very intimidating for first-time users, especially since Apple doesn't include a traditional manual in the box with the device. There is a large market for aftermarket books like the forthcoming iPhone 5 for Dummies, but Apple also offers a free iPhone Users Guide updated for iOS 6 both in PDF form and on iBooks.

The guides are excellent for customers new to the iPhone, and for the less tech-savvy iOS user. Download the guide through Apple's iBookstore [Direct Link] or as direct download as a PDF.

Top Rated Comments

Simplicated Avatar
174 months ago
The iPhone can be very intimidating for first-time users

Really? :rolleyes: My grandma, who had never used an iPhone, made a phone call within seconds of using the phone.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
firewood Avatar
174 months ago
"The iPhone can be very intimidating for first-time users"

Well maybe if apple didn't add so much useless crap in their os (such as a multitasking bar whose apps all use up valuable ram without the owner realizing) then maybe people would be able to use it more easily.
Apple's opinion is that knowing that the device has a certain amount of RAM or that apps use any RAM is way too intimidating. So Joe user isn't supposed to realize anything about this. Just see a bunch of pretty icons.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ECUpirate44 Avatar
174 months ago
My grandpa got an iPad and was upset he couldn't find a 200 page instruction manual in the box....
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
steviec Avatar
174 months ago
My grandpa got an iPad and was upset he couldn't find a 200 page instruction manual in the box....

LOL - Can you imagine the unboxing videos back in yesteryear....

OK hi doing a unboxing review of access for windows.. Ummm 21 Floppy disks, they look nice... ummm manual - this has got to be like 600 pages so I think its pretty good ... ummm I notice that if you run your finger nail over the sticker on the diskette it scratches a little, so you might wanna buy a case or somethin.... So thats my review don't forget to leave me a comment in the space below (points at pants).....
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ConCat Avatar
174 months ago
Nobody needs a manual to operate an iPhone. All they need is the ability to recognize icons, or at the very least be able to read overly complex words such as "Phone" or "Photos. The only people who ask for manuals are people who feel insecure without one. My grandma is like that. There could be a big "PUSH HERE TO DIAL THE NUMBER YOU JUST ENTERED!", and she'd still consult the manual.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Akarin Avatar
174 months ago
The iPhone can be very intimidating for first-time users

Allow me a polite 'WTF?!?'.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
Apple TV Color

Apple TV Announces 12 New Shows and Films Coming This Year

Wednesday February 4, 2026 12:29 pm PST by
Apple on Tuesday previewed 12 new shows and films that will be premiering on the Apple TV streaming service throughout 2026. The new series: Imperfect Women — March 18, 2026 Margo's Got Money Troubles — April 15, 2026 Widow's Bay — April 29, 2026 Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed — May 20, 2026 Cape Fear — June 5, 2026 Lucky — July 15, 2026 The new films: Eternity — ...
iphone 16 pro colors 1

Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Models at Lower Prices

Wednesday February 4, 2026 7:44 am PST by
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its online store in the U.S., with prices discounted by 12% to 22% compared to Apple's current or former pricing for the devices. Here were Apple's starting prices when the devices launched in September 2024: iPhone 16: $799 iPhone 16 Plus: $899 iPhone 16 Pro:...