Tim Hardwick
Tim is a Senior Editor at MacRumors and has been writing for the site since 2016. Formerly a magazine journalist, his work has appeared in over 30 newsstand print publications and online brands covering a range of topics, from the latest trends in technology to the mysteries of ancient history.
Based in the UK, Tim's current role at MacRumors involves editorial oversight and how tos, in addition to covering daily news and contributing occasional reviews. Tim can be reached at tim@macrumors.com, Telegram (@waxeditorial) or Twitter.
Based in the UK, Tim's current role at MacRumors involves editorial oversight and how tos, in addition to covering daily news and contributing occasional reviews. Tim can be reached at tim@macrumors.com, Telegram (@waxeditorial) or Twitter.
Tim Hardwick's Articles
Apple's Most Questionable Design Decisions in Recent Memory
Apple has always emphasized the depth of thought that goes into the design of its products. In the foreword to Designed by Apple in California, a photo book released by the company in 2016, Jony Ive explains how Apple strives "to define objects that appear effortless" and "so simple, coherent and inevitable that there could be no rational alternative." But every once in a while even Apple...
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Proton Drive Encrypted Cloud Storage App Now Available for Mac
Swiss-based privacy startup Proton today announced the availability of its end-to-end encrypted cloud storage service for Mac users with the launch of its macOS app. Proton Drive lets users sync files between Mac and the cloud, access files offline, and free up space on local drives. Unlike iCloud, all data (including metadata) is end-to-end encrypted by default, so that no-one – not even...
Does My Mac Support Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6E, the latest advancement in Wi-Fi technology, offers several benefits when enabled on your Mac. This article explains what Wi-Fi 6E is, and which Apple Mac models support it. What is Wi-Fi 6E? Wi-Fi 6 operates on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, while Wi-Fi 6E also works over the 6GHz band for increased bandwidth. Wi-Fi 6E offers faster wireless speeds, lower latency, and less signal...
Disable 'Click Wallpaper to Reveal Desktop' in macOS
By default, macOS Sonoma hides all your active windows when you click on your desktop wallpaper. This is handy if you tend to have a bunch of files on the desktop that you need access to. But if you find this behavior maddening, there is a way to turn it off. Apple's latest macOS Sonoma operating system for Mac has a new option called "Click wallpaper to reveal desktop." Enabled by...
Spotify Trials New Option to Turn Off Personalized Recommendations
Spotify is trialing a new ability for users to turn off their personalized recommendations, according to beta code unearthed by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. Depending on how it works, the new option could conceivably allow users to prevent songs played on their account on behalf of other listeners from affecting their personalized recommendations. Either way, it is likely to be...
Apple Explores iPhone 'Privacy Screens', Macs With Adjustable Viewing Angles
Earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal published an in-depth report highlighting instances of thieves watching iPhone owners enter their passcode before stealing the device in order to gain access to the device, data, and money. With knowledge of the iPhone's passcode, a thief can easily reset the victim's Apple ID password in the Settings app, even if Face ID or Touch ID is enabled. It...
iOS 17.2: How to Lock Your iPhone Journal
Apple introduced its long-awaited Journal app for iPhone in iOS 17.2. Keep reading to learn how to keep your journal's contents secure and safe away from prying eyes. Apple announced in June 2023 announced it was bringing its own journaling app to iOS 17, and it has since been confirmed that the app is included in iOS 17.2, which is currently available to download as a beta. Apple's...
ChatGPT iPhone App's Voice Chat Feature Now Free to All Users
OpenAI has announced that the voice chats feature in its official ChatGPT app for iPhone and iPad is now available for everyone to use, no subscription required. OpenAI introduced voice chats in its ChatGPT app back in September. The feature gives users the option of speaking conversationally with the chat bot instead of typing, but it was previously only available to Plus and Enterprise...
Apple CEO Succession Plans 'Very Detailed', Says Tim Cook
Tim Cook has revealed that Apple has "very detailed" succession plans in place for when the time comes to replace him as chief executive of the company, but he also said he has no intention of going anywhere just yet. In a 45-minute interview for the BBC Sounds podcast Dua Lipa: At Your Service hosted by singer Dua Lipa, Cook admitted that he does not know how long he will remain at Apple. ...
