🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 99 (from laksa171)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa099.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks","crawl_time":1774788269,"first_indexed_time":1757521478,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,theguardian!www,\/technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks s443","src_root_hash":"4161074618625082499","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Skip Apple’s new iPhone – five tips to make your old phone feel new again | iPhone | The Guardian","meta_descriptions":["A few inexpensive upgrades can totally reinvigorate your old iPhone, and you can get even get the iPhone 17’s best feature completely free"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"O\nn Tuesday,\nApple\nannounced the\niPhone\n17 series with the usual spate of new features, including a thinner design, improved displays and a camera with 4x optical zoom. If you’ve been getting frustrated with your old phone, or just tired of it, the lithe new model may look exactly like the device you need to launch your budding photographic career, reconnect with long-lost friends and maybe even save your life in an emergency.\nDon’t give in to the upgrade itch. The best\niPhone\n17 feature, iOS 26, is already coming to older phones for free. With that simple software upgrade, a few settings tweaks and some inexpensive accessories, your older iPhone can look and perform like new. Here’s how.\nTry new camera lenses\nAn iPhone 15 Pro with the Moment macro lens.\nThe iPhone 17 series may have better cameras, but you can expand the capabilities of your current-gen iPhone cameras with an external lens. I use and recommend the\nMoment T-series lenses\n. They come in different varieties, including a\n1.33x anamorphic\nlens for cinematic-style videos, a\n75mm macro\nlens to get better-quality macros than the default and a\n58mm telephoto lens\nthat doubles the zoom of your existing camera.\nUsing them alongside the Moment app gives you better control over focus, exposure, and other settings with more ease and convenience. If you want to make your current iPhone cameras more versatile, these Moment lenses are a great way to do it. You’ll require a\ncompatible case\nand a\n$5 drop-in lens mount\nto securely snap them to your iPhone, but you’ll still spend way less than buying a $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro just for the cameras.\nInvest in a new case\nAn iPhone 16 Pro.\nA fresh case can totally reinvigorate your old iPhone. It not only changes how it looks and feels, it can sometimes even tack on new features.\nFor instance, I use this\nTorras Case\nfor its magnetic kickstand when traveling. It comes in handy when I want to watch movies in the cramped confines of a coach seat, without holding my phone the whole time. Chronic texters can even add a Blackberry-like feel to the iPhone 16 with the\nClicks Keyboard case\n. For something a little slimmer, I favor Nomad’s\nLeather Case\nor\nSport Case\n. If you care less about protection and just want to make a statement, you can opt for a skin. I use one from\nCapes India\nthat isn’t available in every country, but\nDBrand\nmakes some gorgeous skins from\npsychedelic\nto\nsublime\n. Switch it up!\nA new screen protector wouldn’t hurt\nMost screen protectors wear so slowly that you might not notice the glass starting to lose its gloss over time, or scratches accumulating. If a good scrub down with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel doesn’t restore its slickness and clarity, it might be time for replacement. I recommend this\nNomad screen protector\nfor its quality and ease of installation.\nThe installation kit makes it super easy to install with no air bubbles, which can be a challenge with many competing models. I’ve used mine for four months, and can say it not only holds up well over time, it doesn’t introduce any extra friction between screen and finger.\nInstall iOS 26\nAn iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 26.\niOS 26 is Apple’s biggest software update in years, and iPhones dating all the way back to 2019’s iPhone 11 can download and run it for free, starting on 15 September. You definitely should. The refreshing “liquid glass” look will make your phone feel new again, and it carries over into\nApple\napps like Messages, Camera and more.\nskip past newsletter promotion\nafter newsletter promotion\nI installed a preview of iOS 26 on my “old” iPhone 15 Pro a few weeks ago, and ended up loving it so much that I now use that phone more than my iPhone 16 Pro, which is running the older iOS. Apple fixed the Photos app, so it gives you 100% of the screen to view your media, the new Camera app layout is simpler to use, and web pages are easier to read in Safari.\nPerform a quick tune-up\nIf your current iPhone doesn’t quite run the way it used to, a few quick checks and settings tweaks can resolve many issues.\nTurn on Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26\n. If your battery drains alarmingly quick, this may help. It automatically makes small performance adjustments when your iPhone usage is higher than normal, like lowering brightness and allowing some activities to take longer. You can go to Settings > Battery > Power Mode > Adaptive Power Mode to toggle it on.\nSpend time customizing your home screen\n. You’re probably tired of your stale home screen and don’t even realize it. Try adding widget stacks, creating folders and reorganizing your apps. Change that age-old wallpaper. Fine-tune the Notification Center. It won’t feel like the same phone anymore.\nClean the USB-C port\n. The charging port tends to collect dust and dirt in your pocket, and after enough time a cable won’t fit in properly. You may notice finicky charging or even overheating as a result. To clean it, Apple\nrecommends\nusing a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, but if you really have a lot of impacted crud, I find a toothpick helps to pick it out. Just make sure you aren’t using anything too sharp, which might damage the port.\nYour old iPhone is perfectly fine\nMost newer iPhone owners, especially those with the iPhone 16 series, won’t see much improvement from an iPhone 17. Sure, it offers a more up-to-date feature set and an appealing design (to some), but you don’t need to give in to the hype. If you follow the above recommendations, you’ll get an all-new look on your current iPhone and save hundreds of dollars in the process.