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Filter or blur explicit results with SafeSearch

In your Google Search results, SafeSearch can help you manage explicit content at work, with children, or for yourself. Explicit results include content like:

• Nudity, graphic sex acts, or sexually explicit material
• Violence and gore

Learn more about Google Search’s content policies .

Important: SafeSearch only works on Google Search results. It won’t affect explicit content you find on other search engines or websites you can go to directly.

Change SafeSearch settings

If you have your own Google Account, you can manage SafeSearch for your personal account or browser.

In the Google app

• Tip: The settings page provides info about who manages your SafeSearch setting. Learn more about why your SafeSearch setting is locked .
• On your iPhone or iPad, go to your SafeSearch settings .

Learn how SafeSearch works

On Google Search, SafeSearch can detect explicit content like adult content and graphic violence.

• This is the default setting when Google’s systems indicate that you may be under 18.
• This setting helps blur explicit images, but explicit text and links can show if they're relevant for your search.
• If SafeSearch is "Off," you’ll find relevant results for your search, even if they’re explicit.

If you can’t change your SafeSearch setting, it’s because it’s controlled by your account, device, or network administrator. For example:

• For child and student accounts, parents and schools can lock SafeSearch in "Filter."
• Public Wi-Fi networks, like at an airport or library, can also lock SafeSearch in "Filter."
• Parental controls on your operating system and antivirus software may override your individual SafeSearch setting.

Learn who can change your SafeSearch setting

• If you manage your own Google Account, you can manage your SafeSearch setting.
• If your parent helps manage your account in the Family Link app, your parent can manage your SafeSearch setting .
• If you’re signed in to a Google Workspace for Education account and are under 18 or are associated with a K-12 institution, your administrator can manage your SafeSearch setting .
• Administrators of your device or network can lock the SafeSearch in "Filter."

Manage SafeSearch settings for others

The SafeSearch is set to "Filter" by default for children who are signed in to an account managed with Family Link and those who are under 13, or the applicable age in your country or region . For these accounts, only parents can change the SafeSearch setting. Learn how to Manage Search on your child's Google Account .

If you want to guarantee SafeSearch results on another device that you manage, like your PC or MacBook, you can map Google domains to forcesafesearch.google.com. Learn how to Lock SafeSearch for accounts, devices, and networks you manage .

• Fix issues with SafeSearch

If SafeSearch doesn't work, learn how to fix issues with SafeSearch .

Report explicit content

If you have SafeSearch filtering on and you find explicit content, you can report the content .

Related resources

• Lock explicit results filters on Google for devices and networks you manage

Was this helpful?

Need more help, try these next steps:.

How to Turn On SafeSearch in Safari on Your iPhone?

Safari is a powerful and intuitive web browser that comes pre-installed on Apple’s iPhone. It makes browsing the web easy and secure, providing a safe environment to explore the internet. To ensure you have the safest possible experience, you can turn on SafeSearch in Safari for your iPhone.

SafeSearch is a special filter designed to block out explicit results from search engines like Google, Yahoo!, and Bing. When enabled, it prevents inappropriate websites from appearing when you search for something online.

Fortunately, turning on SafeSearch in Safari for iPhone is easy. All you need to do is open the Settings app and select Safari. Then select Search Engine and scroll down to Enable SafeSearch. Toggle the switch to On and you’re all set!

Now that SafeSearch is enabled, whenever you use Safari to search the web, it will automatically filter out explicit results from your searches. This will help keep your browsing experience safe and secure.

It’s important to remember that SafeSearch isn’t foolproof – some explicit websites may still slip through the cracks – but it can provide an added layer of protection when it comes to online safety. So if you want to make sure your browsing experience is as safe and secure as possible, be sure to turn on SafeSearch in Safari for iPhone today!

Enabling Safe Browsing on Safari

To turn on safe browsing on Safari, open the app and choose Safari > Preferences. Then click the Security tab. Here, you can enable several safety features, including Warn when visiting a fraudulent website, blocking pop-up windows, and Enabling JavaScript. Once these are enabled, you’ll be able to browse more securely in Safari.

Understanding SafeSearch on Safari for iPhone

SafeSearch on Safari iPhone is a feature that helps you filter out explicit content from your search results. When enabled, it blocks websites and images that contain sexually explicit material, violence, and gore. If you have children who use Safari on their iPhones, enabling SafeSearch can provide an additional layer of protection from inappropriate content. To enable SafeSearch on Safari iPhone, simply go to Settings > Safari > Search Engine and select the “Filter Explicit Content” option. Once enabled, all your search queries will be filtered for explicit content before displaying results.

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How to Control iPhone Safari Settings and Security

Control your settings and security in the iPhone browser

• Ithaca College

In This Article

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How to Change the Default iPhone Browser Search Engine

How to use safari autofill to fill out forms faster, how to view saved passwords in safari, control how links open in iphone safari, how to cover your online tracks using private browsing, how to clear your iphone browser history and cookies, prevent advertisers from tracking you on your iphone, how to get warnings about potentially malicious websites, how to block websites, ads, cookies, and pop-ups using safari, how to use apple pay for online purchases.

• Take Control of Your iPhone Security and Privacy Settings

What to Know

• To change search engine, go to Settings > Safari > Search Engine . To control links, go to Safari > Open Links .
• To use AutoFill, go to Settings > Safari > AutoFill > turn on Use Contact Info .
• To view saved passwords, go to Settings > Passwords & Accounts > Website & App Passwords .

This article explains how to adjust Safari settings and security on your iPhone or iPad.

Searching for content in Safari is simple; tap the menu bar at the top of the browser and enter your search terms. By default, all iOS devices use Google for web searches, but you can select a different search engine by following these steps:

Open the Settings app.

Select Safari > Search Engine .

Select the search engine you would like to use as the default. Options include  Google , Yahoo , Bing , and DuckDuckGo . The setting is automatically saved, so you can search using the new default search engine right away.

Similar to a desktop browser , Safari automatically fills in forms by grabbing information from your address book. This saves time because you don't need to fill out the same forms over and over again. To use this feature, follow these steps:

Select Safari > AutoFill .

Toggle the Use Contact Info switch to on/green.

Your information appears in the My Info field. If it does not, select the field and browse your address book to find your contact information.

Older versions of iOS allowed you to change your username and password info here. If you want to save, edit, or delete usernames and passwords in iOS 13 or later, go to the Passwords & Accounts settings page (select Settings > Passwords & Accounts ).

To save frequently used credit cards to make online purchases quicker, move the Credit Cards switch to on/green. If you don't have a credit card saved on your iPhone, select Saved Credit Cards , and add a card.

Saving usernames and passwords in Safari means you're not forced to memorize login credentials to access a website. As this data is sensitive, iOS takes measures to protect it. If you need to look up a username or password, you can do so by following these steps:

Select Passwords & Accounts > Website & App Passwords .

You are asked to authorize access to this information using Touch ID , Face ID , or your passcode.

A list details all the websites for which iOS has saved login data. Select a site to view the corresponding username and password.

