✨ The Best Tricks in Apple’s Ecosystem: Unleashing the Power of Synchronicity
Apple’s iOS and macOS ecosystem is a well-oiled machine, seamlessly syncing data between devices to provide a unified experience. Here are some of the most useful tips and tricks that you may or may not be familiar with.
1. Complete SMS Codes
If you use two-factor authentication, you’ll often receive SMS codes on your phone. With Continuity, these codes can automatically appear as AutoFill suggestions in the login fields on your Mac, saving you the time and effort of manually typing them in.
To enable this feature, go to Settings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding and enable this feature for your Mac.
2. Background Removal
Background removal in photos has become more accessible than ever on Apple devices. On your iPhone running iOS 16, there’s an intuitive way to remove backgrounds from your photos. You simply hold your finger above a subject in a photo, and the software will automatically detect and crop the background. This cropped subject can then be moved around freely. For instance, you can drag it into WhatsApp to create a sticker, or drop it into your gallery to save the image.
On macOS, the process is even more streamlined. Sometimes, the subject may not be detected easily on the iPhone due to the complexities of the image. However, macOS steps up the game with a simple right-click action. All you need to do is right-click the image file, navigate to Services, and select ‘Remove background’. The operating system does the work for you and instantly creates a new file with the background removed. This powerful tool can really elevate your presentations, designs, or personal photos, giving them a professional look with minimal effort.
3. Shared Clipboard
The Universal Clipboard is a part of Apple’s Continuity feature. It allows you to copy text, images, photos, and videos on one Apple device and then paste the copied content onto another device. This could mean copying a URL on your Mac and pasting it into a message on your iPhone, a truly seamless experience.
When you copy something, it remains available to paste on your other devices for a short time. This is incredibly handy for quick transitions between devices, allowing for a smooth and efficient workflow. Please note that while the clipboard data is encrypted and can’t be accessed by other users, it’s not stored in iCloud and is discarded if it’s not used within a short time.
Using Universal Clipboard is as simple as using the regular copy and paste commands that you’re used to. When you select and copy content on one device, it’s immediately available to paste on any of your other devices. This applies whether you’re copying and pasting text, photos, images, videos, or even HTML content.
To use this feature, ensure you’re signed into the same Apple ID on each of your devices, and each device has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. Handoff also needs to be enabled. These are typically the default settings, so in most cases, you won’t need to do anything to set it up.
4. Handoff
Handoff, another part of the Continuity suite, allows you to start a task on one device and pick it up on another. For instance, if you’re reading a webpage on your iPhone and move to your Mac, you can continue right where you left off.
This is also part of the Continuity feature. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff and toggle on Handoff. On Mac, go to System Preferences > General and check “Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.”
5. Sign PDF Documents
Using the Markup tool available in Apple’s built-in Preview app for Mac or the Files app on iPhone, you can easily sign PDF documents with your signature. Simply draw your signature using your mouse, trackpad, or finger (on an iOS device), and you can save it for future use.
To use this feature, open the PDF in Preview on your Mac or in the Files app on your iPhone. Select the Markup tool (the pen with a circle around), then select “Sign”, choose “iPhone or iPad”, and you can create and add a signature to your document.
6. AirDrop
AirDrop is a quick and secure way to share files between Apple devices. It uses Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between the devices, meaning you can send files even if you’re not connected to the internet.
On the device you want to share from, select the item, then select Share > AirDrop. Choose the device you want to share with. Make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on and are near each other.
7. Copy Image Texts
With the introduction of Live Text in iOS 15, you can easily copy text from images. Simply point your iPhone’s camera at any text, and it will recognize and allow you to copy it, a very handy feature when you need to quickly jot down some information.
To use this, simply go to the Camera or Photos app on your iPhone, select an image with text. Tap and hold on the text until it’s selected, then tap “Copy.”
8. Calls and FaceTimes
If your iPhone and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can make and receive phone calls on your Mac as long as it’s signed into the same iCloud account. The same applies to FaceTime calls. This comes in handy when your phone is charging in another room, or you’re simply working on your Mac and don’t want to switch devices.
On your iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices and toggle on “Allow Calls on Other Devices.” On your Mac, open FaceTime, go to FaceTime > Preferences and check “Calls from iPhone.”
9. Your iPhone as Webcam
If you’re not satisfied with the quality or angle of your Mac’s built-in webcam, there’s a solution in your pocket: your iPhone. Given the high-quality cameras built into iPhones, they can often provide a better image quality for video calls or recordings.
Once your iPhone is linked to your Mac, you have the option to use its camera as a webcam. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
- First, ensure that both your iPhone and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and signed into the same Apple ID.
- On your Mac, open the application in which you would like to use the iPhone’s camera. This could be Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, or any other app that uses a webcam.
- Once in the app, navigate to its settings. Look for the camera settings, usually found under “Video”, “Camera”, or “Audio/Video” depending on the app.
- In the camera settings, a dropdown menu should appear listing all available cameras. Here, you should see your iPhone listed as an option
- Select your iPhone from the dropdown menu. Your Mac will then use your iPhone’s camera as its webcam.
Remember, when using your iPhone as a webcam, make sure to position it properly for the best angle. You can use a tripod or a DIY stand for this purpose. Also, ensure your iPhone is adequately charged or plugged into a power source, as this setup can quickly drain battery life.
So, there you have it! This handy tip can significantly improve your video conferencing or recording experience, making the most out of the top-notch camera on your iPhone.
10. Share Internet
If your iPhone has a cellular data connection, you can share this connection with your Mac through the Personal Hotspot feature. This can be incredibly helpful if you’re in a spot without Wi-Fi but still need to get some work done on your Mac.
Just remember that this uses cellular data and can increase your data usage, so use it sparingly or ensure you have an adequate data plan.
On your iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and turn it on. On your Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, then select your iPhone.
11. Continuity
Continuity is the term for Apple’s series of features that allow your devices to work together. The suite includes Handoff, Universal Clipboard, iPhone Cellular Calls, and more. For instance, if you start writing a note or an email on your iPhone, you can instantly pick up where you left off on your MacBook. This seamless experience ensures you’re always in sync, no matter which device you’re using.
To activate this option (although it’s active by default), ensure that all your devices are signed into the same Apple ID. Then, under the “Settings” menu on your iPhone and “System Preferences” on your Mac, make sure that Handoff is enabled.
Conclusion
Apple’s iOS and macOS ecosystem offer seamless integration and ease of use across devices. Whether you’re a seasoned Apple user or new to the ecosystem, these tips and tricks can help you make the most out of your devices. So, embrace the interconnectedness and let the Apple ecosystem make your digital life a breeze!
