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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 27 min 21 sec ago

This lifetime VPN subscription covers all your devices for £46

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: As of Sept. 2, get a lifetime subscription to VPN Unlimited for only £49.92 (reg. £153.12). This newly discounted price is only available through Sept. 29.

Are you worried about your privacy online? If so, it may be time to invest in a good VPN. And the timing couldn't be better — as you can currently get your hands on a lifetime subscription to VPN Unlimited.

With VPN Unlimited, you can keep your online activities safe and secure on all your different devices. For a limited time, you can get this lifetime subscription for just £49.92. Even better, Unlimited VPN is truly unlimited — covering all of your devices.

As much as we'd love to ditch the internet sometimes, it's just not possible these days. That means securing yourself online is more important than ever, and VPN Unlimited makes it easy. Their top-notch encryption algorithms help defend you from hacking or data compromisation, while you can also rest easy knowing you are browsing with complete anonymity, thanks to VPN Unlimited's privacy safeguards. 

VPN Unlimited offers 3,000 secure servers with more than 80 global locations to hide your IP address and keep you safe from cybercriminals. That variety of locations also comes with the added perk of being able to browse the web without restrictions or borders, which means you can watch content from anywhere, no matter where you are. And this lifetime subscription means you pay once to enjoy all these benefits forever, with wide compatibility for all of your devices. 

Stay secure online with a lifetime subscription to VPN Unlimited for just £49.92 (reg. £153.12) for a limited time. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: VPN Unlimited VPN Unlimited: Lifetime Subscription £49.92 at the Mashable Shop
£153.12 Save £103.20 Get Deal

32 of the best AI and ChatGPT courses you can take online for free

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: A wide range of AI and ChatGPT courses are available to take for free on Udemy.

There are absolutely loads of AI and ChatGPT courses on Udemy. You can learn all about this exciting technology with these online resources, giving you the tools you need to truly harness AI and make it work for you. And better yet, some of the best courses are available to take for free.

We've checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of standout courses to get you started. These are the best online AI and ChatGPT courses you can take for free this month:

These free online courses do not offer certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but that's the only catch. You can still learn at a pace that suits you, so there really isn't anything stopping you from enrolling.

Find the best free AI and ChatGPT courses on Udemy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Udemy AI and ChatGPT Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal

How to watch Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks online

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The WNBA season continues and next up it's Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks. The Connecticut Sun have already claimed their postseason spot, but sadly it's all over for the Los Angeles Sparks who have been eliminated from playoff contention.

If you want to watch Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out how.

When is Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks?

Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 10. This fixture takes place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

How to watch Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks

Basketball fans can watch Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks plus the remainder of the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.

However, it's important to note that the WNBA League Pass might not stream some of the locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas. To watch these games, you'll need the assistance of a VPN.

Handy tools that work by hiding your real IP address (digital location), a VPN will connect you to secure servers in other locations and allow you to watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

  4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

  5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream online

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The WNBA season continues and next up it's Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream. As we approach the playoffs, there is just one position up for grabs and the Atlanta Dream will be hoping it's theirs for the taking.

If you want to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out how.

When is Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream?

Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 10. This fixture takes place at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

How to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream

You can tune into Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream and the remainder of the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.

It's worth noting, however, that the WNBA League Pass may not show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. But don't worry, you can get around this by using a VPN.

VPNs are tools that work by hiding your real IP address (digital location). With this, you'll be able to connect to secure servers in other locations and watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game just follow these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

  4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

  5. Stream Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream plus more WNBA games live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League online for free

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League for free on RTL+. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The UEFA Nations League doesn't have the jeopardy of other international tournaments. There isn't really a whole lot at stake, but that doesn't mean fans aren't going to be treated to some massive games. The pick of the bunch this time around is Netherlands vs. Germany. It's a rivarly that goes way back, and even though this isn't a major tournament, both sides will be desperate to win.

If you want to watch Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Netherlands vs. Germany?

Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 10. This fixture takes place at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

How to watch Netherlands vs. Germany for free

Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on RTL+.

RTL+ is geo-restricted to Germany, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Germany, meaning you can access free live streams on RTL+ from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Netherlands vs. Germany by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Germany

  4. Visit RTL+

  5. Live stream Netherlands vs. Germany for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select UEFA Nations League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTL+?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTL+, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Germany

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Netherlands vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch England vs. Finland in the UEFA Nations League online for free

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream England vs. Finland in the UEFA Nations League for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's not easy to bounce back after losing in the final of Euro 2024, but that is the task facing England and their interim manager Lee Carsley. The addition of some new faces will surely help, but winning games matters most. And England will certainly hope to beat Finland in the UEFA Nations League.

If you want to watch England vs. Finland in the UEFA Nations League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. Finland?

England vs. Finland in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 10. This fixture takes place at Wembley Stadium.

How to watch England vs. Finland for free

England vs. Finland in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone from around the world can stream for free with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams on ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of England vs. Finland by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Stream England vs. Finland for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch England vs. Finland in the UEFA Nations League without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select UEFA Nations League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream England vs. Finland in the UEFA Nations League for free with ExpressVPN.

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 10

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 22:56

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for September 10's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 10 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Having variety

  • Green: Give to someone

  • Blue: Grading scale

  • Purple: Things and leagues with imperialist characters

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Varieties

  • Green: Transfer

  • Blue: Ratings Systems

  • Purple: Things with Kings

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #457 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Varieties: KINDS, SORTS, STRIPES, TYPES

  • Transfer: DELIVER, GIVE, HAND, PASS

  • Ratings Systems: A-F, PERCENTAGE, STARS, THUMBS

  • Things with Kings: CHECKERS, DECK OF CARDS, MONARCHY, NHL

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 10

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 22:50

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for September 10's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 9 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Synyomn of revolt.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter E.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

REBEL.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Which Apple devices have Apple Intelligence?

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 18:09

Apple's "Glowtime" event on Monday gave us the iPhone 16 series with built-in Apple Intelligence features. But the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max aren't the only Apple devices to get this new AI ability.

Apple Intelligence, which include AI-powered writing tools, photo-editing capabilities, summarization, and an overhauled Siri, will be compatible with other Apple devices after upcoming OS updates. Some of the Apple Intelligence features won't be available with the latest updates; many are expected to roll out in the coming months.

Here are the Apple devices that support Apple Intelligence, along with when it's available.

iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max

All versions of the iPhone 16 are "built from the ground up" with Apple Intelligence on board, CEO Tim Cook said at the event.

Apple Intelligence will be available in the iOS 18.1 beta version, slated for October.

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max were the first iPhones to come with Apple Intelligence, as announced at WWDC last spring. Sorry to those with iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, but Apple Intelligence is only available with the Pro versions.

A beta version of Apple Intelligence will come to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with the iOS 18.1 update this October.

iPad with M1 chip and later

The iPad Air and iPad Pro finally got some love last spring. That included meaningful upgrades to displays and AI-powered features for photo and video editing, and graphic design.