You can choose where new links open by default—in a new window that appears either in front of or behind the page you are currently viewing. Follow these steps to adjust this setting:

Select Safari > Open Links .

Select In New Tab to open links in a new window in Safari and to have that window appear in front of the current tab. Select In Background to open links in a new window that appears behind the page you are currently viewing.

Browsing the web leaves digital footprints. Between browsing history, cookies, and other usage data, you may prefer to cover some of those tracks. The Safari Private Browsing feature prevents Safari from saving information about your behavior—including browsing history, cookies, and other files—while it is turned on.

When you want to delete your browsing history or cookies manually, follow these steps:

Select Safari > Clear History and Website Data .

A menu appears asking if you would like to clear the browsing data. Select Clear History and Data .

Cookies allow advertisers to track you across the web. This lets them build a profile of your behavior and interests to target you with ads better. Here's how to opt-out of some of that tracking data:

Select Safari .

Move the Prevent Cross-Site Tracking switch to on/green.

Older versions of iOS included a Do Not Track feature that asked websites not to track your browsing data. Apple removed this feature, as the request was never mandatory and did not do much to limit the tracking of user data.

Setting up fake websites that look like ones you normally use is a common method of stealing data from users. Safari has a feature to help avoid these sites. Here's how to enable it:

Move the Fraudulent Website Warning switch to on/green.

You can speed up your browsing, maintain privacy, and avoid certain ads and websites by blocking cookies. Here's how:

Move the Block All Cookies switch to on/green, then select Block All to confirm the action.

If you set up Apple Pay , you can use it at any participating retailer to complete purchases. To make sure you can use it at those stores, enable Apple Pay for the web. Here's how:

Move the Check for Apple Pay switch to on/green.

Take Control of Your iPhone Security and Privacy Settings

While this article focuses on privacy and security settings for the Safari web browser, the iPhone has other security and privacy settings. These settings can be used with other apps and features to protect private info stored on your iPhone .

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How to turn off all safe search filters on iPhone and iPad

In this tutorial, we will outline the steps to disable all search filters on your iPhone or iPad so you have an unrestricted experience while looking for web queries and media.

Have you ever found yourself doing a Google search only to discover that the results, especially explicit ones, have been excluded?

These measures are in place to ensure you do not come across adult, mature, and sensitive content. But if you’re over 18 and want to bypass such restrictions, you can easily do that in various apps and services.

Search engines

We’ve outlined the steps for Google and DuckDuckGo, but they are almost similar even if you use something else.

Google is the default search engine powering all popular web browsers like Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, and it blocks or blurs explicit search results. But if you’d like to see them, here’s how to do that.

1)  Open Safari and go to  google.com .

2)  Tap  Settings  from the bottom of the screen and select  Search settings .

3)  Tap  SafeSearch  and choose  Off  to see all relevant results, including explicit ones.

You can easily go to Safari settings or the respective browser settings and change the search engine from Google to something else like DuckDuckGo. You can also set your phone to use a different search engine while in private browsing mode .

Like Google, DuckDuckGo offers an easy way to turn off search filters.

1)  Visit  DuckDuckGo.com  and tap the hamburger  menu icon from the top left.

2)  Select  All Settings .

3)  Tap  Safe Search  and change it from Moderate to  Off .

If you primarily rely on the  Google app  for your search needs, you can turn off its SafeSearch as well.

1)  Open the app and tap your  profile picture  from the top right.

2)  Tap  Settings .

3)  Pick  SafeSearch .

4)  Select  Off  in place of Blur or Filter.

Music, Movies, TV shows, Podcasts, News, Fitness, Books, and Siri

The ability to see or block explicit content in Apple apps or services is managed under the iOS Screen Time settings. Here’s how to adjust them:

1)  Open the  Settings app  on your iPhone or iPad and tap  Screen Time  >  Content & Privacy Restrictions .

2)  Make sure the  Content & Privacy Restrictions  option is switched on and tap  Content Restrictions . Enter your Screen Time password if prompted.

3)  From here, you have different options to see explicit content. Just tap the app or service name and pick the option that offers unrestricted access.

• Music, Podcasts, News, Fitness: Set it to  Explicit
• Movies: Select  Allow All
• TV:  Allow All
• Books:  Explicit
• Apps:  Allow All
• Web Content:  Unrestricted
• Siri > Explicit Language:  Allow

YouTube and YouTube Music

Follow these steps to see all kinds of videos, songs, and music videos, including those with mature content or themes.

1)  Open the  YouTube app  and tap  You from the bottom right, followed by the settings icon  at the top.

2)  Go to  General .

3)  Turn off  Restricted Mode  to stop the app from hiding mature videos.

Similar to YouTube, you can turn off this setting in the YT Music app .

1)  Tap your  profile picture  and pick  Settings .

2)  Select  Playback & restrictions .

3)  Turn off  Restricted Mode .

Like most music streaming platforms, Spotify has an option to allow or block explicit songs. If it’s set to block, you will not see certain songs in the app, or you will see the clean version of that track (if one exists).

So, to enjoy an unrestricted music listening experience with “E” (explicit) songs, here’s what you need to do.

1)  Open Spotify and tap your  display picture  from the top left.

2)  Select  Settings and privacy  >  Content Preferences .

3)  Turn on the switch next to  Allow explicit content .

The “For You” tab is highly curated with content even from people you do not follow. The posts here may not show mature content if you have safe content settings in place.

Therefore, you will have to follow these steps to see all kinds of posts in For You and elsewhere on Twitter:

1)  Visit  Twitter.com  in a web browser, as this option seems to be missing in the latest version of the X app .

2)  Click  More  >  Settings and Support  >  Settings and privacy  >  Privacy and safety  >  Content you see .

3)  From here, check the box for “ Display media that may contain sensitive content .”

Like the above-mentioned services, other audio, video, web, and book apps may also have an option that hides mature content. To unblock them, explore their in-app settings and look for such an option.

Check out next: How to block access to specific websites on iPhone or iPad

How To Turn Off SafeSearch On iPhone (Detailed Guide)

By Author Turner Tomlinson

Posted on Last updated: April 10, 2023

Turning on Google SafeSearch is essential and almost always necessary when the kids are using your phone. But what happens when you want to access critical information and can’t remember how to disable the SafeSearch feature?

To turn off SafeSearch on the Safari browser, go to iPhone Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restriction > Content Restrictions> Web Content > and select Unrestricted Access. You’ll need to change this for Google and Bing in their app browser settings.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to turn off SafeSearch on your iPhone. The steps are all-inclusive and apply to all iPhone models.

What is SafeSearch?

Google introduced the SafeSearch feature in November 2009 to filter inappropriate content. Ideally, it is designed to prevent kids from accessing explicit and potentially offensive content such as violence, gore, and pornography from search engines.

Google says SafeSearch isn’t 100% accurate and may hide relevant information. Some of its limitations include:

• It doesn’t allow users to create a whitelist or blacklist for specific websites.
• Users can’t regulate the sensitivity level of the feature.

Also, it’s important to note that a SafeSearch setting is browser-specific. It only applies to the browser you have enabled it in. Therefore, if you’re using different browsers, you’ll need to disable the feature in each browser.