\nFor more ideas on products that are actually worth your money:\nThis versatile Japanese chef’s knife has lasted longer than some of my relationships\nThese $45 sandals with a 5,000-mile warranty outlasted my Birkenstocks\nI tried 17 rice cookers to find the best model in the US: here are my favorites\nPrakhar Khanna is a freelance consumer tech journalist with bylines in Forbes, CNET, Gizmodo\nand other major outlets. He writes about the intersection of tech with life. He was also part of the judges’ jury for the prestigious CES 2025 Innovation Awards. When not reading or writing, he’s perpetually looking for ways to squeeze in more nap hours into his day","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&cs_ucfr=0&comscorekw=thefilter-us)\n\n[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#maincontent)[Skip to navigation](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#navigation)\n\nClose dialogue\n\n1\/4\n\nNext image\n\nPrevious image\n\nToggle caption\n\n[Skip to navigation](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#navigation)\n\n[Print subscriptions](https:\/\/support.theguardian.com\/subscribe?REFPVID=mnbr41mepay5lo419pwi&INTCMP=undefined&acquisitionData=%7B%22source%22%3A%22GUARDIAN_WEB%22%2C%22componentId%22%3A%22PrintSubscriptionsHeaderLink%22%2C%22componentType%22%3A%22ACQUISITIONS_HEADER%22%2C%22referrerPageviewId%22%3A%22mnbr41mepay5lo419pwi%22%2C%22referrerUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Ftechnology%2F2025%2Fsep%2F10%2Fapple-iphone-tip-tricks%22%7D)\n\n[Search jobs](https:\/\/jobs.theguardian.com\/)\n\n[Sign in](https:\/\/profile.theguardian.com\/signin?INTCMP=DOTCOM_NEWHEADER_SIGNIN&ABCMP=ab-sign-in&componentEventParams=componentType%3Didentityauthentication%26componentId%3Dguardian_signin_header)\n\nUK\n\n- [UK edition](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/preference\/edition\/uk)\n- [US edition](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/preference\/edition\/us)\n- [Australia edition](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/preference\/edition\/au)\n- [Europe edition](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/preference\/edition\/eur)\n- [International edition](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/preference\/edition\/int)\n\n[The Guardian - 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Illustration: Guardian Design\n\n[View image in fullscreen](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#img-1)\n\niPhone 15 Pro with iOS 26. Illustration: Guardian Design\n\n[The Filter US](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/thefilter-us\/series\/thefilter-us)[iPhone](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/iphone)\n\n# Skip Apple’s new iPhone – five tips to make your old phone feel new again\nA few inexpensive upgrades can totally reinvigorate your old iPhone, and you can get even get the iPhone 17’s best feature completely free\n\n- [Don’t toss it, fix it: nine easy DIY remedies for stuck zippers, wobbly chairs and more](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/thefilter-us\/2026\/feb\/17\/easy-diy-repairs)\n- [Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things.](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/global\/2025\/sep\/09\/sign-up-to-the-filter-us-our-newsletter-guide-to-buying-fewer-better-products)\n\n[Prakhar Khanna](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/profile\/prakhar-khanna)\n\nWed 10 Sep 2025 17.00 BST\n\nLast modified on Fri 13 Mar 2026 16.29 GMT\n\nShare\n\n[Prefer the Guardian on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=theguardian.com)\n\nThe Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. [Learn more](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/info\/2017\/nov\/01\/reader-information-on-affiliate-links).\n\nOn Tuesday, [Apple](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/apple) announced the [iPhone](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/iphone) 17 series with the usual spate of new features, including a thinner design, improved displays and a camera with 4x optical zoom. If you’ve been getting frustrated with your old phone, or just tired of it, the lithe new model may look exactly like the device you need to launch your budding photographic career, reconnect with long-lost friends and maybe even save your life in an emergency.\n\nThe Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. [Learn more](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/info\/2017\/nov\/01\/reader-information-on-affiliate-links).\n\nDon’t give in to the upgrade itch. The best [iPhone](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/iphone) 17 feature, iOS 26, is already coming to older phones for free. With that simple software upgrade, a few settings tweaks and some inexpensive accessories, your older iPhone can look and perform like new. Here’s how.\n\n## Try new camera lenses\n![An iPhone 15 Pro with Moment macro lens.](https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/68f58bb131078bc450fbf2289b78cb5a8b93e4a6\/298_0_3342_2228\/master\/3342.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)\n\n[View image in fullscreen](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#img-2)\n\nAn iPhone 15 Pro with the Moment macro lens.\n\nThe iPhone 17 series may have better cameras, but you can expand the capabilities of your current-gen iPhone cameras with an external lens. I use and recommend the [Moment T-series lenses](https:\/\/fave.co\/3VLypEU). They come in different varieties, including a [1\\.33x anamorphic](https:\/\/fave.co\/4meu4VR) lens for cinematic-style videos, a [75mm macro](https:\/\/fave.co\/45VvTC6) lens to get better-quality macros than the default and a [58mm telephoto lens](https:\/\/fave.co\/46dDfjo) that doubles the zoom of your existing camera.\n\n[![Untitled design (4)](https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/419ff291c4d044089611553d6d93b39cc42a7b14\/0_0_2000_1600\/master\/2000.jpg?width=460&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=8adeb3e45da811061c46770c11560d75)This versatile Japanese chef’s knife has lasted longer than some of my relationships Read more](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/lifeandstyle\/2025\/sep\/06\/global-classic-japanese-chef-knife-review)\n\nUsing them alongside the Moment app gives you better control over focus, exposure, and other settings with more ease and convenience. If you want to make your current iPhone cameras more versatile, these Moment lenses are a great way to do it. You’ll require a [compatible case](https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1771840&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopmoment.com%2Fproducts%2Fmoment-case-for-iphone-16-compatible-with-magsafe%3Fvariant%3D49383505461563&sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks&xcust=referrer%7Cnone%7CaccountId%7C114047X1771840) and a [\\$5 drop-in lens mount](https:\/\/fave.co\/3VLyAjy) to securely snap them to your iPhone, but you’ll still spend way less than buying a \\$1,099 iPhone 17 Pro just for the cameras.\n\n## Invest in a new case\n![An iPhone 16 Pro.](https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/fcbcc2385f4e32894d370b4b81c3d614ba5b8d16\/394_0_3360_2240\/master\/3360.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)\n\n[View image in fullscreen](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#img-3)\n\nAn iPhone 16 Pro.\n\nA fresh case can totally reinvigorate your old iPhone. It not only changes how it looks and feels, it can sometimes even tack on new features.\n\nFor instance, I use this [Torras Case](https:\/\/amzn.to\/3IcAo25) for its magnetic kickstand when traveling. It comes in handy when I want to watch movies in the cramped confines of a coach seat, without holding my phone the whole time. Chronic texters can even add a Blackberry-like feel to the iPhone 16 with the [Clicks Keyboard case](https:\/\/fave.co\/4mWI2Nj). For something a little slimmer, I favor Nomad’s [Leather Case](https:\/\/fave.co\/469Ykej) or [Sport Case](https:\/\/fave.co\/3VcOeo2). If you care less about protection and just want to make a statement, you can opt for a skin. I use one from [Capes India](https:\/\/fave.co\/4geHq2O) that isn’t available in every country, but [DBrand](https:\/\/fave.co\/41OoMJk) makes some gorgeous skins from [psychedelic](https:\/\/fave.co\/41OoMJk) to [sublime](https:\/\/fave.co\/3HQq7IT). Switch it up\\!