Meanwhile, iPads with an M1 chip or later will also get access to Apple Intelligence. That includes newer versions of the iPad Pro, which currently has an M4 chip, and the iPad Air, which has an M2 chip.

Apple Intelligence will be available on these models in beta with the iPadOS 18.1 update in October.

Mac with M1 chips and later

With the macOS 15 Sequoia update, Macs will also get Apple Intelligence features. That includes an iPhone mirroring, a "tiling" feature that automatically organizes all your apps, improved FaceTime and a Passwords app to compete with LastPass and Okta.

Apple Intelligence features, still in beta, will roll out on macOS Sequoia 15.1 in October.

Apple AirPods Max: I hope you didn’t buy one recently because it now has USB-C

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 17:35

The Apple AirPods Max are arguably powerful, stylish, and a great value — and they just got even better, thanks to a new port upgrade.

At the “Glowtime” event today, Apple revealed that the AirPods Max has swapped out longtime proprietary Lightning charging for USB-C charging. And to that, I say, "Finally!"

Purple AirPods Max Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Last year, the AirPods Max were ignored while the second-generation AirPods Pro and iPhone 15 series gained USB-C charging,

Now, if your Apple ecosystem consists of a modern iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and the upcoming AirPods Max, you’ll only have to worry about carting around a single USB-C charging cable.

With iOS 18, the upcoming AirPods Max will also support Personalized Spatial Audio to help customize your listening experience. Other than that, expect the same crisp listening experience, top-notch noise cancellation, and comfortable fit from the previous generation.

Credit: Apple

You’ll have five fun new colors to choose from, including starlight, midnight, purple, orange, and blue. Unfortunately, the company didn’t debut any additional earcup sizes this year, something we’ve been wishing for since publishing our Apple AirPods Max review.

You can pre-order the new Apple AirPods Max starting today for $549, the same price as its predecessor, and expect them to arrive as soon as Sept. 20.

Mashable’s currently on the ground in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 “Glowtime” Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things iPhone 16 (and more) before, during, and after the event.

Apple Event 2024: Everything You Need Know in 2 Minutes

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 17:26
Apple’s September event came with a handful of announcements, including the iPhone 16 series, a new Apple Watch, and much more.

iPhone 16 vs. Google Pixel 9: What are the differences?

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 16:57

If you're looking for an iPhone 16 vs. Google Pixel 9 showdown, you've come to the right place. Now that Google and Apple have released their flagship phones for 2024, it's time to compare them.

The iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 are both officially here. Since they're technically competitors, let's have a little competition. Which of these phones is better? Is it the ever-reliable iOS device or the one made by the folks who developed Android?

Let's find out together.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Price and specs

In terms of basic specs, here's what you get from the $799 Google Pixel 9:

  • 6.3-inch display

  • Google Tensor G4 chip

  • 12GB RAM

  • 128GB/256GB Storage

And here's what you get from the $799 iPhone 16:

  • 6.1-inch display

  • Apple A18 Bionic chip

  • 128GB/256GB/512GB storage

Both phones have the same price, which makes this part easy. The main differences in this category are display size and storage. The Pixel 9 is 0.2 inches larger, but the iPhone 16 offers an additional 512GB storage option the Pixel 9 doesn't have. Frustratingly, Apple's spec sheet doesn't specify how much RAM the iPhone 16 has, so it's hard to compare the two phones in that regard.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Design

Design-wise, Google did some work on the Pixel 9 that may or may not work for you. Simply put, Google flattened all the edges so that the phone doesn't have the same natural grip that the Pixel 8 provided with its rounded edges. The camera bar, which used to run horizontally across the entire back of the phone, is now a floating camera box, too. The color choices are solid, though: Peony (pink!), Obsidian, Wintergreen, and Porcelain.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9 review: Officially too much AI

The iPhone 16 doesn't significantly change from previous models. The camera bar on the back is vertically oriented, and the sides appear to be flat (or flat-ish) like the Pixel 9, which is unfortunate for those of us who prefer curved edges. The most important thing is that Apple finally added a pink colorway for the iPhone 16, joining black, white, teal, and ultramarine as the available colors.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Display

The Pixel 9 has an excellent display for a phone in its price range. The 6.3-inch screen's refresh rate is adaptive between 60 and 120Hz, giving it a premium level of smoothness. The 2,700 nits of peak brightness also make the Pixel 9 fantastic for use in broad daylight.

We've already established that the iPhone 16's display is 0.2 inches smaller than the Pixel 9's. It also has a couple of other disadvantages worth noting. For starters, Apple's 2,000 nits of peak brightness pale in comparison to Google's 2,700 nits, so the Pixel 9 should be a better phone to use in direct sunlight. Additionally, the iPhone 16 is still stuck at a 60Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 9, meanwhile, can go all the way up to 120Hz.

The main benefit to buying an iPhone display-wise is the presence of Dynamic Island, the little oval-shaped guy at the top of the screen that can expand or change shape to serve various needs. Other than that, Google's display has better specs overall.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Features

Listing all of the little feature differences between iOS and Android would take forever; frankly, you might know the main ones anyway. Green text bubbles vs. blue ones, etc. You get it.

Rather than focusing on OS-level differences, it makes more sense to worry about AI features. Both of these phones are heavy on AI parlor tricks of varying usefulness. The Pixel 9 can summarize emails, generate text messages, create photos from thin air using the Pixel Studio app, create group photos that never happened using the Add Me feature, and carry on human-like conversations using Gemini Live.

Apple's suite of AI features is...very similar to Google's. Apple Intelligence allows you to generate images on the fly with Image Playground, summarize and transcribe audio recordings, summarize emails and notifications, and even create new emoji on the fly. Google doesn't let you create custom emoji, but most of those other things are also present on Pixel 9.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 is getting Apple Intelligence — and it's free

The only problem is that Apple isn't rolling them all out at the iPhone 16 launch; many Apple Intelligence features are slowly rolling out in beta form after launch instead.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Camera

As always, the Pixel 9 has a really solid camera setup. Here are the specs:

  • 50MP wide lens

  • 48MP ultra-wide lens

  • 10.5MP selfie lens

Those specs are bolstered by Google's photographic tricks, some of which rely on years-old software tricks, while others use newer generative AI. You can use the Magic Editor to quickly and easily alter photos, try Add Me to put yourself into a group photo you had to take yourself, and even turn roads into rivers. The Pixel Screenshots app is legitimately useful, acting as a searchable database of every screenshot on your Pixel phone.

As usual, the base-level iPhone has two rear cameras and a selfie cam. Here are the specs:

  • 48MP wide lens

  • 12MP ultra-wide lens

  • 12MP selfie lens

Without testing the iPhone 16 cameras out first, we can't definitively say which set of lenses is better than the other yet. But it's worth noting that iPhone 16 lets you record spatial videos and pictures for Apple Vision Pro, and Pixel 9 can't do that.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Battery

Using our standard test (looping a TikTok video on the phone's screen at 50 percent brightness until the battery runs out), the Pixel 9 got 19 hours and 20 minutes of juice. That's incredible and is better than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

We don't know how long the iPhone 16 lasts on a single charge yet (and we don't want to give you the manufacturer's claims), so just wait for our in-house testing. We'll update this piece once we get the official battery runtime for the iPhone 16.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Which is best?