How to Turn SafeSearch off on Safari

To disable SafeSearch on Safari browser:

• Open Settings.
• Select Screen Time.
• Go to Content & Privacy Restriction and then tap Content Restrictions.
• Scroll down and select Web Content.
• Select Unrestricted Access.

Alternatively:

• Open Safari Browser on your iPhone.
• Search for anything, e.g., sortatechy.
• Next, tap on the Three Lines at the top left corner of your screen.
• Select Settings.
• Look for SafeSearch Filters.
• Tap Hide Explicit Results.

You have successfully turned off SafeSearch on your Safari, and you can now browse the internet without any restrictions.

How to Turn SafeSearch off on Google

If Google Chrome is your default browser:

• Open Google Chrome.
• Tap your profile icon at the top right corner of the screen.
• Look for Hide Explicit Results and disable it.

You are good to go!

How to Turn SafeSearch off on Bing

Disabling SafeSearch on Bing is pretty much the same as Google. Here’s how to go about it:

• Open the Bing Browser.
• Tap on the Three Lines at the top right corner of your screen.
• Select SafeSearch .
• There are three options. Select Off and then tap Save .
• A pop-up message with an age verification appears. Tap Agree to complete the process.

What to Do if You Can’t Turn SafeSearch off on Your iPhone

If you’ve tried to disable SafeSearch using the above steps but are still unsuccessful, try to do the following:

Clear Cache

Clearing your cache helps declutter your device from temporary data and frees up storage (which may cause the problem). It also helps apps and websites load faster.

Here’s how to clear cache on iPhone:

• Go to Settings.
• Choose your browser, Safari or Chrome.
• Select Clear History and Website Data.
• A message will pop up warning that if you clear your cache, you will remove browsing data, history, and cookies—tap Clear History and Data to complete the process.

Try turning off SafeSearch and see whether it works.

Clear Search History

If clearing the cache doesn’t fix the problem, try clearing your search history. To clear history on Safari:

• First, go to Settings > Safari .
• Then select Clear History and Website Data .

To clear search history on Chrome:

• Open the Chrome App and tap More.
• Scroll down and tap Clear Browsing Data.
• Tap Done to confirm.

Update Browser

Outdated apps are known to cause all kinds of problems. You cannot disable SafeSearch, probably because you are running on an old browser. Try updating it and see whether you can disable the feature.

To update Safari:

• Select General.
• Tap Software Update.
• Download and install any available updates.

To update Google Chrome:

• Go to the App Store.
• Tap on your Profile at the top right.
• Go to Available Updates and scroll down to Chrome.
• Tap Update. Enter password when prompted.

If you’re unsure of which web browser you’re using, you can find out here.

Hopefully, you’ve successfully turned off SafeSearch and are back to browsing the internet without any restrictions. Remember, you can always enable and disable the feature through the browser settings whenever you want.

If you are still experiencing any difficulties, you can always download Apple Support’s dedicated app to see if a live-chat assistant can help you navigate to the settings you need!

How to use the Smart Search bar in Safari on iPhone and iPad

• How to search the web using the Smart Search bar
• How to search bookmarks and web history using the Smart Search bar

How to search the text on a specific web page using the Smart Search bar

How to change your default search browser in safari, how to search safari from search on the home screen in ios 15.

The Smart Search bar in iOS 15 is a hybrid of the old address and search bars melded into one universal place to type and go. You can access your default search provider, your browsing history, saved bookmarks, and even specific words on web pages, all through the unified Smart Search bar at the top of your Safari browsing window. It makes searching for something on your best iPhone more straightforward. Here's how to use the Smart Search bar in Safari on iPhone and iPad.

How to search the web using the Smart Search bar on iPhone and iPad

• Launch Safari from the Home screen.
• Tap in the Smart Search bar at the top or bottom of your browser.

• Type in some keywords or a phrase you would like to search for.
• Tap on the Go button at the bottom right of your screen.

That's it! Safari will now use your default search engine to scour the internet for you.

How to search bookmarks and web history using the Smart Search bar on iPhone and iPad

• Launch Safari from your Home screen.

• Type in some keywords you would like to search the internet for (I searched for "apple").
• Tap on the site or bookmark you would like to navigate to under the Bookmarks and History heading.

• Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad.
• Open a web page in Safari.
• Tap the Smart Search bar .

• Type the word or phrase that you want to find on the page.
• Tap the word or phrase under On this Page.

• Tap the navigation buttons to jump to each instance of the word if there's more than one.
• Tap Done when you're finished.

Everyone has their favorite search engine. Make sure yours is programmed as the default and use the Smart Search bar in Safari.

• Tap on Settings from your Home screen.
• Tap on Safari (you may have to scroll down to find it).

• Tap on Search Engine .
• Tap on your preferred search engine from the list.

Next time you open up Safari and type something into the Smart Search bar, it will use your newly-set search engine.

In iOS 15 , super-powered the native search functionality available to the left of the Home screen. When you enter a search term in the Search feature, you'll see suggested web searches and even websites based on your term.

• Swipe right on your Home screen to navigate to search.
• Enter your search term in your search bar.
• Tap the search result you want.

As you can see in the example above, the search terms that iOS found for "iMore" will automatically open Safari and search the web using that term.

The Smart Search bar can be at the top or bottom

If you're on iOS 15, you may notice that Apple switched the search/address bar from the top of the screen in Safari to the bottom of the screen. There's no functionality difference between the two options, but if you prefer the Smart Search bar to be at the top rather than the bottom, you can change the location of the address bar in Settings .

Master your iPhone in minutes

iMore offers spot-on advice and guidance from our team of experts, with decades of Apple device experience to lean on. Learn more with iMore!

Updated March 2022: Updated for the most recent version of iOS 15.

Joseph Keller is the former Editor in Chief of iMore. An Apple user for almost 20 years, he spends his time learning the ins and outs of iOS and macOS, always finding ways of getting the most out of his iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.

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How To Turn Off Safe Search On Safari

• Software & Applications
• Browsers & Extensions

Introduction

Safari, the sleek and user-friendly web browser developed by Apple, is renowned for its seamless integration with the Mac and iOS ecosystems. It offers a secure and efficient browsing experience, making it a popular choice among Apple device users. One of the features that Safari provides is Safe Search, a built-in setting designed to filter out explicit or inappropriate content from search results. While this feature is valuable for ensuring a family-friendly browsing experience, there are instances where users may wish to turn it off to access a broader range of search results.

In this article, we will delve into the process of turning off Safe Search on Safari. Whether you're a parent seeking to adjust the browsing settings for your child or an individual looking to customize your search preferences, understanding how to disable Safe Search can empower you to tailor your browsing experience to your specific needs. Let's explore the steps to access Safari settings and disable Safe Search, allowing you to unlock a wider spectrum of search results while using this popular web browser .

Accessing Safari Settings

Accessing the settings in Safari is a straightforward process that allows users to customize their browsing experience according to their preferences. Whether you're using Safari on a Mac computer or an iOS device, the steps to access the settings remain consistent, offering a seamless experience across different platforms.

