In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive into a comprehensive comparison of popular note-taking apps for iOS, examining their unique features and use cases. They also discuss Apple's surprise launch of a new event planning app called Apple Invites.

• Apple Notes: New iOS 18 features including Math Notes, collaborative note-taking capabilities, and family wish list sharing functionality
• Freeform: Apple's infinite canvas app that enables collaborative brainstorming, room planning, and freeform content organization with drawing support
• Bear: A beautiful Markdown-based notes app with custom keyboards and nested tags, available with a free tier and subscription options
• Obsidian: A powerful, customizable note-taking app with community plugins and the ability to create personal wikis
• Drafts: An advanced text editor that creates new drafts automatically, featuring powerful actions, custom themes, and extensive widget support
• Notion: A versatile workspace tool with templates for various use cases, featuring databases, calendars, and collaborative features

News

• Apple launches new "Invites" app requiring iCloud+ subscription to create invitations. It features shared photo albums, weather information, Apple Music playlist integration, and Apple Intelligence for custom backgrounds

Feedback

• Question about limiting group chat notifications in driving focus mode
• Request for help with continuous reading of non-Kindle ebooks using iOS accessibility features
• Discussion of potential workarounds including sending content to Kindle and exploring alternative solutions

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

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Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard check out the often-overlooked Tips app on Apple devices, showing how it can be a powerful tool for discovering features and learning device functionality. They explore how the app has evolved from basic instructions to become an essential resource for both new and experienced users, complete with interactive demos and deep links to settings.

• Get Started section contains essential setup checklists for new devices, covering Face ID, Apple account, iCloud backup, and emergency contacts
• Navigate Your iPhone feature provides interactive tutorials with animations for basic gestures and controls
• Practice mode lets users try gestures with real-time feedback and haptic responses
• What's New in iOS section highlights latest features and updates
• Genius Picks section showcases expert-curated tips, including lesser-known features like Vehicle Motion Cues for reducing motion sickness
• Complete user guides for iPhone, Apple Watch, HomePod, Apple TV, and AirPods
• Tips widget can be added to home screen and customized for different Focus modes
• Search function helps quickly find specific features or solutions
• Tips can be bookmarked and shared with others

Feedback

• Question about disabling CarPlay navigation prompts to home/work

Shortcuts Corner

• An explanation of how to customize the Apple Health data export based on specific health data types (steps, sleep, blood oxygen, etc.)

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

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Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

In this episode of iOS Today, Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard discuss managing notifications on iPhones and iPads, sharing tips, tricks, and recommendations to help you control your device's notifications and minimize distractions.

Main Topic: Managing Your Notifications

• Auditing notifications from the lock screen by swiping left on a notification and tapping Options
• Customizing notifications for individual apps in the Notifications settings
• Choosing how notifications are displayed: Count, Stack, or List view
• Scheduled Summary: Bundling non-critical notifications to be delivered at set times throughout the day
• Using Focus modes to control which notifications come through during specific times or activities
• Enabling Focus filters to customize app content based on the active Focus mode
• Utilizing the Notifications summary and time-sensitive notifications for better notification management

Shortcuts Corner: What's New For iOS 18

• New Shortcuts actions available in iOS 16.1 and later, including opening specific App Store pages and the Control Center
• Send a Check-in action for sharing location via Messages, useful for automation triggers like starting a workout
• Move, rename, and search actions now available on all platforms
• Health and Fitness actions for opening specific data types and views
• Freeform app gains actions to rename and update boards
• Get Current App action enables more powerful automations based on the active app

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.