\n\n## A new screen protector wouldn’t hurt\nMost screen protectors wear so slowly that you might not notice the glass starting to lose its gloss over time, or scratches accumulating. If a good scrub down with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel doesn’t restore its slickness and clarity, it might be time for replacement. I recommend this [Nomad screen protector](https:\/\/fave.co\/3HOVqDW) for its quality and ease of installation.\n\nThe installation kit makes it super easy to install with no air bubbles, which can be a challenge with many competing models. I’ve used mine for four months, and can say it not only holds up well over time, it doesn’t introduce any extra friction between screen and finger.\n\n## Install iOS 26\n![An iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 26.](https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/e2e86f93b0c7514aef7220a939f8ffa2809a84c9\/123_0_3348_2232\/master\/3348.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)\n\n[View image in fullscreen](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#img-4)\n\nAn iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 26.\n\niOS 26 is Apple’s biggest software update in years, and iPhones dating all the way back to 2019’s iPhone 11 can download and run it for free, starting on 15 September. You definitely should. The refreshing “liquid glass” look will make your phone feel new again, and it carries over into [Apple](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/apple) apps like Messages, Camera and more.\n\n[skip past newsletter promotion](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#EmailSignup-skip-link-18)\n\nSign up to The Filter US\n\nFree weekly newsletter\n\nA guide to buying fewer, better products.\n\n**Privacy Notice:** Newsletters may contain information about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. If you do not have an account, we will create a guest account for you on [theguardian.com](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/) to send you this newsletter. You can complete full registration at any time. For more information about how we use your data see our [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/help\/privacy-policy). We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/policies.google.com\/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https:\/\/policies.google.com\/terms) apply.\n\nafter newsletter promotion\n\nI installed a preview of iOS 26 on my “old” iPhone 15 Pro a few weeks ago, and ended up loving it so much that I now use that phone more than my iPhone 16 Pro, which is running the older iOS. Apple fixed the Photos app, so it gives you 100% of the screen to view your media, the new Camera app layout is simpler to use, and web pages are easier to read in Safari.\n\n## Perform a quick tune-up\nIf your current iPhone doesn’t quite run the way it used to, a few quick checks and settings tweaks can resolve many issues.\n\n- **Turn on Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26**. If your battery drains alarmingly quick, this may help. It automatically makes small performance adjustments when your iPhone usage is higher than normal, like lowering brightness and allowing some activities to take longer. You can go to Settings \\> Battery \\> Power Mode \\> Adaptive Power Mode to toggle it on.\n- **Spend time customizing your home screen**. You’re probably tired of your stale home screen and don’t even realize it. Try adding widget stacks, creating folders and reorganizing your apps. Change that age-old wallpaper. Fine-tune the Notification Center. It won’t feel like the same phone anymore.\n- **Clean the USB-C port**. The charging port tends to collect dust and dirt in your pocket, and after enough time a cable won’t fit in properly. You may notice finicky charging or even overheating as a result. To clean it, Apple [recommends](https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-gu\/guide\/iphone\/iphbbe12ba1\/ios#:~:text=If%20your%20Lightning%20or%20USB,Lightning%20or%20USB-C%20connector.) using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, but if you really have a lot of impacted crud, I find a toothpick helps to pick it out. Just make sure you aren’t using anything too sharp, which might damage the port.\n## Your old iPhone is perfectly fine\nMost newer iPhone owners, especially those with the iPhone 16 series, won’t see much improvement from an iPhone 17. Sure, it offers a more up-to-date feature set and an appealing design (to some), but you don’t need to give in to the hype. If you follow the above recommendations, you’ll get an all-new look on your current iPhone and save hundreds of dollars in the process.\n\n*For more ideas on products that are actually worth your money:*\n\n- **[This versatile Japanese chef’s knife has lasted longer than some of my relationships](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/lifeandstyle\/2025\/sep\/06\/global-classic-japanese-chef-knife-review)**\n- **[These \\$45 sandals with a 5,000-mile warranty outlasted my Birkenstocks](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/lifeandstyle\/2025\/aug\/16\/xero-genesis-sandals-buy-it-for-life)**\n- **[I tried 17 rice cookers to find the best model in the US: here are my favorites](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/food\/2025\/jul\/31\/best-rice-cookers-us)**\n\n- *Prakhar Khanna is a freelance consumer tech journalist with bylines in Forbes, CNET, Gizmodo* *and other major outlets. He writes about the intersection of tech with life. He was also part of the judges’ jury for the prestigious CES 2025 Innovation Awards. When not reading or writing, he’s perpetually looking for ways to squeeze in more nap hours into his day*\n\nExplore more on these topics\n\n- [iPhone](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/iphone)\n- [The Filter US](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/thefilter-us\/series\/thefilter-us)\n- [Smartphones](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/smartphones)\n- [Mobile phones](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/mobilephones)\n- [Apple](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/apple)\n- [features](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/tone\/features)\n\nShare\n\n[Reuse this content](https:\/\/syndication.theguardian.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Ftechnology%2F2025%2Fsep%2F10%2Fapple-iphone-tip-tricks&type=article&internalpagecode=technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks \"Reuse this content\")\n\n### Most viewed\n- [![](https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/7cd71f41670e8db8e7b9f217e4635bb4dfef9c33\/164_134_476_381\/master\/476.jpg?width=75&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none) My mom, the cult leader: ‘She told us what to wear, when to pray, how we would have sex. 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[Dyson Airwrap i.d. v Shark FlexStyle: we tested the rival hair stylers and the results surprised us](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/thefilter-us\/2026\/mar\/24\/dyson-airwrap-shark-flexstyle-comparison)\n10. 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All rights reserved.