If you're using Safari on a Mac, you can access the browser's settings by following these simple steps:

Open Safari : Launch the Safari browser on your Mac by clicking on its icon in the dock or by searching for it using Spotlight.

Navigate to Preferences : Once Safari is open, click on "Safari" in the top-left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear, and you should select "Preferences" from the options listed. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Command + ," to access the Preferences window directly.

Explore Settings : In the Preferences window, you will find a range of tabs at the top, such as General, AutoFill, and Security. These tabs allow you to customize various aspects of your browsing experience. To modify the Safe Search settings, you will need to navigate to the "Search" tab.

Adjust Safe Search : Within the "Search" tab, you will find the option to enable or disable Safe Search. Simply uncheck the box next to "Enable Safe Search" to turn off this feature. Once you've made the desired changes, you can close the Preferences window, and your new settings will be applied.

For those using Safari on an iOS device, such as an iPhone or iPad, the process of accessing the browser's settings is equally user-friendly:

Open Settings : Begin by tapping on the "Settings" app on your iOS device's home screen. This will open the main settings menu, where you can configure various options for your device and installed apps.

Scroll to Safari : Within the Settings menu, scroll down until you find the list of installed apps. Tap on "Safari" to access the browser's specific settings.

Customize Search Settings : In the Safari settings, you can customize a range of options, including search engine preferences and privacy settings. To disable Safe Search, look for the "Search Engine" section and toggle off the "Safe Search" option.

By following these straightforward steps, users can easily access Safari's settings and make adjustments to their browsing preferences, including the ability to disable Safe Search. This flexibility empowers users to tailor their browsing experience to align with their individual needs and preferences, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable web surfing experience.

Turning Off Safe Search

Disabling Safe Search on Safari can be a simple yet impactful way to customize your browsing experience. By turning off this feature, you can access a broader range of search results, allowing for more comprehensive and unrestricted exploration of online content. Whether you're seeking to fine-tune your search preferences or enable access to specific types of content, the process of turning off Safe Search in Safari is designed to be user-friendly and easily accessible.

Once you have accessed the Safari settings, whether on a Mac or iOS device, the next step is to locate the Safe Search option and make the necessary adjustments. In the Preferences window on a Mac, you can find the Safe Search setting within the "Search" tab. By unchecking the box next to "Enable Safe Search," you can effectively turn off this feature. On iOS devices, the Safe Search option is typically found within the Safari settings menu, where you can toggle off the "Safe Search" setting to disable it.

It's important to note that by turning off Safe Search, you may encounter a wider variety of search results, including content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Therefore, it's advisable to exercise caution and consider the browsing environment and audience when making this adjustment. For parents or guardians managing the browsing settings for children, it's essential to have open conversations about online safety and responsible browsing practices.

By providing users with the flexibility to customize their Safe Search preferences, Safari empowers individuals to tailor their browsing experience according to their specific needs and preferences. Whether you're conducting research, exploring diverse perspectives, or simply seeking a more unrestricted search experience, the ability to turn off Safe Search in Safari offers a valuable level of control and customization.

Ultimately, the process of turning off Safe Search in Safari is designed to be intuitive and user-centric, aligning with Apple's commitment to delivering a seamless and personalized browsing experience. By understanding how to navigate the Safari settings and make adjustments to the Safe Search feature, users can unlock a more tailored and versatile browsing experience, allowing them to explore the web in a way that aligns with their individual preferences and requirements.

In conclusion, the ability to turn off Safe Search on Safari offers users a valuable level of customization and control over their browsing experience. By providing a user-friendly interface for adjusting search preferences, Safari empowers individuals to tailor their online exploration according to their specific needs and preferences. Whether it's enabling access to a broader spectrum of search results for research purposes or customizing the browsing environment for a more unrestricted experience, the option to disable Safe Search reflects Apple's commitment to delivering a personalized and versatile web browsing platform.

It's important to recognize that while turning off Safe Search can expand the range of search results, it also comes with the responsibility to exercise caution and consider the browsing environment and audience. For parents and guardians managing the browsing settings for children, open conversations about online safety and responsible browsing practices are essential. By fostering a proactive approach to online safety, users can leverage the flexibility of Safe Search settings to create a balanced and secure browsing environment for themselves and their families.

Furthermore, the seamless integration of Safe Search settings across different platforms, including Mac computers and iOS devices, underscores Apple's dedication to providing a consistent and intuitive user experience. Whether accessing Safari settings on a Mac or an iOS device, the process remains straightforward and accessible, ensuring that users can easily customize their browsing preferences regardless of the device they are using.

By understanding how to navigate the Safari settings and make adjustments to the Safe Search feature, users can unlock a more tailored and versatile browsing experience, allowing them to explore the web in a way that aligns with their individual preferences and requirements. This level of customization reflects the evolving nature of online exploration, where users seek a balance between access to diverse content and the implementation of appropriate safety measures.

In essence, the ability to turn off Safe Search on Safari represents a pivotal aspect of the browser's commitment to user empowerment and personalized browsing experiences. By offering a seamless and intuitive process for adjusting Safe Search settings, Safari ensures that users can navigate the digital landscape with confidence, knowing that they have the flexibility to tailor their browsing experience according to their unique needs and preferences.

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How-To Geek

How to change the default search engine in safari on iphone or ipad.

Prefer DuckDuckGo or Bing to Google? Here's how to change your iPhone or iPad's default search engine.

Quick Links

Changing the default search engine in safari on iphone and ipad.

Safari uses Google as its default search engine out of the box, but it's not the only option. You can choose other search engines like Bing, Yahoo, or DuckDuckGo if you prefer them.

While most modern search engines can find the websites you're looking for, there are often ramifications to consider when making your selection. Google is the big player here, but you might want to select something else depending on your privacy stance. For example, DuckDuckGo pushes itself as a more private search engine, while Bing is integrated with Microsoft Rewards . Making the change in Safari on your iPhone or iPad is super simple, so long as you know where to look.

To get started, open the Settings app and tap "Safari."

Next, under the "Search" heading, tap "Search Engine."

Finally, select the search engine that you would like to use as your default when inside Safari. To select a search engine, tap it. You can choose either Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ecosia , or DuckDuckGo .

Sorry---those are the only options. Apple won't let you choose other search engines as your default. You can still navigate to those search engines in Safari and search them from their website, but that's it. The only way you'll get more options here is if Apple adds them in a future version of the iOS operating system.

There is, however, a caveat to consider here. This setting will only change the default search engine that is used when searching from within Safari. If you use Siri or Spotlight to search, they'll still use Google. It's not ideal, but Google pays a considerable amount of money to Apple every year to make this the situation we have to live with, unfortunately.

Related: What Is DuckDuckGo? Meet the Google Alternative for Privacy

My Safari safe search is locked

My Safari safe search is looked and I don’t have permission to unlock it! what should I do?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 16

Posted on May 10, 2023 12:42 AM

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Dangerous LightSpy iPhone spyware can steal your files, location data and messages — how to stay safe

Hackers are coming up with new ways to spy on iPhones

iPhone users are once again being targeted by dangerous spyware capable of tracking their location as well as stealing their contacts, messages and even data from a number of popular apps.