Without direct testing, we can't render a verdict here.

However, as always, you know your own needs better than anyone. Do you have a social circle that would judge you for having green text bubbles? Get the iPhone 16. Do you prefer the openness of Android or generally have problems with the Apple ecosystem? Get the Pixel 9.

Mashable's currently on the ground in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things iPhone 16 before, during, and after the event.

'Sketch' review: Tony Hale and D'Arcy Carden get silly in terrific, kid-friendly adventure

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 16:45

Of late, the inner turmoil of little girls has birthed a string of movies about big emotions and monsters. Inside Out 2 introduced Anxiety to the feelings crew, pitching its heroine into adolescent social panic. Imaginary spun a horror story of a forgotten imaginary friend gone vengeful, while Netflix's animated adventure The Imaginary focused on the personal growth of an imaginary friend dreamed up by a grieving little girl. Then the woefully overstuffed and underwhelming If, from John Krasinski, had another grieving young heroine coping with her emotions through rescuing abandoned imaginary friends (or IFs). 

All this means Sketch comes into a crowded field. And yet this inventive indie with a similar setup spins a wondrous and wacky story all its own. 

The feature directorial debut of Seth Worley, Sketch centers on the Wyatts, who are struggling to process their pain in the wake of their mother's death. Widowed dad Taylor (The Decameron's Tony Hale) strives to be upbeat, tucking away mementos of the kids' mum as if that'll hide away the agony. Eldest child Jack (Kue Lawrence) follows his father's lead, determined that a good attitude can fix any problem. Meanwhile, 11-year-old Amber (Bianca Belle) is filled with rage, which spills out in a sketchbook where she scribbles vicious monsters in violent scenarios. But when a bit of magic brings these creations to life, the family must face their hurt head-on and team up to save the day from these creative manifestations of mourning.

SEE ALSO: Tony Hale is hot, and 4 other reasons to watch 'The Decameron'

Bringing together a strong, kid-friendly premise and a deeply crafty sensibility, Worley builds a visual world of imagination and emotion that's a twisted pleasure to visit. 

Sketch dazzles with its distinctive design. 

Forget glorious hand-drawn animation or a cavalcade of balloon-like CGI cartoons. Worley, who has a background as a visual effects artist, uses computer graphics to create a sublimely hand-drawn feel by building Amber's beasts as they are drawn. Think creatures fully fleshed-out but made of scribbles, their limbs wiry and a little bit wrong, their mouths spewing glitter, their tracks leaving splotches of color behind. With textures of waxy crayon, slippery marker streaks, and stippled chalk, these are monsters unlike any we've seen in movies before. They are monsters you'd see in a kid's doodles, complete with googly eyes, glitter flourishes, crooked fangs, and a thirst for blood. 

Unbridled joy bursts forth from even Sketch's most suspenseful action scenes, because of the delightful absurdity of these designs. They're creepy but not outright scary, making this a sensational movie for kids who are beginning to get into horror but aren't ready to go to sleep with goosebumps. Actually Sketch has a very Goosebumps vibe, from its playful score to its colorfully creepy world and child heroes, who are sharply drawn. 

Behind his can-do attitude, Jack carries a heavy self-imposed burden that makes him fiercely protective of his sister. He's not afraid to call a kid a "b-hole" if he has it coming! Amber wears a furrowed brow, but her eyes glow bright when she's talking about her drawings — even the grisliest ones. The siblings' reluctant sidekick in this spirited adventure is classmate Bowman (Kalon Cox), a big mouth who is 95 percent bad impulses and 5 percent goofball. Clamoring for creative solutions to the very creative problem of rampaging drawings, they'll grab water guns and other improvisational weapons. But their greatest tool is their chaotic chemistry. When they collide, sparks fly — as well as juvenile insults — and it's Goonies-style drama, alive with silliness. 

Tony Hale and D'Arcy Carden lend stellar support. 

Hale has been a supreme supporting player on everything from Arrested Development to VEEP, The Decameron, Inside Out 2, Toy Story 4, and Hocus Pocus 2. But here, he's far less of a buffoon. Worley, who also scripted Sketch, which Hale produced, gives the celebrated "that guy" a role that's a bit more grounded. With a warm but not comically broad smile, Hale swiftly establishes Taylor as a devoted dad. There'll be moments of frustration and even moments when he's not mad — say it with me — he's just disappointed. And these hit home because Hale's performance walks the line between family-friendly broad comedy and tender family drama. When an eager Amber shows off her drawings of vicious birds atop a pile of bodies, Hale's expression is a look of mingled pride and revulsion that deftly establishes this strong but straining father-daughter bond. He marvels at her, even as he's a bit freaked out by her potential. 

Playing Taylor's sister Liz, D'Arcy Carden, the Emmy-winning Janet of The Good Place, gives off major "cool aunt vibes" from the moment she swaggers onto scene, ready to throw her skills as a real estate agent toward helping this family move on (or at least move out of the family home). Alternatively dishing out tough love to her brother (wanted or not) and marveling over her niece's dangerous creativity ("I love her brain!"), Liz provides a path forward for a family so lost in grief they've forgotten how to talk to each other. But as emotional as this movie can be — with maybe one too many stops in the action to discuss feelings —  it is above all things funny and joyful. 

Yes, there's talk of death, and grief, and deadly monsters, and multiple scenes where children are fleeing for their lives. But laced throughout is a vibrant thread of humor that celebrates the messiness of family, being young, and being hurt, and it exists without mocking its characters. These wonderfully entertaining bits make up for a third act that gets a bit clunky. Comedy comes from the understandably exasperated look of a dad whose last nerve is fraying, from the little girl whose defiant backtalk is vexingly silly, from the squabbling of kids that is as frenzied as it can be outrageous. 

Worley doesn't just keep things light to keep Sketch as appropriate for kids as it is for parents (something Krasinski did not manage). This tone, mixing horrific elements with delightful ones, underscores the very message of the movie: that life is both, and ignoring one won't make it go away — quite the opposite, actually! 

In the end, Sketch is a fantastically fun and heartwarming movie with a slathering of weird that makes it a real treat.  

Sketch was reviewed out of its World Premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.

Apple iOS 18 release date announcement: When you can download it

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 16:20

At its "It's Glowtime" event on Sept. 9, Apple unveiled the new Apple Watch Series 10, new AirPods, and, yes, the iPhone 16 series. Alongside those new iPhones, Apple is also launching its latest iPhone operating system, iOS 18.

iOS 18 was announced at WWDC back in June, teasing a series of new features. These include new ways to organize your Home Screen, a new customizable Control Center, and Apple Intelligence, the headline feature.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10

Beta testers have been able to try out most of these features for some time now — but with a public release, you'll finally get them for yourself. Here’s what you need to know.

iOS 18 release date

Apple always releases new versions of iOS alongside its new iPhones — and outside of the beta testing program, you can download and install iOS 18 for yourself on Sept. 16, a few days before the new iPhones are released on Sept. 20.