WhatsApp Gains Email Address Verification for Authenticating Accounts
WhatsApp has started allowing users to authenticate their account on a device with an email address as an alternative to using a phone number, for times when cellular coverage is poor. The new option to link an account to an email address does not replace SMS verification via a six-pin code, and opening a WhatsApp account still requires the user to provide a number. But with email...
iOS 17.2: How to Set a Journaling Schedule on iPhone
Apple in iOS 17.2 added its long-awaited Journal app to iPhone. This article explains how to set a journaling schedule and get reminders for when it's time to write. Apple announced in June 2023 announced it was bringing its own journaling app to iOS 17, and it has since been confirmed that the app is included in iOS 17.2, which is currently available to download as a beta. Apple's...
Apple Vision Pro Headset Likely to Launch Around March 2024
Apple will miss its original aim to launch Apple Vision Pro in January 2024 and is now likely to release the mixed reality headset to consumers in March of next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Writing in his Power On newsletter, Gurman says Apple "still needs to get its distribution plans in shape and conduct further testing." Apple also typically holds its spring event in March, ...
How to Erase All Content and Settings on Your Mac
Following in the footsteps of the iPhone and iPad, Apple silicon Macs and Intel Macs with a T2 security chip (2017-2020 models) now have an "Erase All Content and Settings" option available in macOS Monterey and later. This article explains how to use it to erase and factory reset your Mac if you plan to give it away, sell it, or trade it in. If you have an older pre-2017 Mac, follow this link...
How to Erase and Factory Reset Your Mac
If you plan to give away, sell, or trade in your Mac, the first thing you should do for security and practical reasons is erase the data on it and perform a factory reset. This article shows you how. If yours is an Apple silicon Mac running macOS Monterey or later or an Intel Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip (2017-2020 models), follow the steps to erase all content and settings instead of...
Apple Plans to Equip MacBooks With In-House Cellular Modems
Apple eventually plans to build its own custom modem into cellular MacBook models that could arrive in 2028 at the earliest, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple has reportedly been working on its own modem since 2018, as it seeks to move away from Qualcomm's component currently used in iPhones. The timeframe for launching the modem has slipped several times and is now expected to be...
Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensors Gain HomeKit Support
Signify has released new Philips Hue Contact Sensor firmware that adds support for Apple HomeKit, reports Hueblog.com. Previously the indoor sensors could only be controlled through the Philips Hue app's Security Center. Now, after updating to the new firmware (1961076030), they appear in the Home app, where users can use the "open" and "closed" status of the sensors to create automations...
Darker Apple Watch Ultra Prototype Shown in FCC Filing Images
Apple appears to have originally designed an Apple Watch Ultra with a dark ceramic back, according to documents filed with the United States Federal Communications Commission and spotted by @ParrotSWD on X, formerly Twitter (via 9to5Mac). When releasing a new device, tech hardware companies must share details with the FCC, which Apple did for the Apple Watch Ultra prior to its release in...
Microsoft 'Windows App' Offers Access to Windows PCs From Any Device
Microsoft is launching a "Windows App" that can remotely connect to a Windows PC and provide access to it from any platform. Available for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, PCs, and web browsers, the app also provides a gateway to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft Dev Box, and the company's Remote Desktop Services. The Windows app includes a customizable Home Screen from which users can access ...
AirDrop Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
AirDrop is a handy feature on Apple devices since it lets users discover nearby Macs, iPhones, and iPads, and securely transfer items between them over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and even continue larger transfers over cellular. The only problem is that it doesn't always work. If that sounds like your current experience with AirDrop, this article offers some troubleshooting steps that may help. Subsc ...
Apple Promotes New Apple Pay UK Bank Account Balance Feature
Apple today highlighted the ability in iOS 17.1 for UK users to connect their credit and debit cards in Apple Wallet and easily access information like account balance, spending history, and more. Users can view their up-to-date bank card balance, payments, deposits, and withdrawals in Wallet and when they're checking out with Apple Pay online or in-apps. Apple says the new feature...