Apple recently sent out a warning to iPhone users in 92 different countries about the threat posed by spyware. Now though, we have more details on a new version of the LightSpy spyware which is currently being used to target iPhones in Southeast Asia and India.

While this latest campaign hasn’t been observed in the U.S. or the U.K. yet, it could easily be modified to target the best iPhones in Western countries too. Here’s everything you need to know about the LightSpy spyware, including some tips on how you can keep your iPhone safe from hackers.

Stealing browser and app data

First discovered back in 2020 by Trend Micro and Kaspersky, LightSpy is an iOS backdoor that is often distributed to unsuspecting iPhone users through compromised news sites according to The Hacker News .

Then in 2023, the cybersecurity firm ThreatFabric noticed that it shares some of the same infrastructure and functionality with the DragonEgg Android spyware developed by APT41, which is a state-sponsored hacker group from China. 

While we’re not entirely sure how LightSpy is being distributed in this latest campaign, in the past, it’s been spread through news sites that have been compromised by hackers. A LightSpy infection begins with a loader that contains the main components of the spyware, after which a number of plugins are downloaded from a remote server that allow it to steal all sorts of sensitive data.

While this spyware could initially steal an iPhone user’s contacts and messages, determine their precise location and extract audio recordings during VoIP calls, a new version was recently discovered by BlackBerry with upgraded capabilities. LightSpy can now steal files from a vulnerable iPhone as well as data from a number of popular apps including Telegram, QQ and WeChat. However, the spyware is also able to steal iCloud keychain data as well as a victim’s browsing history from both Safari and Google Chrome .

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In their report on the matter, BlackBerry’s security researchers also revealed that the spyware can gather a list of connected Wi-Fi networks and details about the apps installed on your iPhone in addition to taking pictures using the device’s camera and recording audio through its microphone. To make matters worse, LightSpy can execute shell commands from a remote service, which could likely allow it to take complete control over infected iPhones.

How to keep your iPhone safe from hackers

Although spyware remains a very serious threat due to just how much personal and financial data we store on our phones, attacks like the one described above are both difficult and costly to pull off. As such, hackers and other cybercriminals mainly use spyware like LightSpy to go after high-profile targets such as politicians, CEOs and political dissidents.

This doesn’t mean that you should ignore the threat posed by spyware though. In a blog post , BlackBerry recommends that iPhone users who are worried about spyware enable Apple’s Lockdown Mode for additional protection. 

At the same time, you should be using the best encrypted messaging apps to communicate with others since they employ end-to-end encryption to prevent prying eyes from gaining access to your conversations. Apple’s iMessage uses this kind of encryption but only between other iPhone users, which is why you may want to use Signal or a similar encrypted messaging app when communicating with Android users.

Like with malware and other cyber threats, the most important thing you can do to stay safe is to keep your devices updated, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible and use strong, complex passwords for all of your accounts. The best password managers can help with the last part since they all contain password generators which can create strong and unique passwords as well as securely store all of your existing passwords. You also want to be careful when downloading new apps or files and when visiting new websites since the hackers behind this campaign used compromised sites to distribute the LightSpy spyware.

As one of the best phones for years now, the iPhone will likely always remain a target for hackers. However, by exercising caution online and updating your phone regularly, you should be able to avoid falling victim to hackers. 

More from Tom's Guide

• Macs under threat from info-stealing malware spread through bad ads 
• Worried about spyware on your iPhone? iShutdown can help
• This Android banking trojan now lets hackers remotely control your phone 

Anthony Spadafora is the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to password managers and the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. Before joining the team, he wrote for ITProPortal while living in Korea and later for TechRadar Pro after moving back to the US. Based in Houston, Texas, when he’s not writing Anthony can be found tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. 