\n\n(dcr)","attrs_readable_markdown":"On Tuesday, [Apple](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/apple) announced the [iPhone](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/iphone) 17 series with the usual spate of new features, including a thinner design, improved displays and a camera with 4x optical zoom. If you’ve been getting frustrated with your old phone, or just tired of it, the lithe new model may look exactly like the device you need to launch your budding photographic career, reconnect with long-lost friends and maybe even save your life in an emergency.\n\nDon’t give in to the upgrade itch. The best [iPhone](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/iphone) 17 feature, iOS 26, is already coming to older phones for free. With that simple software upgrade, a few settings tweaks and some inexpensive accessories, your older iPhone can look and perform like new. Here’s how.\n\n## Try new camera lenses\n![An iPhone 15 Pro with Moment macro lens.](https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/68f58bb131078bc450fbf2289b78cb5a8b93e4a6\/298_0_3342_2228\/master\/3342.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)\n\nAn iPhone 15 Pro with the Moment macro lens.\n\nThe iPhone 17 series may have better cameras, but you can expand the capabilities of your current-gen iPhone cameras with an external lens. I use and recommend the [Moment T-series lenses](https:\/\/fave.co\/3VLypEU). They come in different varieties, including a [1\\.33x anamorphic](https:\/\/fave.co\/4meu4VR) lens for cinematic-style videos, a [75mm macro](https:\/\/fave.co\/45VvTC6) lens to get better-quality macros than the default and a [58mm telephoto lens](https:\/\/fave.co\/46dDfjo) that doubles the zoom of your existing camera.\n\nUsing them alongside the Moment app gives you better control over focus, exposure, and other settings with more ease and convenience. If you want to make your current iPhone cameras more versatile, these Moment lenses are a great way to do it. You’ll require a [compatible case](https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1771840&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopmoment.com%2Fproducts%2Fmoment-case-for-iphone-16-compatible-with-magsafe%3Fvariant%3D49383505461563&sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks&xcust=referrer%7Cnone%7CaccountId%7C114047X1771840) and a [\\$5 drop-in lens mount](https:\/\/fave.co\/3VLyAjy) to securely snap them to your iPhone, but you’ll still spend way less than buying a \\$1,099 iPhone 17 Pro just for the cameras.\n\n## Invest in a new case\n![An iPhone 16 Pro.](https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/fcbcc2385f4e32894d370b4b81c3d614ba5b8d16\/394_0_3360_2240\/master\/3360.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)\n\nAn iPhone 16 Pro.\n\nA fresh case can totally reinvigorate your old iPhone. It not only changes how it looks and feels, it can sometimes even tack on new features.\n\nFor instance, I use this [Torras Case](https:\/\/amzn.to\/3IcAo25) for its magnetic kickstand when traveling. It comes in handy when I want to watch movies in the cramped confines of a coach seat, without holding my phone the whole time. Chronic texters can even add a Blackberry-like feel to the iPhone 16 with the [Clicks Keyboard case](https:\/\/fave.co\/4mWI2Nj). For something a little slimmer, I favor Nomad’s [Leather Case](https:\/\/fave.co\/469Ykej) or [Sport Case](https:\/\/fave.co\/3VcOeo2). If you care less about protection and just want to make a statement, you can opt for a skin. I use one from [Capes India](https:\/\/fave.co\/4geHq2O) that isn’t available in every country, but [DBrand](https:\/\/fave.co\/41OoMJk) makes some gorgeous skins from [psychedelic](https:\/\/fave.co\/41OoMJk) to [sublime](https:\/\/fave.co\/3HQq7IT). Switch it up\\!\n\n## A new screen protector wouldn’t hurt\nMost screen protectors wear so slowly that you might not notice the glass starting to lose its gloss over time, or scratches accumulating. If a good scrub down with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel doesn’t restore its slickness and clarity, it might be time for replacement. I recommend this [Nomad screen protector](https:\/\/fave.co\/3HOVqDW) for its quality and ease of installation.\n\nThe installation kit makes it super easy to install with no air bubbles, which can be a challenge with many competing models. I’ve used mine for four months, and can say it not only holds up well over time, it doesn’t introduce any extra friction between screen and finger.\n\n## Install iOS 26\n![An iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 26.](https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/e2e86f93b0c7514aef7220a939f8ffa2809a84c9\/123_0_3348_2232\/master\/3348.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)\n\nAn iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 26.\n\niOS 26 is Apple’s biggest software update in years, and iPhones dating all the way back to 2019’s iPhone 11 can download and run it for free, starting on 15 September. You definitely should. The refreshing “liquid glass” look will make your phone feel new again, and it carries over into [Apple](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/apple) apps like Messages, Camera and more.\n\n[skip past newsletter promotion](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2025\/sep\/10\/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#EmailSignup-skip-link-18)\n\nafter newsletter promotion\n\nI installed a preview of iOS 26 on my “old” iPhone 15 Pro a few weeks ago, and ended up loving it so much that I now use that phone more than my iPhone 16 Pro, which is running the older iOS. Apple fixed the Photos app, so it gives you 100% of the screen to view your media, the new Camera app layout is simpler to use, and web pages are easier to read in Safari.\n\n## Perform a quick tune-up\nIf your current iPhone doesn’t quite run the way it used to, a few quick checks and settings tweaks can resolve many issues.\n\n- **Turn on Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26**. If your battery drains alarmingly quick, this may help. It automatically makes small performance adjustments when your iPhone usage is higher than normal, like lowering brightness and allowing some activities to take longer. You can go to Settings \\> Battery \\> Power Mode \\> Adaptive Power Mode to toggle it on.\n- **Spend time customizing your home screen**. You’re probably tired of your stale home screen and don’t even realize it. Try adding widget stacks, creating folders and reorganizing your apps. Change that age-old wallpaper. Fine-tune the Notification Center. It won’t feel like the same phone anymore.\n- **Clean the USB-C port**. The charging port tends to collect dust and dirt in your pocket, and after enough time a cable won’t fit in properly. You may notice finicky charging or even overheating as a result. To clean it, Apple [recommends](https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-gu\/guide\/iphone\/iphbbe12ba1\/ios#:~:text=If%20your%20Lightning%20or%20USB,Lightning%20or%20USB-C%20connector.) using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, but if you really have a lot of impacted crud, I find a toothpick helps to pick it out. Just make sure you aren’t using anything too sharp, which might damage the port.\n## Your old iPhone is perfectly fine\nMost newer iPhone owners, especially those with the iPhone 16 series, won’t see much improvement from an iPhone 17. Sure, it offers a more up-to-date feature set and an appealing design (to some), but you don’t need to give in to the hype. If you follow the above recommendations, you’ll get an all-new look on your current iPhone and save hundreds of dollars in the process.