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

How to Play Ambient Sounds on HomePod
Apple in October 2019 added a new HomePod feature that brings users the ability to play relaxing high-quality soundtracks with Ambient Sounds. This article explains how to use them.
The Ambient Sounds feature offers seven continuous streaming options. They include the following:
Rain
Stream
White Noise
Fireplace
Forest
Night
OceanTo start streaming one of the sounds on your HomePod,...
Read Full Article • 20 comments

Mario Kart Tour Multiplayer Beta Test to Launch in December
Nintendo has announced that it will begin testing a multiplayer option for its Mario Kart Tour mobile game in December, a step towards the full multiplayer mode that's considered essential to the mobile title's success.
The announcement came on Friday via the Japanese video game giant's official Twitter account and explained that access to multiplayer would initially be limited to Mario Kart...

What to Do if You're Not Seeing Your Apple TV+ 1-Year Free Trial Offer
Apple TV+ officially launched on November 1, and anyone who purchased an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, or Mac after September 10 can get a year's subscription to it for free.
The free one-year trial can be activated in the Apple TV app at launch on any qualifying Apple device. However, we've heard reports that some iPhone 11 owners aren't seeing the trial they're entitled to in the TV ...

How to Take Screenshots on iPhone
This article explains how to take screenshots on iPhones and iPads that have a Home button, as well as on iPhones and iPads that don't have a Home button. Keep reading to learn how it's done.
Taking a Screenshot on iPhone X and Later Models
Taking a Screenshot on iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone SE
The ability to take screenshots on your iPhone can come in handy for a...

How Long Do AirPods and AirPods Pro Last?
Are you hearing the low battery warning on your AirPods more frequently than you used to? It's quite possible that your wireless Apple headphones reaching their end of life. This article explains why – and what you can do about it.
What is the Battery Life of AirPods and AirPods Pro?
Officially, Apple says its first-generation AirPods offer up to five hours of listening time and up to two...

Apple Did Buy Rights to 'AirTag' Trademark, Source Confirms
Apple has bought the "AirTag" trademark for its rumored item tracking device from a Russian group of companies that specializes in RFID technology, according to a Russian media outlet.
RBC reports that a group called ISBC, which describes itself as "The leading smart card and RFID tag manufacturer in Russia," recently sold Apple the "AirTag" trademark as part of an agreement that would see...

AirPods Pro Teardown: Heavier Than Original AirPods, Different Battery, Same Zero Repairability Score
iFixit today shared a teardown of the new $249 AirPods Pro, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the organization awarded Apple's latest wireless earphones the same zero repairability score as both versions of original AirPods.
Apart from the replaceable $4-a-pair proprietary silicone tips that provide noise isolation and enhanced fit on the AirPods Pro, it's the same story as Apple's previous...

How to Delete Siri Audio History and Opt Out of Siri Audio Sharing on HomePod
This article explains how to delete your Siri audio interaction history and opt out of sharing audio recordings with Apple on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
How to Opt Out of Siri Audio Sharing on HomePod
How to Delete Your Siri Audio History on HomePod
In 2019, it was discovered that Apple hired contractors to listen to a small percentage of anonymized Siri recordings to evaluate the virtual...

How to Back Up Your iOS Device on a Mac Running Catalina
This article shows you how to back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your Mac using the new route in Catalina.
How to Back Up Your iOS Device in Catalina
How to Encrypt an iOS Device Backup in macOS CatalinaWith the release of macOS Catalina, Apple said goodbye to iTunes and broke it up into separate Mac apps for Music, Podcasts, and Apple TV, meaning the functions for managing a...

How to Control the Transparency Feature on AirPods Pro
This article explains how to control the Transparency feature on Apple's AirPods Pro wireless earbuds. Bear in mind that iOS devices need to be running iOS 13.2 in order to support AirPods Pro. You can check that your device is updated by launching the Settings app and going to General -> Software Update.
What is the Transparency Feature on AirPods Pro?
AirPods Pro are Apple's first in-ear...