When you do, though, it won’t offer all of the features that Apple announced in June. Some smart home features, for example, are reserved for iOS 18.1, which doesn’t have an official release date yet, so you’ll have to wait a little to try it out. Then, there’s Apple Intelligence, which has its own release timeline.

What’s new in iOS 18?

iOS 18 brings with it a series of great new features. Many of these relate to customization, allowing users to personalize their devices.

Apart from Apple Intelligence, perhaps the headline feature is one that ex-Android users have been asking for—a more customizable Home Screen. With iOS 18, you’ll be able to place apps wherever you want on the screen (within the grid, of course) instead of having them arranged from left to right, top to bottom, at all times. Additionally, you can set new Dark and Tinted Home Screen options, which bring different colors to your Home Screen wallpaper and apps.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max launch at Apple 'Glowtime' event

The Control Center is also becoming more customizable. In iOS 18, you can create and customize multiple pages of the Control Center and more easily place and resize your existing controls. So, you could have a whole page dedicated to smart home controls, or you could place only the controls you care about on one screen in the exact position that works for you.

Plenty of Apple’s first-party apps are getting new features as well. iMessage will let you use any emoji as a Tapback reaction, and you’ll be able to format text with underlines and italics — not to mention RCS support, which brings better cross-platform messaging. The Photos app is getting an all-new single-page design, and you’ll now be able to lock apps behind Face ID — so you can better secure sensitive information. Lastly, passwords are moving out of the Settings app and into their own Passwords app.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence is perhaps the most important "feature" of iOS 18. It is just the name that Apple calls its bundle of new AI features. Unfortunately, accessing these features isn’t quite as simple as downloading iOS 18. The very first Apple Intelligence features won’t be available until iOS 18.1, which is expected sometime towards the end of October, based on previous iOS iterations. 

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 is getting Apple Intelligence — and it's free

Even when iOS 18.1 is released, it won’t have all of the Apple Intelligence features that Apple announced in June. The currently available beta version of iOS 18.1 has new writing tools that can generate and summarize text, suggested replies in Messages, phone call recording and transcripts, and notification summaries for both the Messages and Mail apps. These features will almost certainly be available in iOS 18.1, unless Apple runs into a hitch and decides to pull them, which is unlikely.

There are features that no one outside of Apple has tested yet, but these will likely be held until a later iOS 18 release. These features include some headliners, like Image Playground, Genmoji for generated emoji, Siri enhancements (with the ChatGPT integration), and on-screen awareness. These are some of the most significant features of Apple Intelligence, but Apple is taking things slow with AI. The company has even said that some features won't be released until 2025, though it did highlight that ChatGPT integration would be available by the end of 2024, so other Siri enhancements will likely be out by then, too.

Again, though, features could be delayed if Apple wants to hold them longer.

Which devices will support iOS 18?

iOS 18 will be available on all of the same devices that support iOS 17, which is great news for those with a slightly older phone. However, not all of these models will get Apple Intelligence. Only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max (along with all iPhone 16 devices) get the new AI features.

Here's a list of devices that will get iOS 18.

  • iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max

  • iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max

  • iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

  • iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max

  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max

  • iPhone XS, XS Max

  • iPhone XR

  • iPhone SE (second-generation) 

  • iPhone SE (third-generation)

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Here are the biggest differences

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 16:11

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro just took center stage to fully introduce Apple Intelligence into our lives. 

During Apple’s September event, we got to see all the big upgrades these smartphone juggernauts deliver. This includes an Action button across all models, an all-new Camera Control button for easy-access camera features, an A18 chipset to power Apple’s generative AI, improved cameras and battery life, and plenty more. 

SEE ALSO: What to expect from Apple September event 2024: iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, and more

Quite the jump from the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, but what are the key differences that separate the “regular” iPhone 16 from its beefier Pro sibling? That’s what this comparison aims to find out. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Price and specs

As with last year’s iPhones, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models won’t come with a price increase. That’s welcome news for anyone looking for an upgrade, and we hope this trend continues in future releases. 

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus start at $799 and $899, respectively, with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes available. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are set at $999 and $1,199, coming in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage sizes. As is the norm now, the Pro Max model is $200 more than its smaller counterpart. All iPhone 16 models are available at the Apple Store

Apple iPhone 16 lineup Credit: Apple

So, what sets them apart? Here’s a brief summary of the iPhone 16’s specs:

  • A18 Bionic chip

  • 6.1‑inch (2,556 x 1,179 resolution) OLED display

  • Up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness

  • 60Hz refresh rate

  • 128G, 256GB, or 512GB storage

  • Up to 22 hours (video playback) battery

  • IP68 rating

Apple iPhone 16 Pro lineup Credit: Apple

And what the iPhone 16 Pro brings to the table:

  • A18 Pro Bionic chip

  • 6.3‑inch (2,622 x 1,206 resolution) OLED display

  • Up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness

  • 120Hz refresh rate, Always-On display

  • 128G, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage

  • Up to 27 hours (video playback) battery

  • IP68 rating

As you might expect, the iPhone 16 Pro is an improved version of the iPhone 16, but this time with a bigger display. The 120Hz refresh rate and Always-On display always earn bonus points, but there isn’t a grand divide between processors this time.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Screen size and display 

There’s always been a difference in display when it comes to the baseline iPhones and their Pro peers, but display sizes have matched. This time, the iPhone 16 Pro will have an edge over the iPhone 16. 

The iPhone 16 brings the same 6.1‑inch (2,556 x 1,179 resolution) OLED display from last year, but the iPhone 16 Pro sports a 6.3‑inch (2,622 x 1,206 resolution) OLED display — 0.2 inches more than the iPhone 15 Pro.

That’s not all, as both models will come with thinner borders around the display, offering more display real estate. Both models bring a more efficient OLED display, too, with brighter micro-lens technology.

You can also expect the iPhone 16 Pro to come equipped with a 120Hz refresh rate and Always-On display, which the iPhone 16 (once again) misses out on. While both offer 2,000 nits of peak brightness, the iPhone 16 Pro offers 1,200 nits of typical SDR brightness, while the iPhone 16 sticks with its 1,000 nits. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Design 

Bar the increase in size, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro look more alike than ever before, until you turn them over to see their rear camera design. The Pro models have the extra telephoto lens as usual, placed in a diagonal design, but the iPhone 16 is now going back to its iPhone 12 roots with a vertical camera layout. 

Apple iPhone 16 Credit: Apple

Otherwise, these phones offer the same design traits. The iPhone 16 now comes equipped with an Action Button rather than the typical Ring/Silent switch, just like last year’s Pro model, and the iPhone 16 lineup has an all-new Camera Control button. Placed right below the Power button, it acts as a shutter button, can zoom in and out of photos or videos with swiping gestures, and lets you focus on specific subjects. 