\n\n*For more ideas on products that are actually worth your money:*\n\n- **[This versatile Japanese chef’s knife has lasted longer than some of my relationships](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/lifeandstyle\/2025\/sep\/06\/global-classic-japanese-chef-knife-review)**\n- **[These \\$45 sandals with a 5,000-mile warranty outlasted my Birkenstocks](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/lifeandstyle\/2025\/aug\/16\/xero-genesis-sandals-buy-it-for-life)**\n- **[I tried 17 rice cookers to find the best model in the US: here are my favorites](https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/food\/2025\/jul\/31\/best-rice-cookers-us)**\n\n- *Prakhar Khanna is a freelance consumer tech journalist with bylines in Forbes, CNET, Gizmodo* *and other major outlets. He writes about the intersection of tech with life. He was also part of the judges’ jury for the prestigious CES 2025 Innovation Awards. When not reading or writing, he’s perpetually looking for ways to squeeze in more nap hours into his day*","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks
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Meta Title	Skip Apple’s new iPhone – five tips to make your old phone feel new again \| iPhone \| The Guardian
Meta Description	A few inexpensive upgrades can totally reinvigorate your old iPhone, and you can get even get the iPhone 17’s best feature completely free
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	O n Tuesday, Apple announced the iPhone 17 series with the usual spate of new features, including a thinner design, improved displays and a camera with 4x optical zoom. If you’ve been getting frustrated with your old phone, or just tired of it, the lithe new model may look exactly like the device you need to launch your budding photographic career, reconnect with long-lost friends and maybe even save your life in an emergency. Don’t give in to the upgrade itch. The best iPhone 17 feature, iOS 26, is already coming to older phones for free. With that simple software upgrade, a few settings tweaks and some inexpensive accessories, your older iPhone can look and perform like new. Here’s how. Try new camera lenses An iPhone 15 Pro with the Moment macro lens. The iPhone 17 series may have better cameras, but you can expand the capabilities of your current-gen iPhone cameras with an external lens. I use and recommend the Moment T-series lenses . They come in different varieties, including a 1.33x anamorphic lens for cinematic-style videos, a 75mm macro lens to get better-quality macros than the default and a 58mm telephoto lens that doubles the zoom of your existing camera. Using them alongside the Moment app gives you better control over focus, exposure, and other settings with more ease and convenience. If you want to make your current iPhone cameras more versatile, these Moment lenses are a great way to do it. You’ll require a compatible case and a $5 drop-in lens mount to securely snap them to your iPhone, but you’ll still spend way less than buying a $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro just for the cameras. Invest in a new case An iPhone 16 Pro. A fresh case can totally reinvigorate your old iPhone. It not only changes how it looks and feels, it can sometimes even tack on new features. For instance, I use this Torras Case for its magnetic kickstand when traveling. It comes in handy when I want to watch movies in the cramped confines of a coach seat, without holding my phone the whole time. Chronic texters can even add a Blackberry-like feel to the iPhone 16 with the Clicks Keyboard case . For something a little slimmer, I favor Nomad’s Leather Case or Sport Case . If you care less about protection and just want to make a statement, you can opt for a skin. I use one from Capes India that isn’t available in every country, but DBrand makes some gorgeous skins from psychedelic to sublime . Switch it up! A new screen protector wouldn’t hurt Most screen protectors wear so slowly that you might not notice the glass starting to lose its gloss over time, or scratches accumulating. If a good scrub down with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel doesn’t restore its slickness and clarity, it might be time for replacement. I recommend this Nomad screen protector for its quality and ease of installation. The installation kit makes it super easy to install with no air bubbles, which can be a challenge with many competing models. I’ve used mine for four months, and can say it not only holds up well over time, it doesn’t introduce any extra friction between screen and finger. Install iOS 26 An iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 26. iOS 26 is Apple’s biggest software update in years, and iPhones dating all the way back to 2019’s iPhone 11 can download and run it for free, starting on 15 September. You definitely should. The refreshing “liquid glass” look will make your phone feel new again, and it carries over into Apple apps like Messages, Camera and more. skip past newsletter promotion after newsletter promotion I installed a preview of iOS 26 on my “old” iPhone 15 Pro a few weeks ago, and ended up loving it so much that I now use that phone more than my iPhone 16 Pro, which is running the older iOS. Apple fixed the Photos app, so it gives you 100% of the screen to view your media, the new Camera app layout is simpler to use, and web pages are easier to read in Safari. Perform a quick tune-up If your current iPhone doesn’t quite run the way it used to, a few quick checks and settings tweaks can resolve many issues. Turn on Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26 . If your battery drains alarmingly quick, this may help. It automatically makes small performance adjustments when your iPhone usage is higher than normal, like lowering brightness and allowing some activities to take longer. You can go to Settings > Battery > Power Mode > Adaptive Power Mode to toggle it on. Spend time customizing your home screen . You’re probably tired of your stale home screen and don’t even realize it. Try adding widget stacks, creating folders and reorganizing your apps. Change that age-old wallpaper. Fine-tune the Notification Center. It won’t feel like the same phone anymore. Clean the USB-C port . The charging port tends to collect dust and dirt in your pocket, and after enough time a cable won’t fit in properly. You may notice finicky charging or even overheating as a result. To clean it, Apple recommends using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, but if you really have a lot of impacted crud, I find a toothpick helps to pick it out. Just make sure you aren’t using anything too sharp, which might damage the port. Your old iPhone is perfectly fine Most newer iPhone owners, especially those with the iPhone 16 series, won’t see much improvement from an iPhone 17. Sure, it offers a more up-to-date feature set and an appealing design (to some), but you don’t need to give in to the hype. If you follow the above recommendations, you’ll get an all-new look on your current iPhone and save hundreds of dollars in the process. For more ideas on products that are actually worth your money: This versatile Japanese chef’s knife has lasted longer than some of my relationships These $45 sandals with a 5,000-mile warranty outlasted my Birkenstocks I tried 17 rice cookers to find the best model in the US: here are my favorites Prakhar Khanna is a freelance consumer tech journalist with bylines in Forbes, CNET, Gizmodo and other major outlets. He writes about the intersection of tech with life. He was also part of the judges’ jury for the prestigious CES 2025 Innovation Awards. When not reading or writing, he’s perpetually looking for ways to squeeze in more nap hours into his day
