Getting a new iPhone 18? Don’t rush the setup. A little prep work now can save you from missing data, apps, and settings later. Here’s what to do before and after transferring from your old iPhone.
Austin Mac Works Blog: Troubleshooting
Keep a USB Mouse and Keyboard Around for Troubleshooting
For troubleshooting, your wireless Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad can work over USB-C if needed, but if Bluetooth or pairing fails when you’re booting into macOS Recovery, an old or cheap wired USB mouse and keyboard can save the day.
Be Careful When Offloading iPhone Apps
Automatic offloading of unused apps saves iPhone storage, but it’s inconvenient if you need an app that has been offloaded and there’s no connectivity to redownload it. Plan ahead!
WhatCable Reports on Your USB-C Cables
Not sure if your USB-C cable is delivering power and data as it should? USB-C cables look similar but may work differently. Use the free WhatCable app to see what each of your cables supports.
Use Fake Contacts to Improve Dictation Accuracy
Frustrated when Dictation on the iPhone mangles what you meant to say? Create fake contacts for troublesome words, and Dictation will learn to recognize them correctly across all your Apple devices.
Today’s Fire Prevention Tip: Avoid Cheap Lithium-Ion Batteries
A study found that nearly 8% of cheap lithium-ion batteries have dangerous manufacturing defects that can cause catastrophic failure—even fires—while name-brand cells had none. Stick with reputable brands.
Not All Your Mac’s USB-C Ports Are the Same
Your Mac’s USB-C ports look identical, but one is special—and using it can cause macOS installations or updates on external drives to fail, or trigger other errors with Thunderbolt docks. Learn which USB-C port isn’t like the others.
Check Your Input Source If Your Mac Types Unexpected Characters
Is your Mac typing the wrong characters or rejecting your password? You may have accidentally switched keyboard layouts. Here’s how to check your input source and prevent it from happening again.
Understanding New MacBook Battery Charging Features
Is your MacBook’s battery stuck at 80%? That’s Apple protecting your battery’s long-term health. macOS 26.4 adds new controls, including Charge Limit and a Slow Charger warning. Learn how these features work—and when to override them.
Apple’s Focus Is Powerful but Unpredictable
Apple’s Focus can silence distractions when you need quiet time, but its complexity can cause you to miss important notifications. Learn how to configure it safely—and avoid the pitfalls that lead to missed calls and messages.
Picking one style guide and living with it is the advice I give every time this question comes up, and…
Golden Gate as the macOS 27 codename is a nice callback. For mixed households I'd love a recommendation on the…
Check with your phone service provider.
Do you take orders for the new 18 or is that just at the Apple stores? Thanks
Making Wi-Fi joining as easy as scanning a QR code is exactly the kind of MacWorks tip guests actually use.