Of course, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers its titanium finish, but this time with a micro, while the iPhone 16 offers a lighter aerospace aluminum finish with a color-infused cover glass. The former is supposed to be more robust, but a drop test shows it isn’t quite as durable. 

Apple iPhone 16 Camera Control button Credit: Apple

In the color department, the iPhone 16 will come in Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro will be available in darker Black Titanium, lighter White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium color options. 

The iPhone 16 shows the base iPhone models are catching up to the Pro models fast, but the iPhone 16 Pro is now slightly bigger and still retains its usual camera layout. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Performance

Apple decided to bring the iPhone 16 up to speed by skipping a generation so it could match the iPhone 16 Pro’s power, as both will have an A18 Bionic chip under the hood. To set itself apart, though, the iPhone 16 Pro will get the A18 Pro chip, which comes with a 16-core Neural Engine. This is 15% faster than on the A17 Pro chip. Plus, there's a 6-core GPU, for even greater-looking games and graphics.

Based on TSMC’s enhanced 3nm process, the A18 comes with more Neural Engine core to support Apple Intelligence, meaning it has more processing power to handle new AI features coming to both models. Each year, Apple ups the ante with its A-series chips, so it’s clear that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro will outshine last-gen processors. 

Apple iPhone 16 lineup showing Apple Intelligence Credit: Apple

Moreover, the iPhone 16 Pro comes Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, offering even faster internet speeds. The iPhone 16 will stick with Wi-Fi 6E.

Either way, despite an extra helping of GPU cores, the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro should offer the lightning-fast performance we’ve come to expect with each annual release, with the former getting an even bigger upgrade compared to last year. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Battery life

It’s upgrades all around in the battery department, as both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro come with increased battery capacities and charging speeds. While the Pro model offers slightly more space, it isn’t by much.

The iPhone 16 is set to offer up to 22 hours of battery life, while the iPhone 16 Pro offers up to 27 hours. Generally, they can both last a full day before needing a charge, but the Pro can last a little longer. 

For even more battery, however, you’ll have to look to the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Cameras

This is where the iPhone 16 Pro comes into its own. Allow me to list the specs:

  • 48MP wide (upgraded Fusion camera)

  • 48MP ultra-wide

  • 12MP 5x Telephoto

  • 12MP TrueDepth front camera

And here's what the iPhone 16 has to offer:

  • 48MP wide (fusion with 12MP 2x Telephoto)

  • 12MP ultra-wide

  • 12MP selfie camera

While the iPhone 16 carries over the impressive 48MP wide camera and will feature a 12MP ultra-wide with autofocus to handle low-light photography better and offers macro photography, the iPhone 16 Pro steps up by bringing an improved 48MP ultra-wide for enhanced image quality. What's more, you can also expect to use Spatial Capture in the iPhone 16, too.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Camera lens Credit: Apple

Moreover, the iPhone 16 Pro will take the tetraprism telephoto that was exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, increasing optical zoom from 3x to 5x and up to 25x digital zoom. As for video, you can expect 4K at 120 frames per second, making Cinematic Mode even better in slow motion with greater details and colors.

All in all, you can expect ultra-wide shots to take in the scenery with finer detail, an increase in light capture for more natural-looking shots, and less lens flares and ghosting issues thanks to the added anti-reflective coating on the Pro model’s cameras. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Software and AI

The biggest feature that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro have in common is they are both backed by Apple Intelligence. It’s the tech giant’s own stamp on AI, and it brings new features that are exclusive to the latest lineup of iPhones.

We’ve had a sneak peek at what Apple’s AI can do at WWDC 2024, including prioritized notifications, which can put the most important notifications at the top of your iPhone’s feed and even offer brief summaries of stacked notifications. There’s a lot more on offer, such as the ability to rewrite, summarize, and proof blocks of selected text, automatic audio transcriptions, and AI image generation and easy image search by typing a description. Plus, there's Private Cloud Compute, protecting your personal information any time you access Apple Intelligence. Basically, your data is never stored.

All iPhone 16 models will harness the power of Apple Intelligence, including being able to create your own emojis with Genmoji.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Which is right for you? 

It’s hard to tell which iPhone 16 model offers more bang for your buck without real-world use, but it seems the base iPhone 16 has a lot going for it considering its price. It may lose out on the bigger display, A18 Pro chip, and upgraded ultra-wide lens that the iPhone 16 Pro boasts, but this year’s “regular” iPhone is more Pro than ever. 

With the same Action and Camera Control buttons, A18-type chip, upgraded battery life, and perks with Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 doesn’t look to miss out on much of what the iPhone 16 Pro has to offer. 

It’s still early days, so in the meantime, check out everything else announced at the Apple September event, including a new Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and more. 

Mashable's currently on the ground in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things iPhone 16 before, during, and after the event.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: How are they different?

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 15:57

This iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15 face-off will help you understand the differences between the two.

The recently dropped iPhone 16 comes with several notable (yet familiar) updates, including a new vertical camera layout. 

Announced at Apple’s September event, the new iPhone 16 delivers a fresh design with Action and Camera Control buttons, improved camera support for fancier pics, bigger battery capacity with faster charging speeds, and an upgraded A18 chip.

Oh, and the major addition of Apple Intelligence, no less. 

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10

Is this all enough to warrant an upgrade over the still commendable iPhone 15, though? Possibly, but for a better answer, let’s break down the differences between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: Price and specs

The iPhone 16 starts at $799 and is available at the Apple Store, whereas the iPhone 15 starts at $699.

Apple iPhone 16 lineup Credit: Apple

You can expect the following specs in the iPhone 16:

  • A18 Bionic chip

  • 6.1‑inch, 60Hz, 2,556 x 1,179-pixel, OLED display

  • 128G, 256GB, or 512GB storage

  • Up to 22 hours (video playback) battery

  • IP68 rating

iPhone 15 Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Now, here are the iPhone 15's specs:

  • A16 Bionic chip

  • 6.1‑inch, 60Hz, 2,556 x 1,179-pixel, OLED display

  • 128G, 256GB, or 512GB storage

  • Up to 20 hours (video playback) battery

  • IP68 rating

Apart from their chips, batteries, and memory, there are too many glaring changes. But that’s doing the iPhone 16 an injustice, as the subtle improvements offer more processing power and longer battery life. Moreover, a few more traits are trickling down from the previous Pro models to the iPhone 16 that the iPhone 15 missed out on.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: Display

Like the size of the iPhone 15’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (2,556 x 1,179 resolution) OLED display? You’ll be happy to know the iPhone 16 is sticking with the exact same size, along with a few other specs that many hoped to see improved.

This includes the 60Hz refresh rate, which is a shame to see since its competitors’ base flagship smartphones have now upgraded to a 120Hz display. Onscreen visual appeal isn’t as smooth, so you’ll have to look at the iPhone 16 Pro models for a stutter-free experience. 