Markdown	![](https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&cs_ucfr=0&comscorekw=thefilter-us) [Skip to main content](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#maincontent)[Skip to navigation](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#navigation) Close dialogue 1/4 Next image Previous image Toggle caption [Skip to navigation](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#navigation) [Print subscriptions](https://support.theguardian.com/subscribe?REFPVID=mnbr41mepay5lo419pwi&INTCMP=undefined&acquisitionData=%7B%22source%22%3A%22GUARDIAN_WEB%22%2C%22componentId%22%3A%22PrintSubscriptionsHeaderLink%22%2C%22componentType%22%3A%22ACQUISITIONS_HEADER%22%2C%22referrerPageviewId%22%3A%22mnbr41mepay5lo419pwi%22%2C%22referrerUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Ftechnology%2F2025%2Fsep%2F10%2Fapple-iphone-tip-tricks%22%7D) [Search jobs](https://jobs.theguardian.com/) [Sign in](https://profile.theguardian.com/signin?INTCMP=DOTCOM_NEWHEADER_SIGNIN&ABCMP=ab-sign-in&componentEventParams=componentType%3Didentityauthentication%26componentId%3Dguardian_signin_header) UK - 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Illustration: Guardian Design [View image in fullscreen](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#img-1) iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 26. Illustration: Guardian Design [The Filter US](https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/series/thefilter-us)[iPhone](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/iphone) # Skip Apple’s new iPhone – five tips to make your old phone feel new again A few inexpensive upgrades can totally reinvigorate your old iPhone, and you can get even get the iPhone 17’s best feature completely free - [Don’t toss it, fix it: nine easy DIY remedies for stuck zippers, wobbly chairs and more](https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/feb/17/easy-diy-repairs) - [Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things.](https://www.theguardian.com/global/2025/sep/09/sign-up-to-the-filter-us-our-newsletter-guide-to-buying-fewer-better-products) [Prakhar Khanna](https://www.theguardian.com/profile/prakhar-khanna) Wed 10 Sep 2025 17.00 BST Last modified on Fri 13 Mar 2026 16.29 GMT Share [Prefer the Guardian on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=theguardian.com) The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. [Learn more](https://www.theguardian.com/info/2017/nov/01/reader-information-on-affiliate-links). On Tuesday, [Apple](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/apple) announced the [iPhone](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/iphone) 17 series with the usual spate of new features, including a thinner design, improved displays and a camera with 4x optical zoom. If you’ve been getting frustrated with your old phone, or just tired of it, the lithe new model may look exactly like the device you need to launch your budding photographic career, reconnect with long-lost friends and maybe even save your life in an emergency. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. [Learn more](https://www.theguardian.com/info/2017/nov/01/reader-information-on-affiliate-links). Don’t give in to the upgrade itch. The best [iPhone](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/iphone) 17 feature, iOS 26, is already coming to older phones for free. With that simple software upgrade, a few settings tweaks and some inexpensive accessories, your older iPhone can look and perform like new. Here’s how. ## Try new camera lenses ![An iPhone 15 Pro with Moment macro lens.](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/68f58bb131078bc450fbf2289b78cb5a8b93e4a6/298_0_3342_2228/master/3342.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none) [View image in fullscreen](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#img-2) An iPhone 15 Pro with the Moment macro lens. The iPhone 17 series may have better cameras, but you can expand the capabilities of your current-gen iPhone cameras with an external lens. I use and recommend the [Moment T-series lenses](https://fave.co/3VLypEU). They come in different varieties, including a [1\.33x anamorphic](https://fave.co/4meu4VR) lens for cinematic-style videos, a [75mm macro](https://fave.co/45VvTC6) lens to get better-quality macros than the default and a [58mm telephoto lens](https://fave.co/46dDfjo) that doubles the zoom of your existing camera. [![Untitled design (4)](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/419ff291c4d044089611553d6d93b39cc42a7b14/0_0_2000_1600/master/2000.jpg?width=460&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=8adeb3e45da811061c46770c11560d75)This versatile Japanese chef’s knife has lasted longer than some of my relationships Read more](https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/sep/06/global-classic-japanese-chef-knife-review) Using them alongside the Moment app gives you better control over focus, exposure, and other settings with more ease and convenience. If you want to make your current iPhone cameras more versatile, these Moment lenses are a great way to do it. You’ll require a [compatible case](https://go.skimresources.com/?id=114047X1771840&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopmoment.com%2Fproducts%2Fmoment-case-for-iphone-16-compatible-with-magsafe%3Fvariant%3D49383505461563&sref=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks&xcust=referrer%7Cnone%7CaccountId%7C114047X1771840) and a [\$5 drop-in lens mount](https://fave.co/3VLyAjy) to securely snap them to your iPhone, but you’ll still spend way less than buying a \$1,099 iPhone 17 Pro just for the cameras. ## Invest in a new case ![An iPhone 16 Pro.](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/fcbcc2385f4e32894d370b4b81c3d614ba5b8d16/394_0_3360_2240/master/3360.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none) [View image in fullscreen](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#img-3) An iPhone 16 Pro. A fresh case can totally reinvigorate your old iPhone. It not only changes how it looks and feels, it can sometimes even tack on new features. For instance, I use this [Torras Case](https://amzn.to/3IcAo25) for its magnetic kickstand when traveling. It comes in handy when I want to watch movies in the cramped confines of a coach seat, without holding my phone the whole time. Chronic texters can even add a Blackberry-like feel to the iPhone 16 with the [Clicks Keyboard case](https://fave.co/4mWI2Nj). For something a little slimmer, I favor Nomad’s [Leather Case](https://fave.co/469Ykej) or [Sport Case](https://fave.co/3VcOeo2). If you care less about protection and just want to make a statement, you can opt for a skin. I use one from [Capes India](https://fave.co/4geHq2O) that isn’t available in every country, but [DBrand](https://fave.co/41OoMJk) makes some gorgeous skins from [psychedelic](https://fave.co/41OoMJk) to [sublime](https://fave.co/3HQq7IT). Switch it up\! ## A new screen protector wouldn’t hurt Most screen protectors wear so slowly that you might not notice the glass starting to lose its gloss over time, or scratches accumulating. If a good scrub down with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel doesn’t restore its slickness and clarity, it might be time for replacement. I recommend this [Nomad screen protector](https://fave.co/3HOVqDW) for its quality and ease of installation. The installation kit makes it super easy to install with no air bubbles, which can be a challenge with many competing models. I’ve used mine for four months, and can say it not only holds up well over time, it doesn’t introduce any extra friction between screen and finger. ## Install iOS 26 ![An iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 26.](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/e2e86f93b0c7514aef7220a939f8ffa2809a84c9/123_0_3348_2232/master/3348.