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2 weeks ago | 
macobserver.com | Jose Luansing Jr.
Since Apple hasn’t introduced a universal toggle to turn off notification badges during Focus Mode, you’ll have to rely on workarounds. You can use Focus filters with iMessage, hide the Dock, disable badge notifications per app, and set Mail to a rarely used inbox. They’re all in your System Settings. Let’s take a closer look at how to configure them properly. Time needed: 5 minutesFocus Filters let you control which conversations show alerts.
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2 weeks ago | 
macobserver.com | Jose Luansing Jr.
App-side bugs or corrupted cache are the most likely reasons why WhatsApp displays a blank screen when launched on an iPhone 7 Plus. You can troubleshoot both the app and the device. Try turning Background App Refresh off and on again, clearing the App Switcher, reinstalling WhatsApp, skipping iCloud sync during setup, and if all else fails, waiting for an app or iOS update. From what we’ve seen, Meta likely hasn’t dropped support for your device yet. Let’s take a closer look at the fixes.
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3 weeks ago | 
macobserver.com | Jose Luansing Jr.
With the M5 MacBook Pro expected later this year and the M4 already on shelves, deciding whether to upgrade now or wait gets tricky. The smartest move is to start with your own needs. If your current setup is holding you back, the M4 is a solid choice. But if you’re not in a rush and want the latest chip with potentially more advanced Apple Intelligence features, the M5 could be worth waiting for. That said, making a decision isn’t always black and white.
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3 weeks ago | 
macobserver.com | Jose Luansing Jr.
Toggle Apple Intelligence off and on again, update your iPhone, adjust your language settings, check your network connection, and consider app/device compatibility if Writing Tools is unavailable. It should be enabled by default on iPhone 15 Pro and later models. You’ll see it in Mail, Notes, and Messages, among other third-party and native apps. Since Apple Intelligence is still new, it’s not surprising to run into a few bugs.
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3 weeks ago | 
macobserver.com | Jose Luansing Jr.
Apple is expected to unveil major updates and new features at WWDC 2025 this Monday. We’ll likely get clarity on the new OS naming schemes (iOS 26?), the new Siri’s beta rollout, and possible UI changes. There’s a lot to look forward to. But just as much as we’re tracking what’s coming, there’s also buzz around what won’t make it, like a full Siri overhaul, Vision Pro updates, a universal App Store, CarPlay Ultra expansions, and Apple Arcade changes. This is all speculative, of course.
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3 weeks ago | 
macobserver.com | Jose Luansing Jr.
You can get Baseball 9 mods on iOS by sideloading IPA files from third-party sources. The big thing is to visit verified platforms like TweakHome, iOS Goods, BuildStore, or iTweak. Although you’ll find a sleuth of other sites on TikTok and Reddit, I feel that most of them are pretty shady. You can try downloading their files, of course. But since you’ll virtually get the same modifications on your player stats, gear, and appearances, I don’t think the risk is worth it.
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3 weeks ago | 
macobserver.com | Jose Luansing Jr.
I know the routine—new year, new iPhone. But after 15 months with my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I’m seriously considering skipping this year’s upgrade. I didn’t baby my phone, yet it still runs work and personal apps perfectly well. The A17 Pro chip is fast, it supports Apple Intelligence, the camera holds up for everything I need, and the battery still lasts the whole day. That said, an upgrade isn’t entirely off the table. Here’s what I noticed, and why I’m holding off for now.
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4 weeks ago | 
macobserver.com | Jose Luansing Jr.
When you upgrade from an M1 Mac to an M4 Mac, you’ll notice a big surge in speed and power efficiency. Newer models can run multiple RAM-heavy apps for hours without overheating. The minimized thermal throttling also contributes to better responsiveness, smoother transitions, and sustained daily performance. Here’s what those improvements would look like in real life. The M4 chip is built on a 3nm process, compared to the 5nm architecture in the M1 chip.
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4 weeks ago | 
macobserver.com | Jose Luansing Jr.
Apple’s budget phone lineups don’t historically perform well. The iPhone SE, for example, was discontinued in 2022 because it has an outdated design with a single rear camera, LCD display, and physical Home Button. It also lacks features like Night Mode, High Refresh Rate, and Face ID. That said, the iPhone 16e still has a shot at succeeding. Its modern design isn’t too far off with the base model iPhone 16, plus you’ll get a lot more features and functions. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
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1 month ago | 
macobserver.com | Jose Luansing Jr.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max isn’t exactly battery-friendly. Its massive 6.7-inch OLED display already draws a lot of power, especially with brighter colors and higher refresh rates. That’s why turning off the screen when idle makes a big difference. If your phone isn’t doing that automatically, start by checking if Always-On Display is enabled. And if that’s not the culprit, other settings like Auto-Lock, StandBy Mode, Attention-Aware Features, and Screen Pinning might be keeping your screen awake.
