Apple's latest iOS 27 update is coming, and while it's straightforward to install, taking a few simple steps beforehand can help you avoid headaches like apps crashing or data problems. Since updates sometimes cause older apps to stop working smoothly or accidentally delete photos if something goes wrong, a little preparation protects what matters most on your phone. Worth knowing: back up your iPhone using iCloud or a computer, check that your apps are compatible with iOS 27, and make sure you have enough storage space free before you start the update.
# Background App Refresh on Your iPhone
When you turn off background app refresh, your apps stop updating their information quietly while you're not using them—so your email won't arrive until you open the app, and weather updates will only show what was last loaded. Keeping it on uses a bit more battery and data, but it means your important apps stay current and ready to use, which is especially handy if you rely on things like messages, news, or health tracking throughout the day. You can control this feature by going to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turning it on or off for individual apps, so you could disable it for games you rarely use while keeping it active for apps that matter to you.
# Millions of Volunteers Are Keeping the Internet Human
Volunteers around the world spend their own time reviewing and moderating content, training artificial intelligence systems, and fixing bugs so that the websites and apps you use every day actually work properly. These unpaid contributors—from Wikipedia editors to open-source programmers—essentially keep the internet running smoothly while big tech companies save money by not hiring enough staff. Worth knowing: if you notice that helpful information on the internet is accurate or that social media comments aren't completely overrun with spam, you can thank the countless volunteers working behind the scenes to make that happen.
Criminals are now using artificial intelligence to impersonate people you know—cloning voices from online videos or creating fake video calls—to trick you into sending money, and losses among people over 60 have already reached hundreds of millions of dollars. These scams work because AI makes it cheap and fast for scammers to sound convincing, and you might not realize you're talking to a computer rather than a real person. Worth knowing: if someone you know calls asking urgently for money, hang up and call them back directly using a phone number you know is theirs, and be especially cautious if they ask you not to tell anyone about the request.
AppleCare is Apple's protection plan that covers accidental damage and repairs to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac—but you pay extra on top of the device's price. For many people over 50, it can be worth it if you're worried about dropping your device or spilling coffee on it, since repairs without coverage can cost hundreds of dollars. Worth knowing: check whether your home insurance or credit card already covers device damage before buying AppleCare, as you might be paying twice for the same protection.
Apple's Screen Time feature lets you set limits on apps you find yourself using too much, so you can take control back from your phone instead of letting it control your time. For many people in your age group, this might mean cutting back on social media scrolling or news apps that eat up hours without you realizing it. You can set daily time limits for specific apps—once you hit the limit, the app will ask if you need more time, giving you a chance to pause and think before diving back in.
Jobs involving genuine human connection—like counseling, teaching, or caregiving—are less likely to be replaced by AI than desk-based roles that involve processing information. If you're thinking about retraining or considering what field to enter, choosing work that requires real human judgment, empathy, and interaction offers some protection against AI taking over. Worth knowing: no degree is completely "futureproof," but roles centered on helping people, understanding their needs, and making decisions that affect their wellbeing tend to stay more secure as technology advances.
# MagSafe vs. USB-C for MacBook Charging
Apple's newer MacBooks can charge through either a magnetic cable called MagSafe or the standard USB-C connector that most modern devices use. MagSafe is easier on your laptop because it disconnects safely if someone trips over the cable, while USB-C is more versatile since you can use the same charger for phones, tablets, and other gadgets. Worth knowing: if you travel or own multiple devices, USB-C gives you flexibility, but if you're mainly at a desk with your MacBook, MagSafe's safety feature is genuinely convenient.
# Ethernet Cable Length and Speed
Ethernet cables — those wired connections that can give you faster internet than Wi-Fi — start to slow down noticeably once they exceed about 100 meters (roughly 330 feet), though most home setups won't reach that distance. If you're experiencing slower speeds than expected from your internet provider, a very long cable run or an older cable type could be the culprit, especially if you're trying to connect something far from your router. Worth knowing: most home cables are short enough that this won't affect you, but if you're setting up internet in a basement, garage, or another distant room, stick with modern cable (Cat6 or better) to keep speeds reliable.
# Android Auto's New Drive-Friendly Feature
Android Auto now lets you see your phone's apps and information directly on your car's dashboard screen, making navigation and entertainment easier without taking your eyes off the road. If you drive long distances regularly, this update means you can access maps, audio controls, and messages all in one familiar place instead of fumbling with your phone. Worth knowing: check your car's infotainment system settings to enable this feature, as it may not be automatically turned on yet.
OpenAI has released a new AI assistant called GPT-6 Astra that's becoming available to people gradually over the coming weeks. If you use ChatGPT for things like writing emails, getting recipe ideas, or answering questions, this newer version should be faster and better at understanding what you're asking. Worth knowing: when it first appears in your ChatGPT account, take a moment to try it out on a simple task before relying on it for anything important, just to get a feel for how it works.
When your iPhone won't send a message, it's usually something simple like a weak connection or a setting that needs adjusting—not a broken phone. Getting your messages working again matters because staying in touch with family and friends shouldn't be frustrating, and many of us rely on our iPhones as our main way to communicate. You can start by checking that you have a strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection, and if that doesn't work, try turning your phone off and back on again—that solves most problems without needing to call Apple Support.