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none) [View image in fullscreen](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#img-4) An iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 26. iOS 26 is Apple’s biggest software update in years, and iPhones dating all the way back to 2019’s iPhone 11 can download and run it for free, starting on 15 September. You definitely should. The refreshing “liquid glass” look will make your phone feel new again, and it carries over into [Apple](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/apple) apps like Messages, Camera and more. [skip past newsletter promotion](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#EmailSignup-skip-link-18) Sign up to The Filter US Free weekly newsletter A guide to buying fewer, better products. Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. If you do not have an account, we will create a guest account for you on [theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/) to send you this newsletter. You can complete full registration at any time. For more information about how we use your data see our [Privacy Policy](https://www.theguardian.com/help/privacy-policy). We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google [Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply. after newsletter promotion I installed a preview of iOS 26 on my “old” iPhone 15 Pro a few weeks ago, and ended up loving it so much that I now use that phone more than my iPhone 16 Pro, which is running the older iOS. Apple fixed the Photos app, so it gives you 100% of the screen to view your media, the new Camera app layout is simpler to use, and web pages are easier to read in Safari. ## Perform a quick tune-up If your current iPhone doesn’t quite run the way it used to, a few quick checks and settings tweaks can resolve many issues. - Turn on Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26. If your battery drains alarmingly quick, this may help. It automatically makes small performance adjustments when your iPhone usage is higher than normal, like lowering brightness and allowing some activities to take longer. You can go to Settings \> Battery \> Power Mode \> Adaptive Power Mode to toggle it on. - Spend time customizing your home screen. You’re probably tired of your stale home screen and don’t even realize it. Try adding widget stacks, creating folders and reorganizing your apps. Change that age-old wallpaper. Fine-tune the Notification Center. It won’t feel like the same phone anymore. - Clean the USB-C port. The charging port tends to collect dust and dirt in your pocket, and after enough time a cable won’t fit in properly. You may notice finicky charging or even overheating as a result. To clean it, Apple [recommends](https://support.apple.com/en-gu/guide/iphone/iphbbe12ba1/ios#:~:text=If%20your%20Lightning%20or%20USB,Lightning%20or%20USB-C%20connector.) using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, but if you really have a lot of impacted crud, I find a toothpick helps to pick it out. Just make sure you aren’t using anything too sharp, which might damage the port. ## Your old iPhone is perfectly fine Most newer iPhone owners, especially those with the iPhone 16 series, won’t see much improvement from an iPhone 17. Sure, it offers a more up-to-date feature set and an appealing design (to some), but you don’t need to give in to the hype. If you follow the above recommendations, you’ll get an all-new look on your current iPhone and save hundreds of dollars in the process. For more ideas on products that are actually worth your money: - [This versatile Japanese chef’s knife has lasted longer than some of my relationships](https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/sep/06/global-classic-japanese-chef-knife-review) - [These \$45 sandals with a 5,000-mile warranty outlasted my Birkenstocks](https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/aug/16/xero-genesis-sandals-buy-it-for-life) - [I tried 17 rice cookers to find the best model in the US: here are my favorites](https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/jul/31/best-rice-cookers-us) - Prakhar Khanna is a freelance consumer tech journalist with bylines in Forbes, CNET, Gizmodo and other major outlets. He writes about the intersection of tech with life. He was also part of the judges’ jury for the prestigious CES 2025 Innovation Awards. When not reading or writing, he’s perpetually looking for ways to squeeze in more nap hours into his day Explore more on these topics - [iPhone](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/iphone) - [The Filter US](https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/series/thefilter-us) - [Smartphones](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/smartphones) - [Mobile phones](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/mobilephones) - [Apple](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/apple) - [features](https://www.theguardian.com/tone/features) Share [Reuse this content](https://syndication.theguardian.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Ftechnology%2F2025%2Fsep%2F10%2Fapple-iphone-tip-tricks&type=article&internalpagecode=technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks "Reuse this content") ### Most viewed - [![](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/7cd71f41670e8db8e7b9f217e4635bb4dfef9c33/164_134_476_381/master/476.jpg?width=75&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none) My mom, the cult leader: ‘She told us what to wear, when to pray, how we would have sex. 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Readable Markdown	On Tuesday, [Apple](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/apple) announced the [iPhone](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/iphone) 17 series with the usual spate of new features, including a thinner design, improved displays and a camera with 4x optical zoom. If you’ve been getting frustrated with your old phone, or just tired of it, the lithe new model may look exactly like the device you need to launch your budding photographic career, reconnect with long-lost friends and maybe even save your life in an emergency. Don’t give in to the upgrade itch. The best [iPhone](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/iphone) 17 feature, iOS 26, is already coming to older phones for free. With that simple software upgrade, a few settings tweaks and some inexpensive accessories, your older iPhone can look and perform like new. Here’s how. ## Try new camera lenses ![An iPhone 15 Pro with Moment macro lens.](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/68f58bb131078bc450fbf2289b78cb5a8b93e4a6/298_0_3342_2228/master/3342.