There’s also the same 2,000 nits of peak brightness and Dynamic Island as per last-gen models.

iPhone 15 sports the iconic Dynamic Island, finally Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable


Still no always-on display, though, meaning Apple’s StandBy feature is still fairly useless unless you have one of the Pro models. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: Design

Apple already pulled off a minor redesign with its iPhone 15, bringing its Dynamic Island over to the “regular” iPhone models. However, we also saw more rounded edges and aerospace aluminium color-infused glass. This time, the iPhone 16 sticks with this motif, but brings other features from its Pro model siblings and an all-new button.

Apple iPhone 16's Camera Control button Credit: Apple

Instead of the usual Ring/Silent switch, Apple decided to put the Action button in its place. Going forward, we’re likely to see the Action button as a staple on all iPhone models, which is ideal news if you enjoy being able to customize any action with one simple press. 

Interestingly, Apple introduced another handy button to mess around with: the Camera Control button. Placed right under the Power button, this focuses on helping to access camera features on the iPhone 16. Not only can it activate the shutter so you can snap away, but it can also zoom in and out of photos or videos with swiping gestures and allows you to focus on subjects. This will come in handy for the snap-happy ones out there. 

iPhone 15's pale colors Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

You may have noticed the rear cameras are now aligned vertically on the iPhone 16, rather than diagonally as with the iPhone 15. It’s almost as if Apple is reintroducing the design of the iPhone 12, with a few modern design traits as previously mentioned. 

As for colors, the iPhone 16 comes in the following: Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black. A couple more than the iPhone 15’s color options, which include Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: Performance

The iPhone lineup gets more powerful with each annual release, and that’s no different with the iPhone 16. Instead of the trickle-down effect of getting last year’s iPhone 15 Pro chipset, the iPhone 16 models will get their very own A18 Bionic chip. 

It goes without saying that this is a step up from the iPhone 15’s A16 processor, which is already one of the fastest chips on the market. With the A18, there’s even more processing power to play around with, and this will come in handy with Apple Intelligence now in play (more of this later). With a 6-core CPU, it is 30% faster than the iPhone 15 and uses 30% less power. There's also a 5-core GPU for 40% faster efficiency.

To support Apple’s AI, the iPhone 16 also supports more cores in its Neural Engine, with the iPhone 15 sporting a 16-core Neural Engine. Suffice it to say, the iPhone 16 will be yet another blazing-fast smartphone that tops its predecessor. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: Battery life

We’re finally getting a notable bump in battery life with the iPhone 16, as it brings a bigger battery capacity and faster charging speeds compared to the iPhone 15. Not that it’s exactly needed; the iPhone 15 is rated at 20 hours, so around a full day of use. 

With the iPhone 16, that number is set to go up. It’s equipped with a bigger battery, and this boost should bring around 22 hours, which is a nice improvement to see especially compared to the iPhone 15. It’s also nearly double the speeds, as the last-gen phone has 27W wired charging and 15W wireless. 

Not a major boost, but enough to eke out an extra couple of hours before needing to be plugged in. And yes, it’s still through the universally favored USB-C port. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: Cameras

Here's a quick look at the iPhone 16's specs

  • Rear camera: 48MP main (fusion with 12MP 2x Telephoto), 12MP ultra-wide

  • 12MP TrueDepth front camera

Now take a look at the iPhone 15's specs:

  • Rear camera: 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide

  • 12MP TrueDepth front camera

The iPhone 15 models already received a worthwhile camera upgrade, which includes a 48MP with ƒ/1.6 aperture.

This iPhone 16 follows this trend, but this time it arrives with a 12MP ultra-wide with ƒ/2.2 aperture and autofocus for improved low-light photography. This will put the ultra-wide lens to good use, as the iPhone 15’s ƒ/2.4 ultra-wide often blurred pictures, especially in low-light conditions.

That’s not all that’s changed; we can also expect macro photography support, giving close-up snaps more detail than the last-gen iPhone. Otherwise, it's the same capable dual-camera system that the iPhone 15 presented, now with some fine-tuning in the iPhone 16.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: Software and AI

Arguably the biggest difference between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 is being able to utilize Apple Intelligence, the tech giant’s very own security-focused generative AI (with the help of ChatGPT). Unfortunately, it’s only reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max and later with an iOS 18 update

AI will put the most important notifications first Credit: Apple

As shown off at WWDC 2024, it comes with several AI-enhanced features. This includes prioritized notifications, which can put the most important notifications at the top of your iPhone’s feed and even offer brief summaries of stacked notifications. 

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 is getting Apple Intelligence — and it's free

It will also be able to rewrite, summarize, and proof blocks of selected text in a flash, which will especially come in handy when writing emails or texts. What’s more, there’s AI image generation and easy image search by typing a description, automatic audio transcriptions, and even Genmoji, which allow you to create your very own emojis. You'll also find Private Cloud Compute, protecting your personal information any time you access Apple Intelligence. Basically, your data is never stored.

Genmoji in action Credit: Apple

There’s a lot on offer here, and that’s where the iPhone 15 will struggle to keep up. Until they’ve been used in the wild for a while, though, there’s no telling if these Apple Intelligence features will be a defining reason to upgrade to an iPhone 16. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: Worth the upgrade?

With the iPhone 16, Apple not only brings a few Pro features to its baseline iPhone models, but it also introduces its own brand of generative AI. Minor hardware differences aside, which now include an Action button, a new Camera Control button, a bigger battery, and vertical rear cameras, the real reason to upgrade to an iPhone 16 is to utilize everything Apple Intelligence brings to the table. 

Sure, it isn’t as if you can’t use AI features by simply visiting ChatGPT on your browser, but having it fully integrated into the iPhone 16’s software can offer new ways to interact with your smartphone.

Will Apple Intelligence be the next big reason to get the latest iPhone? It’s hard to tell, but so far the iPhone 16 looks to impress — especially since there’s no bump in price. 

Mashable's currently on the ground in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things iPhone 16 (and more) before, during, and after the event.

AirPods can double as hearing aids now, as Apple commits further to 'hearing health'

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 15:38

"AirPods Pro can help with hearing loss," reads a brand new Apple pop-up when users connect their AirPods Pro 2 devices. "Your AirPods Pro can be used as a clinical-grade hearing aid."

That's right. AirPods Pro are now considered an "over-the-counter" option for those in need of external devices for hearing loss, the company unveiled at its keynote "Glowtime" event. "This first-of-its-kind software-based Hearing Aid feature brings users the ability to fine-tune their experience at any time," Apple explained, "making access to hearing assistance easier than ever at an approachable price point."

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10

Apple kept major changes to its line of AirPods to a minimum this go-around, opting instead to invest more in a series of in-ear device features designed to build out a "hearing health" ecosystem. In addition to new, automatic Loud Sound Reduction, Apple's new Hearing Aid mode is bolstered by a "scientifically validated" Hearing Test module, which provides an at-home assessment option for users based on what is known as "pure-tone audiometry." The results of this test can then be used to further customize audio settings in normal listening mode, as well as when AirPods are placed into Hearing Aid mode. Users can also upload their own audiograms to create custom Hearing Aid profiles.