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iPhone User Guide

• iPhone models compatible with iOS 17
• R ' class='toc-item' data-ss-analytics-link-url='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xr-iph017302841/ios' data-ajax-endpoint='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xr-iph017302841/ios' data-ss-analytics-event="acs.link_click" href='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xr-iph017302841/ios' id='toc-item-IPH017302841' data-tocid='IPH017302841' > iPhone X R
• S ' class='toc-item' data-ss-analytics-link-url='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-iphc00446242/ios' data-ajax-endpoint='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-iphc00446242/ios' data-ss-analytics-event="acs.link_click" href='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-iphc00446242/ios' id='toc-item-IPHC00446242' data-tocid='IPHC00446242' > iPhone X S
• S Max' class='toc-item' data-ss-analytics-link-url='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-max-iphcd2066870/ios' data-ajax-endpoint='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-max-iphcd2066870/ios' data-ss-analytics-event="acs.link_click" href='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-max-iphcd2066870/ios' id='toc-item-IPHCD2066870' data-tocid='IPHCD2066870' > iPhone X S Max
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (3rd generation)
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Setup basics
• Make your iPhone your own
• Take great photos and videos
• Keep in touch with friends and family
• Share features with your family
• Use iPhone for your daily routines
• Expert advice from Apple Support
• What’s new in iOS 17
• Turn on and set up iPhone
• Wake and unlock
• Set up cellular service
• Use Dual SIM
• Connect to the internet
• Sign in with Apple ID
• Subscribe to iCloud+
• Find settings
• Set up mail, contacts, and calendar accounts
• Learn the meaning of the status icons
• Charge the battery
• Charge with cleaner energy sources
• Show the battery percentage
• Check battery health and usage
• Use Low Power Mode
• Read and bookmark the user guide
• Learn basic gestures
• Learn gestures for iPhone models with Face ID
• Adjust the volume
• Find your apps in App Library
• Switch between open apps
• Quit and reopen an app
• Multitask with Picture in Picture
• Access features from the Lock Screen
• View Live Activities in the Dynamic Island
• Perform quick actions
• Search on iPhone
• Get information about your iPhone
• View or change cellular data settings
• Travel with iPhone
• Change sounds and vibrations
• Use the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Create a custom Lock Screen
• Change the wallpaper
• Adjust the screen brightness and color balance
• Keep the iPhone display on longer
• Use StandBy
• Customize the text size and zoom setting
• Change the name of your iPhone
• Change the date and time
• Change the language and region
• Organize your apps in folders
• Add, edit, and remove widgets
• Move apps and widgets on the Home Screen
• Remove apps
• Use and customize Control Center
• Change or lock the screen orientation
• View and respond to notifications
• Change notification settings
• Set up a Focus
• Allow or silence notifications for a Focus
• Turn a Focus on or off
• Stay focused while driving
• Customize sharing options
• Type with the onscreen keyboard
• Dictate text
• Select and edit text
• Use predictive text
• Use text replacements
• Add or change keyboards
• Add emoji and stickers
• Take a screenshot
• Take a screen recording
• Draw in documents
• Add text, shapes, signatures, and more
• Fill out forms and sign documents
• Use Live Text to interact with content in a photo or video
• Use Visual Look Up to identify objects in your photos and videos
• Lift a subject from the photo background
• Subscribe to Apple Arcade
• Play with friends in Game Center
• Connect a game controller
• Use App Clips
• Update apps
• View or cancel subscriptions
• Manage purchases, settings, and restrictions
• Install and manage fonts
• Buy books and audiobooks
• Annotate books
• Access books on other Apple devices
• Listen to audiobooks
• Set reading goals
• Organize books
• Create and edit events in Calendar
• Send invitations
• Reply to invitations
• Change how you view events
• Search for events
• Change calendar and event settings
• Schedule or display events in a different time zone
• Keep track of events
• Use multiple calendars
• Use the Holidays calendar
• Share iCloud calendars
• Camera basics
• Set up your shot
• Apply Photographic Styles
• Take Live Photos
• Take Burst mode shots
• Take a selfie
• Take panoramic photos
• Take macro photos and videos
• Take portraits
• Take Night mode photos
• Take Apple ProRAW photos
• Adjust the shutter volume
• Adjust HDR camera settings
• Record videos
• Record spatial videos for Apple Vision Pro
• Record ProRes videos
• Record videos in Cinematic mode
• Change video recording settings
• Save camera settings
• Customize the Main camera lens
• Change advanced camera settings
• View, share, and print photos
• Use Live Text
• Scan a QR code
• See the world clock
• Set an alarm
• Change the next wake up alarm
• Use the stopwatch
• Use multiple timers
• Add and use contact information
• Edit contacts
• Add your contact info
• Use NameDrop on iPhone to share your contact info
• Use other contact accounts
• Use Contacts from the Phone app
• Merge or hide duplicate contacts
• Export contacts
• Get started with FaceTime
• Make FaceTime calls
• Receive FaceTime calls
• Create a FaceTime link
• Take a Live Photo
• Turn on Live Captions in a FaceTime call
• Use other apps during a call
• Make a Group FaceTime call
• View participants in a grid
• Use SharePlay to watch, listen, and play together
• Share your screen in a FaceTime call
• Collaborate on a document in FaceTime
• Use video conferencing features
• Hand off a FaceTime call to another Apple device
• Change the FaceTime video settings
• Change the FaceTime audio settings
• Change your appearance
• Leave a call or switch to Messages
• Block unwanted callers
• Report a call as spam
• Connect external devices or servers
• Modify files, folders, and downloads
• Search for files and folders
• Organize files and folders
• Set up iCloud Drive
• Share files and folders in iCloud Drive
• Share your location
• Meet up with a friend
• Send your location via satellite
• Add or remove a friend
• Locate a friend
• Get notified when friends change their location
• Notify a friend when your location changes
• Add your iPhone
• Add your iPhone Wallet with MagSafe
• Get notified if you leave a device behind
• Locate a device
• Mark a device as lost
• Erase a device
• Remove a device
• Add an AirTag
• Share an AirTag or other item in Find My on iPhone
• Add a third-party item
• Get notified if you leave an item behind
• Locate an item
• Mark an item as lost
• Remove an item
• Adjust map settings
• Get started with Fitness
• Track daily activity and change your move goal
• See your activity summary
• Sync a third-party workout app
• Change fitness notifications
• Share your activity
• Subscribe to Apple Fitness+
• Find Apple Fitness+ workouts and meditations
• Start an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Create a Custom Plan in Apple Fitness+
• Work out together using SharePlay
• Change what’s on the screen during an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Download an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Get started with Freeform
• Create a Freeform board
• Draw or handwrite
• Apply consistent styles
• Position items on a board
• Search Freeform boards
• Share and collaborate
• Delete and recover boards
• Get started with Health
• Fill out your Health Details
• Intro to Health data
• View your health data
• Share your health data
• View health data shared by others
• Download health records
• View health records
• Monitor your walking steadiness
• Log menstrual cycle information
• View menstrual cycle predictions and history
• Track your medications
• Learn more about your medications
• Log your state of mind
• Take a mental health assessment
• Set up a schedule for a Sleep Focus
• Turn off alarms and delete sleep schedules
• Add or change sleep schedules
• Turn Sleep Focus on or off
• Change your wind down period, sleep goal, and more
• View your sleep history
• Check your headphone levels
• Use audiogram data
• Register as an organ donor
• Back up your Health data
• Intro to Home
• Upgrade to the new Home architecture
• Set up accessories
• Control accessories
• Control your home using Siri
• Use Grid Forecast to plan your energy usage
• Set up HomePod
• Control your home remotely
• Create and use scenes
• Use automations
• Set up security cameras
• Use Face Recognition
• Unlock your door with a home key
• Configure a router
• Invite others to control accessories
• Add more homes
• Get music, movies, and TV shows
• Get ringtones
• Manage purchases and settings
• Get started with Journal
• Write in your journal
• Review your past journal entries
• Change Journal settings
• Magnify nearby objects
• Change settings
• Detect people around you
• Detect doors around you
• Receive image descriptions of your surroundings
• Read aloud text and labels around you
• Set up shortcuts for Detection Mode
• Add and remove email accounts
• Set up a custom email domain
• Check your email
• Unsend email with Undo Send
• Reply to and forward emails
• Save an email draft
• Add email attachments
• Download email attachments
• Annotate email attachments
• Set email notifications
• Search for email
• Organize email in mailboxes
• Flag or block emails
• Filter emails
• Use Hide My Email
• Use Mail Privacy Protection
• Change email settings
• Delete and recover emails
• Add a Mail widget to your Home Screen
• Print emails
• Get travel directions
• Select other route options
• Find stops along your route
