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
iPhone Sales Stall Despite Global Smartphone Market Recovery
Apple experienced minimal iPhone growth in 2024 despite a significant rebound in the global smartphone market, according to new data published by IDC. Worldwide smartphone shipments increased 6.2% to reach 1.24 billion units, but iPhone shipments grew by just 0.4% during the same period.
The tepid performance underlines Apple's challenges in key markets like China, where domestic rivals are...
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When Is iOS 18.2 Coming Out?
The next iOS 18.2 update featuring more substantial Apple Intelligence features will be released to the public before the holidays, according to Apple, but we now have a more definite timeframe from other sources.
In a newsroom article dated October 28 highlighting Apple Intelligence capabilities, Apple states that "new Apple Intelligence features will be available in December." Since...
You Can Still Downgrade From iOS 18 to iOS 17: Here's How
If you have updated your iPhone to iOS 18 or later and you want to downgrade to an earlier version of iOS 17 for whatever reason, keep reading to learn how.
If you are running any version of iOS 18 on your iPhone, you can't just downgrade to the most recent version of iOS 17 via Apple's typical device restore process using a PC or Mac. This is because Apple has only released IPSW files for...
When to Expect New M4 MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro Models
Apple's fall 2024 Mac announcements have included new iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro models, all of which debuted with variants of Apple's M4 chip. Apple intends to update the rest of its Mac lineup with M4 series processors over the next 12 months, which will make it the first time that Apple has used the same chip generation across all of its Macs.
This means we can expect new M4...
Apple Faces Daily Fines in Brazil Over App Store Payment Restrictions
Brazil's antitrust regulator has ordered Apple to remove App Store restrictions on third-party payment systems and allow developers to market alternative payment options for in-app purchases. Apple has 20 days to comply or face daily fines of $43,000.
The ruling by the Council for Economic Defense (Cade) comes in response to a 2022 complaint filed by MercadoLibre, Latin America's largest...
Apple Intelligence Faces Complex Approval Process in China
Apple is experiencing challenges as it attempts to launch Apple Intelligence in China, with regulators cautioning that foreign companies face a "difficult and long process" for approval unless they partner with local firms, according to a new Financial Times report.
A senior official at the Cyberspace Administration of China told the FT that foreign device makers would find a "simple and...
Slim iPhone 17 Air Coming Next Year With These Rumored New Features
In 2025, Apple is rumored to be adding an all-new model to its flagship iPhone 17 lineup, tentatively referred to as "iPhone 17 Air," with the device expected to have a thinner design than current iPhone models. While Apple's iPhone 16 series is only be a couple of months old, when you consider that we learned about larger displays on the iPhone 16 Pro models way back in May 2023, rumors about a...
How to Tell If You're Using a Slow iPhone Charger
In iOS 18, Apple has introduced a clever new way to identify if your iPhone charging setup is running at less than optimal speeds. The new feature appears directly in Settings, making it easy to spot when you're not getting the fastest possible charge.
The Battery section displays a Slow Charger message when your iPhone detects a "slow" charger in use. You'll also see charging periods with...
Tim Cook at CEO Summit in China to Talk Supply Chain, Trade Issues
Apple CEO Tim Cook on Monday made his third visit to China this year, ahead of a five-day supply chain conference with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other corporate leaders (via Bloomberg).
The Apple chief joined more than 20 global business leaders in meetings with Premier Li Qiang, including executives from Rio Tinto, Corning, and Charoen Pokphand Group. Chinese corporate leaders from...
Send and Receive RCS Messages on iPhone
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a messaging standard Apple adopted in iOS 18 that is significantly enhancing the messaging experience between iPhone and Android devices. Think of it as SMS 2.0 – a major upgrade to the traditional text messaging we've been using for years.
Key Features of RCS
Apple's decision to embrace RCS came last year after persistent persuasion from Google, which...
Review: KUXIU's iPad Magnetic Charging Stands Make Your Screen Float and Power Up
As someone who regularly uses my M4 iPad Pro as an extended Mac display via Sidecar and often plays around with Apple's Universal Control feature, finding the perfect iPad stand that will sit pretty on my constrained desk space has become something of a hobby. With this in mind, KUXIU's Pro MAX line of magnetic charging stands promises to solve two persistent iPad stand issues that frequently...
Indonesia Wants Larger Apple Investment to Lift iPhone 16 Ban
The Indonesian government is pushing Apple for a higher investment than its recently proposed $100 million before it will consider lifting its ban on iPhone 16 sales in the country, according to statements from government officials on Thursday.
Industry minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has held internal meetings to discuss Apple's proposal, but a ministry spokesperson reportedly said that ...
EU Closes Antitrust Probe Into Apple's Ebook App Store Rules
The European Commission has ended its antitrust investigation into Apple's App Store rules for ebook and audiobook apps, following the withdrawal of a complaint by an ebook distributor.
Originally launched in June 2020, the investigation was sparked by a complaint from Rakuten's Kobo subsidiary. Kobo had argued that Apple's mandatory 30% commission on App Store purchases made it virtually...
Apple's Browser Rules Stifle Innovation on iOS, Says UK Regulator
Apple's restrictions on mobile browsers are limiting innovation and holding back new features that could benefit iPhone users, according to provisional findings published today by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
In its report, the CMA's independent inquiry group determined that Apple's Safari browser policies prevent competing browsers from implementing certain features,...
Here's the Fastest Way to Power Off Your iPhone
Ever fumbled with your iPhone's buttons trying to remember the right combination to power it off? Whether you have mobility challenges or just prefer simpler controls, Apple in iOS 18 includes a much-welcome solution in the form of a dedicated power button right in Control Center.
Using the New Power Button in Control Center
Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen to...
How to Check and Update AirPods Firmware
Apple occasionally releases firmware updates for its AirPods and AirPods Pro wireless earphones that can include performance improvements, feature tweaks, and bug fixes.
If you're having a particular issue with your AirPods or AirPods Pro, or if you just want to make sure they're up to date with the latest software, then follow the steps below.
How to Update Your AirPods or AirPods Pro
I...
iOS 18.2: Create Custom Emoji in Messages
Apple's new Genmoji feature lets you create personalized emoji that aim to perfectly match what you want to express, going far beyond the limitations of standard Unicode emoji. Want an emoji of a break-dancing astronaut or a dog playing bagpipes? With Genmoji, you can make it happen.
Unlike standard emoji that are fixed Unicode characters, Genmoji are dynamically generated using on-device...
iOS 18 Photos App Redesign: Two Months Later, Users Still Divided
When Apple released iOS 18 in September, it introduced an overhauled Photos app, dropping on users the biggest change to photo management on iPhone since the app's introduction. MacRumors forums users have been particularly vocal about the redesign – some have praised the AI features, but others have called for a return to the simpler interface of iOS 17.
The company has made much of Apple ...
iPhone Base Models Remain Best-Sellers Despite Pro Max Appeal
Apple's base model iPhones have collectively accounted for 42% of its smartphone sales this year, but iPhone Pro Max devices stand as the best-selling individual model, according to new data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP).
The report reveals an interesting sales distribution across Apple's iPhone lineup, but the data needs to be interpreted carefully owing to Apple's...
20+ Ways to Free Up iPhone Storage
If your iPhone or iPad is full, there are several things you can do to claw back storage space. In this guide, we run through several options and methods available to free up storage on Apple's iOS and iPadOS devices. Keep reading to learn what they are.
Every new iPhone and iPad model comes with a set storage capacity ranging from 64GB to 1TB for iPhones, and 64GB to 2TB for iPads. While...
