Tim Hardwick
Tim is a Senior Editor at MacRumors and has been writing for the site since 2016. Formerly a magazine journalist, his work has appeared in over 30 newsstand print publications and online brands covering a range of topics, from the latest trends in technology to the mysteries of ancient history.
Based in the UK, Tim's current role at MacRumors involves editorial oversight and how tos, in addition to covering daily news and contributing occasional reviews. Tim can be reached at tim@macrumors.com, Telegram (@waxeditorial) or Twitter.
Based in the UK, Tim's current role at MacRumors involves editorial oversight and how tos, in addition to covering daily news and contributing occasional reviews. Tim can be reached at tim@macrumors.com, Telegram (@waxeditorial) or Twitter.
Tim Hardwick's Articles
Create a Custom Pass in the Wallet App on iPhone
In iOS 27, Apple's Wallet app lets you create custom passes for things like event tickets, gift cards, loyalty cards, and more. Here's how it works.
If you have a ticket for an event and there's not a digital version available for the Wallet app, you can create one using the physical pass you have. The same goes for other cards, like a membership card, for example.
The Wallet app can use ...
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iPhone 18 Pro Max Comes in Four Different Hardware Versions
Apple sells four different versions of the iPhone 18 Pro Max depending on where you buy it. While the differences are subtle, they still matter, spanning everything from SIM support to 5G connectivity, modem, and even battery capacity.
The model sold in the U.S., A3473, is eSIM-only and supports both sub-6GHz 5G and faster mmWave networks. It's also the odd one out internally. A teardown by T...
How to Check Your Mac's Manufacture Date in macOS 27
If you installed macOS 27 Golden Gate, here's a way to find out when your Mac was manufactured. Apple has restored access to information that effectively disappeared when it randomized its serial numbers a few years ago.
On your Mac, go to System Settings ➝ General ➝ About, then click "Regulatory Certification" under the System Report button. The certificate will show with a new "Date of...
iOS 27 Update to Fix Face ID Issues on iPhone 18 Pro
Some iPhone 18 Pro owners report that Face ID isn't consistently recognizing them, but Apple has a fix on the way. MacRumors logs show Apple is already testing iOS 27.0.1, its first follow-up update since iOS 27 launched. The update will focus on bug patches, and Apple has said a Face ID fix is included.
There's no release date yet, but expect it to arrive sooner rather than later. Apple has...
Meta Did a 'One More Thing' and It's an AI Tamagotchi
Apple has reportedly shelved plans to launch an AI pendant, while Meta appears to be going all out in the nascent hardware space with a new handheld AI companion. Mark Zuckerberg used his "one more thing" moment at the company's annual Connect event on Wednesday to unveil the Muse Charm, a puck about the size of an Apple Watch featuring a tamagotchi-like, interactive avatar that can be used to...
iPhone Handoff in iOS 27: How It Works, Pricing, and Carrier Support
Apple in iOS 27 introduced iPhone Handoff, a new eSIM feature that allows you to use the same number on two iPhones and seamlessly swap between them. The number is only active on one iPhone at a time, so it's not like having two independently active lines.
It's also different from Apple's existing Handoff feature for continuing an app task on another Apple device. Here's what you need to...
50 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 27 - Out Now!
Apple released iOS 27 this week, and despite the company's focus this year on refining its flagship operating system and nixing bugs, there are still many additional features to explore, not least of which is Apple's new context-aware Siri, re-tooled for the generative AI era.
Which iPhones Support Every iOS 27 Feature?
This year's major iPhone software update isn't all about AI, though,...
iPhone Duo Can Do Split View, But Not Like Your iPad
Apple's iPhone Duo is the first iPhone that can run two apps side by side, but anyone expecting the sort of freedom that Split View offers on iPad might want to temper their expectations.
Apple's iPhone Duo marketing materials talk up app pairs and side-by-side windows, but it doesn't mention anything about resizing them. There's a reason for that.
If you put two apps side by side on the...
New iPhone Setting Lets Users Shake Off Motion-Sensing Ads
Apple is testing an iPhone setting for users in China that lets them add apps to a list that prevents them from accessing the device's motion sensors. Apple hasn't explicitly said what the setting is in response to, but Chinese apps sometimes show "shake-to-open" ads on launch, and they can be triggered by merely picking up an iPhone, walking, or going over a bump in a car, resulting in unwanted...