• View a route overview or a list of turns
• Change settings for spoken directions
• Get driving directions
• Get directions to your parked car
• Set up electric vehicle routing
• Report traffic incidents
• Get cycling directions
• Get walking directions
• Get transit directions
• Delete recent directions
• Get traffic and weather info
• Estimate travel time and ETA
• Download offline maps
• Search for places
• Find nearby attractions, restaurants, and services
• Get information about places
• Mark places
• Share places
• Rate places
• Save favorite places
• Explore new places with Guides
• Organize places in My Guides
• Delete significant locations
• Look around places
• Take Flyover tours
• Find your Maps settings
• Measure dimensions
• View and save measurements
• Measure a person’s height
• Use the level
• Set up Messages
• About iMessage
• Send and reply to messages
• Unsend and edit messages
• Keep track of messages
• Forward and share messages
• Group conversations
• Watch, listen, or play together using SharePlay
• Collaborate on projects
• Use iMessage apps
• Take and edit photos or videos
• Share photos, links, and more
• Send stickers
• Request, send, and receive payments
• Send and receive audio messages
• Animate messages
• Change notifications
• Block, filter, and report messages
• Delete messages and attachments
• Recover deleted messages
• View albums, playlists, and more
• Show song credits and lyrics
• Queue up your music
• Listen to broadcast radio
• Subscribe to Apple Music
• Play music together in the car with iPhone
• Listen to lossless music
• Listen to Dolby Atmos music
• Apple Music Sing
• Find new music
• Add music and listen offline
• Get personalized recommendations
• Listen to radio
• Search for music
• Create playlists
• See what your friends are listening to
• Use Siri to play music
• Change the way music sounds
• Get started with News
• Use News widgets
• See news stories chosen just for you
• Read stories
• Follow your favorite teams with My Sports
• Listen to Apple News Today
• Subscribe to Apple News+
• Browse and read Apple News+ stories and issues
• Download Apple News+ issues
• Listen to audio stories
• Solve crossword puzzles
• Search for news stories
• Save stories in News for later
• Subscribe to individual news channels
• Get started with Notes
• Add or remove accounts
• Create and format notes
• Draw or write
• Add photos, videos, and more
• Scan text and documents
• Work with PDFs
• Create Quick Notes
• Search notes
• Organize in folders
• Organize with tags
• Use Smart Folders
• Export or print notes
• Change Notes settings
• Make a call
• Answer or decline incoming calls
• While on a call
• Set up voicemail
• Check voicemail
• Change voicemail greeting and settings
• Select ringtones and vibrations
• Make calls using Wi-Fi
• Set up call forwarding and call waiting
• Avoid unwanted calls
• View photos and videos
• Play videos and slideshows
• Delete or hide photos and videos
• Edit photos and videos
• Trim video length and adjust slow motion
• Edit Cinematic mode videos
• Edit Live Photos
• Edit portraits
• Use photo albums
• Edit, share, and organize albums
• Filter and sort photos and videos in albums
• Make stickers from your photos
• Duplicate and copy photos and videos
• Merge duplicate photos and videos
• Search for photos
• Identify people and pets
• Browse photos by location
• Share photos and videos
• Share long videos
• View photos and videos shared with you
• Watch memories
• Personalize your memories
• Manage memories and featured photos
• Use iCloud Photos
• Create shared albums
• Add and remove people in a shared album
• Add and delete photos and videos in a shared album
• Set up or join an iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Add content to an iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Use iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Import and export photos and videos
• Print photos
• Find podcasts
• Listen to podcasts
• Follow your favorite podcasts
• Use the Podcasts widget
• Organize your podcast library
• Download, save, or share podcasts
• Subscribe to podcasts
• Listen to subscriber-only content
• Change download settings
• Make a grocery list
• Add items to a list
• Edit and manage a list
• Search and organize lists
• Work with templates
• Use Smart Lists
• Print reminders
• Use the Reminders widget
• Change Reminders settings
• Browse the web
• Search for websites
• Customize your Safari settings
• Change the layout
• Use Safari profiles
• Open and close tabs
• Organize your tabs
• View your Safari tabs from another Apple device
• Share Tab Groups
• Use Siri to listen to a webpage
• Bookmark favorite webpages
• Save pages to a Reading List
• Find links shared with you
• Annotate and save a webpage as a PDF
• Automatically fill in forms
• Get extensions
• Hide ads and distractions
• Clear your cache
• Browse the web privately
• Use passkeys in Safari
• Check stocks
• Manage multiple watchlists
• Read business news
• Add earnings reports to your calendar
• Use a Stocks widget
• Translate text, voice, and conversations
• Translate text in apps
• Translate with the camera view
• Subscribe to Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, or an Apple TV channel
• Add your TV provider
• Get shows, movies, and more
• Watch sports
• Watch Major League Soccer with MLS Season Pass
• Control playback
• Manage your library
• Change the settings
• Make a recording
• Play it back
• Edit or delete a recording
• Keep recordings up to date
• Organize recordings
• Search for or rename a recording
• Share a recording
• Duplicate a recording
• Keep cards and passes in Wallet
• Set up Apple Pay
• Use Apple Pay for contactless payments
• Use Apple Pay in apps and on the web
• Track your orders
• Use Apple Cash
• Use Apple Card
• Use Savings
• Pay for transit
• Access your home, hotel room, and vehicle
• Add identity cards
• Use COVID-19 vaccination cards
• Check your Apple Account balance
• Use Express Mode
• Organize your Wallet
• Remove cards or passes
• Check the weather
• Check the weather in other locations
• View weather maps
• Manage weather notifications
• Use Weather widgets
• Learn the weather icons
• Find out what Siri can do
• Tell Siri about yourself
• Have Siri announce calls and notifications
• Add Siri Shortcuts
• About Siri Suggestions
• Use Siri in your car
• Change Siri settings
• Contact emergency services
• Use Emergency SOS via satellite
• Request Roadside Assistance via satellite
• Set up and view your Medical ID
• Use Check In
• Manage Crash Detection
• Reset privacy and security settings in an emergency
• Set up Family Sharing
• Add Family Sharing members
• Remove Family Sharing members
• Share subscriptions
• Share purchases
• Share locations with family and locate lost devices
• Set up Apple Cash Family and Apple Card Family
• Set up parental controls
• Set up a child’s device
• Get started with Screen Time
• Protect your vision health with Screen Distance
• Set up Screen Time
• Set communication and safety limits and block inappropriate content
• Charging cable
• Power adapters
• MagSafe chargers and battery packs
• MagSafe cases and sleeves
• Qi-certified wireless chargers
• Use AirPods
• Use EarPods
• Apple Watch
• Wirelessly stream videos and photos to Apple TV or a smart TV
• Connect to a display with a cable
• HomePod and other wireless speakers
• Pair Magic Keyboard
• Enter characters with diacritical marks
• Switch between keyboards
• Use shortcuts
• Choose an alternative keyboard layout
• Change typing assistance options
• External storage devices
• Bluetooth accessories
• Share your internet connection
• Allow phone calls on your iPad and Mac
• Use iPhone as a webcam
• Hand off tasks between devices
• Cut, copy, and paste between iPhone and other devices
• Stream video or mirror the screen of your iPhone
• Start SharePlay instantly
• Use AirDrop to send items
• Connect iPhone and your computer with a cable
• Transfer files between devices
• Transfer files with email, messages, or AirDrop
• Transfer files or sync content with the Finder or iTunes
• Automatically keep files up to date with iCloud
• Use an external storage device, a file server, or a cloud storage service
• Intro to CarPlay
• Connect to CarPlay
• Use your vehicle’s built-in controls
• Get turn-by-turn directions
• Change the map view
• Make phone calls
• View your calendar
• Send and receive text messages
• Announce incoming text messages
• Play podcasts
• Play audiobooks
• Listen to news stories
• Control your home
• Use other apps with CarPlay
• Rearrange icons on CarPlay Home
• Change settings in CarPlay
• Get started with accessibility features
• Turn on accessibility features for setup
• Change Siri accessibility settings
• Open features with Accessibility Shortcut
• Change color and brightness
• Make text easier to read
• Reduce onscreen motion
• Customize per-app visual settings
• Hear what’s on the screen or typed
• Hear audio descriptions
• Turn on and practice VoiceOver
• Change your VoiceOver settings
• Use VoiceOver gestures
• Operate iPhone when VoiceOver is on
• Control VoiceOver using the rotor
• Use the onscreen keyboard
• Write with your finger
• Use VoiceOver with an Apple external keyboard
• Use a braille display
• Type braille on the screen
• Customize gestures and keyboard shortcuts
• Use VoiceOver with a pointer device
• Use VoiceOver for images and videos
• Use VoiceOver in apps
• Use AssistiveTouch
• Adjust how iPhone responds to your touch
• Use Reachability
• Auto-answer calls
• Turn off vibration
• Change Face ID and attention settings
• Use Voice Control
• Adjust the side or Home button
• Use Apple TV Remote buttons
• Adjust pointer settings
• Adjust keyboard settings
• Adjust AirPods settings
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Forget the iPhone 16, Apple’s most critical 2024 product is for older iPhones too