The official hearing aid release builds on a series of audio-enhancing updates made to AirPods over the last few years, including the option for "Live Listening" and "Conversation Boost."

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"Hearing health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet it can often be overlooked — in fact, according to the Apple Hearing Study, a staggering 75 percent of people diagnosed with hearing loss go untreated,” wrote Apple’s vice president of Health Sumbul Desai. Wearables for noise-cancelling or noise-enhancing have become increasingly popular among users in public spaces, including over-ear bluetooth headphones and in-ear plugs used to help those with sensory processing disorders.

For some, Apple's introduction of a "free" hearing aid add-on signals an even greater normalization — possibly universalization — of hearing devices, an often inaccessibly-priced accessibility device for those who are Deaf or have partial hearing loss.

The feature, like the company's other new health features, are still pending FDA approval, but are expected to debut to AirPods Pro 2 in an upcoming software update. Apple added a fleet of new accessibility features in May, including eye-tracking and motion haptics for users who are blind.

The best dating apps for lesbians — these are the apps queer women use to find each other in 2024

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 15:38

Online dating as a lesbian can be a joyous experience. Unfortunately, it can also involve having your space invaded by straight people or seeing your ex-girlfriends (and your ex-girlfriends' ex-girlfriends) show up in your feed over and over.

Back in 2020, the heteronormative weirdness on the apps got so alienating that many lesbians turned to TikTok as a means of meeting other single lesbians (and it worked). Unfortunately, it's just not realistic to expect a social media app to work like a dating app for everyone. Lesbians who have exhausted their local romantic options are still going to want to meet new women in time for cuffing season.

And while it's still all too common to match with a woman just to be hit with the classic, "My boyfriend and I are looking for a threesome," dating apps have been making strides against unicorn hunting. Our favorite apps now give queer women an actually safe space to meet and date other women and non-binary folks.

SEE ALSO: TikTok's algorithms knew I was bi before I did. I'm not the only one.

So, what are the best dating apps for lesbians? We tested the most popular dating sites and apps and got some insight from our Dating & Relationships writers to find out.

How to find the best dating apps for lesbians Niche lesbian dating apps aren't your only option for finding love in 2024. Credit: Stacey Zhu / Mashable

Mainstream dating apps attract the most users — including queer users. That means niche lesbian dating apps aren't your only options for finding love. These days, Hinge, Bumble, OkCupid, and even eharmony all have clear filters to help you match with people of the same gender (or any gender at all), as well as filters that acknowledge the existence of non-traditional relationships. Especially if you don't live in a densely populated area, going for the more popular dating apps over lesbian dating sites can often lead to better results.

With that said, there is one dating app lesbian women should try. HER is an app by and for queer women, and it's grown to have a strong user base. According to their website, the app has more than 15 million registered users worldwide. The app also emphasizes finding community and making friends in addition to dating, giving you plenty of ways to find a connection with other queer women and non-binary users.

SEE ALSO: Are dating apps getting too niche?

Check out our guide below for the full rundown of our recommendations and dating app reviews.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14: Comparing specs, screen size, and price

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 15:31

It's time for a good ol' iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14 face-off.

Apple finally unveiled its next-gen flagship smartphone on Sept. 9 at its Glowtime event: iPhone 16.

With all the bells and whistles it boasts, including its on-trend Apple Intelligence AI, you may be wondering, “Wow, that iPhone 14 is looking old now.”

The iPhone 16 comes with several upgrades to pique people’s interest, including a new Camera Control button, the addition of last year's Pro models' action button, better cameras, and other worthwhile improvements. 

SEE ALSO: What to expect from Apple September event 2024: iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, and more

What does the iPhone 14 have? Well, none of these features. Despite only being two years old, the iPhone 14 may already be losing its appeal, even if it’s now at a more affordable price.

If that’s the case, it’s time to prove it by breaking down the differences between the two iPhones. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14: Price and specs

Thankfully, Apple has yet to increase the price for its base iPhone, meaning the iPhone 16 starts at the same price the iPhone 14 did when it was released back in 2022.

As with all phones, the older they get, the cheaper they are, and that’s certainly the case with the iPhone 14. 

The iPhone 16 is available from $799 at the Apple Store. Here are the specs:

Apple iPhone 16 lineup Credit: Apple
  • A18 Bionic chip

  • 6.1‑inch, 60Hz, 2,556 x 1,179-pixel OLED display

  • 128G, 256GB, or 512GB storage

  • Up to 22 hours (video playback) battery

  • USB-C connection

iPhone 14 Plus Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The iPhone 14 starts at $599 and comes with the following specs:

  • A15 Bionic chip

  • 6.1‑inch, 60Hz, 2,532 x 1,170-pixel, OLED display

  • 128G, 256GB, or 512GB storage

  • Up to 20 hours (video playback) battery

  • Lightning port

A lot has happened since the iPhone 14, including the favorable switch from Lightning to USB-C. Two years can bring a lot of development, but not enough to offer more than a 60Hz display to the iPhone 16.

Still, the iPhone 16 is already showcasing its improvements. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14: Screen size

If you’re used to the iPhone 14’s 6.1-inch display, then you’ll find the iPhone 16’s display to be a familiar sight.

It sports the same size and 60Hz refresh rate, but there are a few updates that help it shine over the iPhone 14’s screen. Quite literally, too.

The iPhone 16 comes with 2,000 nits of peak brightness, while the iPhone 14 fizzles out at 1,200 nits. There’s also a slightly better resolution, with the iPhone 16 offering a 2,556 x 1,179 resolution and the iPhone 14 with a 2,532 x 1,170 resolution. 

iPhone 14 Plus Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Despite brighter, slightly more detailed visuals, you’ll find both displays to be virtually the same. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14: Design 

You could call the iPhone 16 a “Pro” model compared to the iPhone 14, as it’s fitted with all the iPhone Pro features the 14 missed out on — and then some. 

For one, it comes with Apple’s Dynamic Island instead of the obsolete notch, which was reserved for the iPhone 14 Pro models at the time. You’ll also find an Action button like on the iPhone 15 Pro models, which allows you to pick and choose a specific action as opposed to the usual Ring/Silent switch. Already, the iPhone 16 has a lot over the iPhone 14. 

Apple iPhone 16 Camera Control button Credit: Apple

But it doesn’t stop there. The iPhone 16 now sports a new Camera Control button, which focuses on helping to access a range of camera features. It acts as a shutter button to quickly snap pictures, can zoom in and out of photos or videos using swiping gestures, and lets you control focusing on objects. It’s placed right below the power button on the left side — and it’s a handy feature to have. 

The rear camera layout is a tad different this time. While the iPhone 14 is stuck with a diagonal design, the iPhone 16 harkens back to the iPhone 12’s vertical rear camera layout. It’s a subtle change, but hardly a major difference. 

iPhone 14 Plus diagonal rear cameras Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The iPhone 14 is equipped with an aerospace aluminum finish and a glass back, but the iPhone 16 changes it up with an color-infused glass back, making it less prone to fingerprints. It also makes the colors it comes in paler than the iPhone 14’s. 