Apple Intelligence Taking Up 30GB+ on Some Macs Running macOS 27
After you install macOS 27 Golden Gate, Apple automatically downloads a multi-gigabyte AI model to your Mac the next time it's connected to the internet. Unlike previous versions of macOS, you can't prevent it. Siri AI, and by extension Apple Intelligence, are now a mandatory part of your system.
For macOS 27 Golden Gate, Apple says the latest Apple Intelligence features require up to 14GB...
'MacBook Ultra' Coming Soon With Touchscreen and 5 Other Changes
Reports and rumors suggest the next high-end MacBook Pro that Apple will release might not be a MacBook Pro at all. It could actually be something altogether new and more exciting – a "MacBook Ultra" – marketed as the company's top-tier laptop offering. The device is likely to sit above the current M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, rather than replace them, suggesting that they will remain on...
Apple Is Working on a Screenless Fitness Band
Apple is working to bring to market an Apple Watch-style fitness band with no screen, according to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Image credit: Whoop
The approach is said to be part of a broader re-evaluation of the Apple Watch lineup within the company, as it seeks "something that transforms the product for a new era." Apple has apparently been "exploring" the category for months and ...
watchOS 27.2: How to Access the App Switcher
In watchOS 26 and earlier versions, a double press of the Digital Crown would bring up the App Switcher, where you could easily switch to the last-used app and view and open other recently used apps. That's no longer the case in watchOS 27.2, currently in beta.
The Digital Crown double-press gesture has been reserved for Apple's upcoming Live Rewind AI feature (expected to arrive on Apple...
New Mac Mini and Mac Studio Now Available for Same-Day Pickup at Apple Stores
Apple launches its new Mac mini and Mac Studio models today in 30 countries and regions, including the U.S, and same-day pickup is now available at many Apple Store locations.
To order a product with Apple Store pickup, add the product to your bag on Apple.com, proceed to checkout, select the "I'll pick it up" option, enter your ZIP code, choose an available Apple Store location, ...
Apple Still Working on Anti-Snatching Feature That Locks Stolen iPhones
New references in the latest iOS 27.2 beta show that Apple continues to develop a new feature which will lock your iPhone if it's snatched from your hand by a thief.
As previously reported, the feature will use the gyroscope, accelerometer, and other sensors to determine when an iPhone has been grabbed. It'll also rely on a paired Apple Watch to detect when the iPhone has suddenly moved...
Apple Quietly Excludes Older iPhones From New Camera Feature
Apple's new Texture and Grain controls for Photographic Styles are not available on iPhones other than the latest iPhone 18 Pro models and upcoming iPhone Duo, despite the company's original wording suggesting otherwise.
When Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max earlier this month, its Newsroom press release said the new Texture and Grain controls would be "available in...
iPhone Duo Launching Next Month With These 15 New Features
Apple on September 9 announced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable dual-screen iPhone. Pre-orders for the device go live on Friday, October 16, and it will be available to buy in Apple Stores and other major retailers on Friday, October 23.
Here's a summary of the main features you can expect to come with the new device:
Foldable design: The device has 7.6-inch inner and 5.4-inch outer...
App Switcher Returns in watchOS 27.2 Beta With New Launch Gesture
Apple has apparently listened to user feedback and brought back the App Switcher screen in the latest watchOS 27.2 beta, but accessing it is a little different than before.
In watchOS 26 and earlier versions, a double press of the Digital Crown would bring up the App Switcher, where you could easily switch to the last-used app and view and open other recently used apps. You could also swipe...
Apple Music Hall Spatial Audio Venue Opens in Battersea Power Station
Apple has announced the opening of Apple Music Hall, a state-of-the-art 600-capacity music venue located in London's Battersea Power Station. Apple says it is "designed to connect artists and fans through bespoke, intimate performances unlike anywhere else."
"Apple's deep love for music dates all the way back to the very beginning, from the launch of the iPod to the long-running iTunes Music ...
Pin Music to the Top of Your Apple Watch Music Library
If you have an Apple Watch running watchOS 27 and you're an Apple Music subscriber, you can pin music to the top of your library to make it easier to find and play – great for those times when you're in the mood for a specific track, artist, album, or playlist.
In the Music app on your Apple Watch, when viewing a song, tap the three dots next to the song, then tap Pin [item]. You can also do...