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none) An iPhone 15 Pro with the Moment macro lens. The iPhone 17 series may have better cameras, but you can expand the capabilities of your current-gen iPhone cameras with an external lens. I use and recommend the [Moment T-series lenses](https://fave.co/3VLypEU). They come in different varieties, including a [1\.33x anamorphic](https://fave.co/4meu4VR) lens for cinematic-style videos, a [75mm macro](https://fave.co/45VvTC6) lens to get better-quality macros than the default and a [58mm telephoto lens](https://fave.co/46dDfjo) that doubles the zoom of your existing camera. Using them alongside the Moment app gives you better control over focus, exposure, and other settings with more ease and convenience. If you want to make your current iPhone cameras more versatile, these Moment lenses are a great way to do it. You’ll require a [compatible case](https://go.skimresources.com/?id=114047X1771840&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopmoment.com%2Fproducts%2Fmoment-case-for-iphone-16-compatible-with-magsafe%3Fvariant%3D49383505461563&sref=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks&xcust=referrer%7Cnone%7CaccountId%7C114047X1771840) and a [\$5 drop-in lens mount](https://fave.co/3VLyAjy) to securely snap them to your iPhone, but you’ll still spend way less than buying a \$1,099 iPhone 17 Pro just for the cameras. ## Invest in a new case ![An iPhone 16 Pro.](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/fcbcc2385f4e32894d370b4b81c3d614ba5b8d16/394_0_3360_2240/master/3360.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none) An iPhone 16 Pro. A fresh case can totally reinvigorate your old iPhone. It not only changes how it looks and feels, it can sometimes even tack on new features. For instance, I use this [Torras Case](https://amzn.to/3IcAo25) for its magnetic kickstand when traveling. It comes in handy when I want to watch movies in the cramped confines of a coach seat, without holding my phone the whole time. Chronic texters can even add a Blackberry-like feel to the iPhone 16 with the [Clicks Keyboard case](https://fave.co/4mWI2Nj). For something a little slimmer, I favor Nomad’s [Leather Case](https://fave.co/469Ykej) or [Sport Case](https://fave.co/3VcOeo2). If you care less about protection and just want to make a statement, you can opt for a skin. I use one from [Capes India](https://fave.co/4geHq2O) that isn’t available in every country, but [DBrand](https://fave.co/41OoMJk) makes some gorgeous skins from [psychedelic](https://fave.co/41OoMJk) to [sublime](https://fave.co/3HQq7IT). Switch it up\! ## A new screen protector wouldn’t hurt Most screen protectors wear so slowly that you might not notice the glass starting to lose its gloss over time, or scratches accumulating. If a good scrub down with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel doesn’t restore its slickness and clarity, it might be time for replacement. I recommend this [Nomad screen protector](https://fave.co/3HOVqDW) for its quality and ease of installation. The installation kit makes it super easy to install with no air bubbles, which can be a challenge with many competing models. I’ve used mine for four months, and can say it not only holds up well over time, it doesn’t introduce any extra friction between screen and finger. ## Install iOS 26 ![An iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 26.](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/e2e86f93b0c7514aef7220a939f8ffa2809a84c9/123_0_3348_2232/master/3348.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none) An iPhone 15 Pro with iOS 26. iOS 26 is Apple’s biggest software update in years, and iPhones dating all the way back to 2019’s iPhone 11 can download and run it for free, starting on 15 September. You definitely should. The refreshing “liquid glass” look will make your phone feel new again, and it carries over into [Apple](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/apple) apps like Messages, Camera and more. [skip past newsletter promotion](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/10/apple-iphone-tip-tricks#EmailSignup-skip-link-18) after newsletter promotion I installed a preview of iOS 26 on my “old” iPhone 15 Pro a few weeks ago, and ended up loving it so much that I now use that phone more than my iPhone 16 Pro, which is running the older iOS. Apple fixed the Photos app, so it gives you 100% of the screen to view your media, the new Camera app layout is simpler to use, and web pages are easier to read in Safari. ## Perform a quick tune-up If your current iPhone doesn’t quite run the way it used to, a few quick checks and settings tweaks can resolve many issues. - Turn on Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26. If your battery drains alarmingly quick, this may help. It automatically makes small performance adjustments when your iPhone usage is higher than normal, like lowering brightness and allowing some activities to take longer. You can go to Settings \> Battery \> Power Mode \> Adaptive Power Mode to toggle it on. - Spend time customizing your home screen. You’re probably tired of your stale home screen and don’t even realize it. Try adding widget stacks, creating folders and reorganizing your apps. Change that age-old wallpaper. Fine-tune the Notification Center. It won’t feel like the same phone anymore. - Clean the USB-C port. The charging port tends to collect dust and dirt in your pocket, and after enough time a cable won’t fit in properly. You may notice finicky charging or even overheating as a result. To clean it, Apple [recommends](https://support.apple.com/en-gu/guide/iphone/iphbbe12ba1/ios#:~:text=If%20your%20Lightning%20or%20USB,Lightning%20or%20USB-C%20connector.) using a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, but if you really have a lot of impacted crud, I find a toothpick helps to pick it out. Just make sure you aren’t using anything too sharp, which might damage the port. ## Your old iPhone is perfectly fine Most newer iPhone owners, especially those with the iPhone 16 series, won’t see much improvement from an iPhone 17. Sure, it offers a more up-to-date feature set and an appealing design (to some), but you don’t need to give in to the hype. If you follow the above recommendations, you’ll get an all-new look on your current iPhone and save hundreds of dollars in the process. For more ideas on products that are actually worth your money: - [This versatile Japanese chef’s knife has lasted longer than some of my relationships](https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/sep/06/global-classic-japanese-chef-knife-review) - [These \$45 sandals with a 5,000-mile warranty outlasted my Birkenstocks](https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/aug/16/xero-genesis-sandals-buy-it-for-life) - [I tried 17 rice cookers to find the best model in the US: here are my favorites](https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/jul/31/best-rice-cookers-us) - Prakhar Khanna is a freelance consumer tech journalist with bylines in Forbes, CNET, Gizmodo and other major outlets. He writes about the intersection of tech with life. He was also part of the judges’ jury for the prestigious CES 2025 Innovation Awards. When not reading or writing, he’s perpetually looking for ways to squeeze in more nap hours into his day
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