The iPhone 16 lineup will bring in more money for Apple than anything else this year. As many other parts of the company (namely services) are growing, the overall fortunes of Apple still rise and fall on iPhone sales. You would think that would make the iPhone 16 Apple’s most important product this year, but no. That distinction belongs to iOS 18 ; or more specifically, the on-device AI features it is expected to bring to our pockets this fall.

For better or worse, it’s all about AI these days. Every tech company has to have a “leader in AI” story to satisfy investors, even if users are starting to get bored with AI chatbots already. And Apple, though the company has used lots of AI and ML (machine learning) in many of its products for years, has been really slow to release anything that could be considered competitive in the white-hot “generative AI” space.

You know: image/video/music creation, smart chatbots that can write and hold natural conversations, code generation, and so on. While some gen-AI tools out there are little more than a gimmick or fad, others are being used by millions every day. Whether it’s using AI to turn your selfie into a Monet for your avatar image or removing an unwanted person in the background of your favorite beach photo with a single tap…the tech world is racing toward gen-AI, and Apple needs to deliver.

Apple’s big selling point: On-device privacy

We expect Apple to release a suite of gen-AI tools with iOS 18. Rumors say to expect many of the features you would imagine, centered on a smarter, more capable, and more natural Siri that can do more of what ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot can instead of just sometimes setting timers or telling you the weather correctly. Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are expected to get gen-AI features to help you more easily create great documents, Xcode could get code generation features, Safari may get AI-powered page summaries, and we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see enhanced photo or even video editing that leverages advanced AI features.

The software that runs on the iPhone will be far more important this year.

Jason Snell / Foundry

But Apple’s big hook, according to Mark Gurman’s tipsters , is that it will use an LLM (Large Language Model, the core intelligence of many types of generative AI) that runs entirely on-device. Some of Apple’s recent AI company acquisitions like Datakalab and DarwinAI have specialized in creating AI models that run on limited hardware. Recent research papers like LLM in a Flash focus on taking big AI models that notoriously require lots of RAM and compute power and finding new optimization methods to let them run efficiently on devices with less resources (like an iPhone).

It all makes sense, of course. Apple is the “what happens on iPhone stays on iPhone” company. Faced with premium Android phones that arguably take photos just as well or better, and phone hardware that long since passed the point of being “fast enough,” Apple has to find something that really distinguishes itself from its competitors, and that’s privacy and security. The best way to ensure neither Apple nor any third-party can scoop up all your data is to keep everything on your phone in the first place, and end-to-end encrypt everything that leaves it.

So that’s going to be Apple’s big play: With iOS 18, your iPhone has AI features just like all those other guys, but with Apple, it’s private and secure .

Privacy is not enough

Privacy is a good thing. When it comes to accessing your personal data—either that which you create deliberately like photos and calendar appointments or those you generate automatically like your location and browsing history—it’s best to ensure that nothing has to go up into the cloud to be processed by some computer you don’t control.

The thing is, most people just don’t seem to care. Apple has been on a big privacy marketing push for quite a while now and there’s no real indication that it’s making people choose iPhone over other alternatives. In fact, iPhone sales were down almost 10 percent last quarter compared to the year before and they could be in for a steeper drop when earnings are announced next month.

Sure, some people really care about privacy, and they’ll be sure to tell you all about it on social media. But the market at large—more than a billion smartphone users—seems perfectly happy to let a giant megacorp scoop up, sift through, monetize, bundle up, and sell off literally everything about them as long as they deliver a cool product.

Apple doesn’t have to have every single AI feature everyone else does (like OpenAI’s Sora video generation ), but what it has better be good enough to make people want to buy an iPhone to use it. We expect iOS 18 to be announced and make waves at WWDC in June , but it’s not going to be released to the billion iPhone users of the world until September. That’s an eternity in AI development time. Apple is competing not with what is out there today but with what Meta, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google will have in users’ hands by the end of the year.

The new Siri, or Photos features, or Music features, or whatever else Apple has up its sleeve, has got to at least be competitive with that stuff, while operating under the difficult restrictions of operating entirely on-device. If not, the iPhone will earn a reputation for being “not a phone you want if you like AI” and be stuck with it until iOS 19 in September 2025.

Great AI in iOS will sell the iPhone 16

We’re at the point where the new iPhones every year are just predictably good and a modest improvement over the year before. We expect the same with the iPhone 16 line–faster, some little features like solid-state buttons, and the camera’s a little better… the entire premium smartphone world is in that same boat. Transformative experiences that make you run out and buy a new device don’t come from hardware that is 15 percent better, it comes from amazing software that your four-year-old phone can’t run.

iOS 18 is rumored to be compatible with the same iPhones as iOS 17, which would include all models going back to the iPhone XR. But just because your iPhone from 2018 can get iOS 18 doesn’t mean it will get all of the new features, especially the AI ones. In recent years, Apple has held back numerous features from older phones due to the ability of the hardware to run them properly.

Some iOS 18 features might be unavailable on older phones, so they need to be compelling enough to get people to upgrade.

Outside of the small enthusiast market, most people don’t care to run out and buy the new iPhone just because it’s got Titanium or a 5x zoom or a little bit faster processor. They buy it because it’s the new iPhone and their old iPhone is getting old. The ecosystem and strength of the brand are what drive iPhone sales, along with pricing.

If Apple wants to sell a lot of new iPhones, it needs to hype up the idea of the iPhone more than the iPhone 16 specifically. And this year, that means making the iPhone operating system something that really gets people talking. Something meme-worthy (in a good way). Apple needs people to post “I just said this to Siri and I can’t believe what it did” stories to their social media feeds. And that means making iOS 18’s private, safe, on-device AI impressive enough to make regular people say “wow.” Wow moments are all about performance, not privacy. Nobody has ever posted to their socials, “Wow, I can’t believe how private this feature is!”

Making must-have AI features the defining characteristic of “iPhones” with iOS 18 will not only please the investor class that is willing to throw unlimited money at all things AI right now, but it will elevate the most famous smartphone brand in the world, and that is how Apple sells more iPhones.

Author: Jason Cross , Senior Editor

I have written about technology for my entire professional life - over 25 years. I enjoy learning about how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.

Recent stories by Jason Cross:

• Macworld Podcast: Apple to ‘Let Loose’ on May 7; touch-sensitive iPhone 16 buttons; is FineWoven finished? and more
• How to scan documents on iPhone
• iOS 17.5 beta 3 arrives as Apple announces May iPad event