Speaking of, the iPhone 16 will come in the following color options: Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black. The iPhone 14 isn’t too different, but they’re sharper to look at. It’s available in Midnight, Starlight, (Product) Red, Blue, Purple, and Yellow. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14: Performance

Processing power is like night and day between the iPhone 14 and iPhone 16. That’s not to say the 14’s A15 Bionic chip isn’t capable of still offering great power, but there’s a clear gap compared to the iPhone 16’s A18 processor. 

In fact, the A15 chip has been around since the iPhone 13, meaning it’s already showing its age. That said, Apple’s custom silicon chips can handle a lot, so there may not be a huge difference in your average, day-to-day performance between the two rivals. 

Still, the iPhone 16’s A18 chip offers even more, and it’s needed to handle the newly included Apple Intelligence and all of its AI features. This isn’t something the iPhone 14 can handle. No surprises here, but the iPhone 16 outranks the iPhone 14 in performance by being one of the fastest mobile chips on the market. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14: Battery life

Battery life finally gets an upgrade with the iPhone 16, but only by an extra couple of hours over the iPhone 14. The real difference comes with the increased charging speeds.

The iPhone 16 is rated at 22 hours of battery life, while the iPhone 14 is stuck at 20 hours. In reality, that’s around a full day before needing to be plugged in. While it’s not by much, it’s handy to have the extra juice. 

What’s more, the iPhone 16 ditches the Lightning port with a universal USB-C connection — and that makes it easier to find a cable that fits into the slot.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14: Cameras

Here's a quick look at the spec differences between both phones, starting with the iPhone 16:

  • 48MP main (fusion with 12MP 2x Telephoto), 12MP ultra-wide

  • 12MP TrueDepth front camera

And the iPhone 14:

  • 12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide

  • 12MP TrueDepth front camera

Cameras have come a long way since the iPhone 14, as the iPhone 16 comes with an “advanced dual-camera system” now. Forget the iPhone 14’s 12MP wide lens; the iPhone 16 boasts a 48MP wide camera and a 12MP telephoto lens (via a quad-pixel sensor). That’s two features the iPhone 14 can’t contend with. 

This isn’t anything new, as the iPhone 15 also comes equipped with these lenses, but the iPhone 16 now offers a 12MP ultra-wide with ƒ/2.2 aperture and autofocus for improved low-light photography and macro photography. The iPhone 14’s 12MP ultra-wide with a ƒ/2.4 aperture is fine, but images generally come out slightly blurry and don’t do well when there isn’t enough light. 

There are great shots to be had with the iPhone 16’s main camera, and the addition of telephoto brings enhanced zoom capabilities for more detailed images from afar. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14: Software and AI

It’s hard for the iPhone 14 to compete in this area. However, it’s important to note that it’s expected to deliver iOS updates until 2029, meaning it’s not even halfway through its life cycle. That’s great OS support, but the iPhone 16 is a fresh start, so it will (obviously) last at least two years longer. 

iOS 18 brings Apple Intelligence to the iPhone 15 Pro models and later, but only the iPhone 16 models will offer exclusive AI features. This takes the iPhone 14 out of the race, even if it gets an iOS 18 update and later. 

Apple iPhone 16 showing Apple Intelligence Credit: Apple

What fancy Apple Intelligence features is it missing out on? As WWDC 2024 showed off, there will be prioritized notifications that put the most important notifications at the top of your iPhone’s feed and even offer summaries of stacked notifications, AI image generation and easy image search by typing a description, automatic audio transcriptions, and the ability to rewrite, summarize, and proof blocks of selected text. What's more, there's Private Cloud Compute, protecting your personal information any time you access Apple Intelligence. Basically, your data is never stored.

There’s also Genmoji, which lets you create a custom emoji by simply typing it out via texting. 

Apple Intelligence has a lot of perks, but we won’t know how useful they are until we’ve had the chance to use them in the wild. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14: Is it worth upgrading?

Unlike other generations, there are significant differences between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 14 — even if there’s only a two-year divide. With a Dynamic Island, Action button, new Camera Control button, improved battery life, better cameras, and Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 is a true successor of the iPhone 14 in virtually every way (except for that 60Hz display). 

The iPhone 14 is still a more-than-capable smartphone and does more than enough to offer the complete iOS experience, but the iPhone 16 kicks off a new era of AI for the iPhone, and that may just be worth it for those looking to keep up with the times. 

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models weren’t the only stars of Apple’s September event, as we also got a look at the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple AirPods 4. 

Mashable's currently on the ground in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things iPhone 16 (and more) before, during, and after the event.

Apple Watch Series 10 unveiled: What's new for Apple's thinnest, lightest watch yet?

Mon, 09/09/2024 - 15:22
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 Pre-order at Apple Pre-Order Here

The Apple Watch Series 10 was revealed at the tech giant's Sept. 9 "Glowtime" event, alongside the new iPhone 16 series, AirPods 4, and plenty more. The wearable will come in three colorways: a deep, glossy jet black, warm rose gold, and classic silver aluminum.

Here are the new features that give Apple Watch Series 10 an edge over the last Apple Watch.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 Apple Watch Series 10 announced at 2024 Apple event

The Apple Watch Series 10, Apple's latest smartwatch model, has the following new features:

Largest and most advanced display ever for Apple Watch

The Apple Watch Series 10 will boast the largest wearable display Apple has ever developed, with 30 percent more screen area than previous generations. It's even larger than the display of the Apple Watch Ultra. The display has more rounded corners and a wider aspect ratio, which Apple says makes it appear softer, sleeker, and more streamlined. Plus, it'll have Apple's first ever wide angle OLED display, making it 40 percent brighter than past styles.

Thinner and lighter than ever before

Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch ever, at just 9.7 millimeters, which is almost 10 percent thinner than the Series 9. The Series 10 also weighs almost 20 percent less than the Series 9 and is made with 95 percent recycled titanium.

Faster charge, same battery life

Though the new Apple Watch Series 10 charges more quickly than past iterations, a full charge will only get you 18 hours of battery life at a time. A new design incorporates a more efficient charging coil that enables the watch to charge up to 80 percent in 30 minutes.

New sleep apnea detection

Approximately 1 billion people struggle with sleep apnea, a medical condition that affects breathing and can cause disrupted sleep. The new Apple Watch Series 10 (as well as the Series 9 and Ultra 2) has a sleep apnea detection feature that uses an accelerometer to monitor a metric called "breathing disturbances". It will notify you if it shows consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea.

New built-in depth gage, water temperature sensor, and Tides app

A new Depth app launches automatically when the Apple Watch Series 10 is submerged and measures depths to 20 feet (six meters), as well as water temperature. A new Tides app shows seven days of information about rising, falling, high and low tides, sunrise and sunset for coastlines all over the world.

This story is developing ...

Mashable's currently on the ground in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things Apple Watch before, during, and after the event.

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