How to Perform an Ear Tip Fit Test on AirPods Pro
This article shows you how to perform an AirPods Pro Ear Tip Fit Test, which checks the fit of your AirPods ear tips to determine which size provides the best seal and acoustic performance.
How Does the AirPods Ear Tip Fit Test Work?
Unlike previous generation AirPods, AirPods Pro come with three sizes of silicone tips for a customizable fit. These tips help to form a seal appropriate for...

How to Customize the Force Sensor Gesture Functions on AirPods Pro
This article explains how to customize the functions assigned to AirPods Pro gestures. Bear in mind that iOS devices need to be running iOS 13.2 in order to support AirPods Pro. You can check that your device is updated by launching the Settings app and going to General -> Software Update.
Apple's AirPods Pro wireless earbuds feature a new, innovative force sensor on each stem that responds...

How to Control the Noise Cancellation Feature on AirPods Pro
This article explains how to control the noise cancellation feature on Apple's AirPods Pro wireless earbuds. Bear in mind that iOS devices need to be running iOS 13.2 in order to support AirPods Pro. You can check that your device is updated by launching the Settings app and going to General -> Software Update.
How Active Noise Cancellation Works on AirPods Pro
AirPods Pro are Apple's first ...

Report: Apple to Use Qualcomm's X55 5G Modem in All Three 2020 iPhones
Apple's 2020 iPhones will all use Qualcomm's newest and fastest 5G-capable modem chip, claims a new report out of Asia today.
Apple is expected to launch three iPhones next year in 5.4-inch, 6.1-inch, and 6.7-inch sizes. According to Nikkei Asian Review, all three will carry the 5G modem chip designed by Qualcomm called the X55.
All three of the new iPhones will carry the most advanced 5G ...

'HBO Max' Streaming Service to Launch in May 2020 for $15 per month
Having first announced HBO Max in June, WarnerMedia last night provided further details on the upcoming streaming service, which will combine HBO content with shows and films from CNN, TNT, TBS, The CW, TCM, Adult Swim, and much more.
AT&T has revealed that HBO Max will launch in May of 2020 with 10,000 hours of programming pre-loaded, and the service will cost $14.99 per month – the same ...

Subscribers to Apple Music's $4.99 Monthly Student Plan to Get Apple TV+ 'for Free'
Subscribers to Apple Music's $4.99 student plan will get access to Apple TV+ at no additional charge when the streaming video service launches on November 1.
First spotted by 9to5Mac, the bundle deal was revealed in an Instagram Story by "Dickinson" star Hailee Steinfeld and later shared on the official Apple TV Instagram account.
Steinfeld's announcement is short on detail and simply...

How to Delete Your Siri Audio History and Opt Out of Siri Audio Sharing
This article explains how to delete your Siri audio interaction history and opt out of sharing audio recordings with Apple on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
How to Opt Out of Siri Audio Sharing
How to Delete Your Siri Audio History
Earlier this year, it was discovered that Apple hired contractors to listen to a small percentage of anonymized Siri recordings to evaluate the virtual...

Could We See a 16-inch MacBook Pro Announcement Today?
Apple unveiled AirPods Pro on Monday via press release, and speculation is now rife that Apple plans to trickle out further product announcements this week, with Apple's widely anticipated 16-inch MacBook Pro rumored to be next.
Apple's plans to release a 16-inch MacBook Pro were first revealed by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo back in February. Kuo said Apple was working on a 16-inch MacBook Pro...

Apple Reportedly Boosts iPhone 11 Component Orders But Cuts Them for iPhone 11 Pro Max
Apple has reportedly boosted component orders for the iPhone 11 after better-than-expected demand but reduced those for the iPhone 11 Pro Max after flat sales of the larger device, according to sources from Taiwan's supply chain (via DigiTimes).
Apple has increased iPhone 11 components orders by 15%, and cut those for iPhone 11 Pro Max by about 5%, the sources said.Today's report corroborates...

DigiTimes: 5G Era to Usher in Wide Adoption of Higher Refresh Rate Smartphone Displays
Back in July, we reported on a rumor that Apple is considering using a switchable 60Hz/120Hz refresh rate screen on its 2020 iPhones, allowing for a smoother on-screen experience. DigiTimes now reports that industry observers believe many 5G-era smartphones are likely to use upgraded displays capable of up to 120Hz refresh rates, reigniting speculation that next year's iPhones could use Apple's...















