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iPhone for Dummies: Updated for iPhone 12 Models and iOS 14

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The latest edition - updated to cover iOS 14 and iPhone 12

Nothing seems to change faster than an iPhone. Just when you think you know your way around the device, a new update arrives and you have to learn everything all over again. This fully revised edition of iPhone For Dummies arrives just in time to keep you up to date on iOS 14, the version of the iOS operating system released in late 2020, as well as all the updated features of iPhone 12. But don't worry if you're sticking with your current iPhone or buying an older model. This book offers help on using any iPhone that runs iOS 14, all the way back to iPhone 6.

Written by two longtime Apple fans and experts, this revised guide covers the essentials you'll need to know about the industry-leading device and its slick iOS operating system, kicking off with set-up--navigating settings, hooking up to wifi, sharing audio and video--and then gearing you up to warp speed with the many incredible ways this smartphone's tools and apps can bring a joyful extra dimension to your life.

Explore the basics of iOS 14 Enhance your interests with apps Get artsy with photos, video, and more Troubleshoot common problems Learn what makes the iPhone 12 different than the 11, X, SE, or older models Whether you're just getting started with a new phone or want to get even more from your current version, iPhone For Dummies puts the power right at your fingertips!

398 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

80 people are currently reading
112 people want to read

About the author

Edward C. Baig

80 books6 followers

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5 stars
32 (29%)
4 stars
40 (36%)
3 stars
30 (27%)
2 stars
6 (5%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa Vegan.
2,913 reviews1,316 followers
August 19, 2009
I love these Dummies books.

This book is truly indispensable.

The iPhone is incredibly intuitive and for a month, I played around (and sometimes referred to the helpful mini-manual on the device) and was able to do much of what the iPhone has to offer.

However, this book is a full manual, the best a user could ever hope for, and reading it helped me learn so many tips and tricks and features I hadn’t known about on the phone, camera, ipod, Safari web browser, apps, and general information galore.

I took my time to read it so at least some of the time I could be near both my home computer and my iPhone because I frequently found some tip/information/how to that I wanted to try out immediately. Most of the practical advice needed having access to just the iPhone.

My heart did sink when I got to the troubleshooting steps, which I hope I’ll never have to use. I have a history of bad computer karma and I love to customize everything and I loathe having to redo/recreate that customization, but good, easy to understand information is in the book, given step by step, should it ever be needed.

I can’t imagine anyone with an iPhone (no matter how an advanced a user they think they are) not having this book. The authors supply a plethora of information and it’s all presented in an easy to understand way.

I’ll be keeping this book in an easy to access place as a reference book, but I did read it cover to cover, and it was entertaining as well as informative.

Because of this book, I’m having so much more fun with my iPhone, and I’m so much more productive too.
Profile Image for Hapzydeco.
1,591 reviews14 followers
January 30, 2016
Basic instruction. Helpful for a first time iPhone owner.
37 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2017
Maybe the best iPhone book. Even better than David Pogue's similar book.
Profile Image for Chad.
1,253 reviews1,026 followers
December 12, 2018
Too basic for my taste, but it is a Dummies book. I would've like to have learned more about security and privacy and other intermediate and advanced topics. It covers many areas, with clear explanations and helpful screenshots. It covers up to iPhone 7 and 7+ and iOS 10. I didn't learn much because I've been using my first iPhone for a few weeks, and have already figured out what I need to.

Notes
Apple doesn't see Apple Pay transaction details.

A Live photo takes about as much space as 2 non-Live photos.

HDR takes 3 exposures and blends best parts of each into a single shot. In Settings > Photos & Camera you can choose to keep normal photo along with HDR one.

Hold shutter button to shoot in Burst mode.

Safari Suggestions sends your queries, Safari Suggestions you select, and related usage to Apple.

Third-party keyboards: Swype, SwiftKey, Fleksy, Adaptxt, Minuum.

Force reboot: press and hold Sleep/Wake while pressing and holding Home button.

If you miss tapping the right key, don't lift your finger, but slide it to the correct key, then lift it.

Disabling EQ saves battery (Settings > Music > EQ).

PhoneView for macOS (from Ecamm Network) lets you copy files from iPhone to Mac and vice versa.

To take screenshot: briefly press Sleep/Wake and Home button simultaneously.
Profile Image for Susan.
365 reviews
September 7, 2012
Sometimes very clear, sometimes not so much. Have really found a lot of the tips useful and have passed them on to veteran iPhone users, happy to discover them. Another complaint: they use such heavy paper that the book really is hard to tote in the backback with my bursitis-ridden shoulders. Heavier than my hardbacks - seriously, they should consider using lighter stock to print on and make it more paperbackesque.
Profile Image for Joyce.
449 reviews
March 5, 2017
I read this book primarily to find out more about the iPhone 7, so there were chapters or parts I skipped because they didn't apply or because I really had no interest in learning about some apps. On the whole it was fairly informative but there were things that were definitely wrong in some of the instructions and sample pictures that need editing. It's a good go-to book, especially for someone new to iPhones. I just got a book specific to the iPhone 7 that I'm hoping will be better.
Profile Image for Kate.
922 reviews22 followers
March 17, 2009
Extremely useful and very clear. Apple is notorious for only the bare minimum information included with any device, which makes these books a necessity. While the iPhone is fairly intuitive to use, a got some great tips from this book, and I'm sure I will get more use from my iPhone because of it. Laid out in that clear, lots-of-pictures Dummies format.
Profile Image for Wendy Hearder-moan.
1,152 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2015
This whole entry is misleading. First, the edition I've been reading is the 8th, which doesn't show up yet in Goodreads. Secondly, I haven't really finished it, but the library wants it back, so I think I will break down and buy a copy for reference purposes. There is too much information for me to take in at one go.
Profile Image for Dee-Ann.
1,192 reviews79 followers
April 28, 2010
interesting and useful ... my sone has a ipod touch and i am interested in getting an iphone and we both learnt something ... he actually found out that if you turn the ipod touch to landscape the calculator becomes a scientific calculator.
Profile Image for Doug.
153 reviews
January 26, 2015
Read cover to cover, all 'Dummies' books are good. This is a very good book if you are new to iPhone. You may want to read the newer version, some of this book is already outdated. Still worth a look if all you have available.
Profile Image for Sara.
6 reviews
December 23, 2008
What can I say...it was a good book and I'm a nerd.
Profile Image for Thomas.
27 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2009
Hope it helps in getting used to the Iphone I am going to get in a few days.
Profile Image for Sandra Haynes.
7 reviews
March 6, 2014
As the iPhone doesn't come with a written guide I have found this book very useful. Able to use my phone more effectively & found tips on short cuts. Will need updating soon though!
Profile Image for Deborah Tanner.
5 reviews
Read
January 22, 2015
I hate that these gadgets do not come with books, if you are old school like me you will find this book useful.
Profile Image for John Nelson.
357 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2016
What can I say? I needed to learn about all the things my iphone can do.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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