Lance Whitney / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysEncrypted text messages may finally reach iPhone users with iOS 26.Code in the beta version of iOS 26 reveals strings for RCS encryption.With encryption, texts between iOS and Android will be more secure.Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source More
calvindexter / DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images ZDNET’s key takeaways Customer experience officer is still a relatively new role. A majority of experience officers are fresh to their position. Officers spend time with customers and analyzing key metrics. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source<!–> on Chrome and Chromium […] More
Yuichiro Chino/Moment via Getty ZDNET’s key takeaways Automation can help ease the strain of a busy day. There are specific tools and features available for automation. Some tools do have a steep learning curve. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source<!–> on Chrome and Chromium browsers. Every day, you perform repetitive […] More
Image: Coros ZDNET key takeaways 22 days of battery life with optimized outdoor tracking Adventure Journal syncs maps, routes, photos, and voice pins Lightweight 47-millimeter design starts at $349 Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source<!–> on Chrome and Chromium browsers. You can usually find a watch on each […] More
TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways TCL’s 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G is on sale on Amazon for $222. It has a unique display, and a feature set that promotes minimalism and digital well-being. I just wish the camera system and general performance were better. –> <!–> Being glued to your smartphone’s screen […] More
Even older Pixel models can get in on the optimization tweaks. Kerry Wan/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysGoogle Pixel phones are notorious for having hidden settings that can greatly enhance the user experience.The list includes options for ramping up the display refresh rate, optimizing the battery life, and gestures.I demo them on a Pixel 9a running on Android 15, but newer and older software versions should have similar capabilities.Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source More
Maria Diaz/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysSecond-hand retailers like Back Market are great places to shop for refurbished gadgets at lower-than-retail prices.The refurbishing process is often a thorough inspection that involves conditioning and checking functionality.It’s ultimately a worthwhile deal if you want a like-new gadget without contributing to e-waste.Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source More
What is cache?Cache — or browser cache — is the temporary storage of website files. So, things like images, scripts, and cookies that your browser saves on your phone to make pages load faster the next time you visit. Also: Every iPhone model that can be updated to iOS 26 (and which ones don’t support it)Over time, though, those files can add up, taking a large bite out of your device storage and slowing things down. That’s why it’s smart to clear your browser cache regularly. In this article, I focused on clearing Safari and Chrome’s cache on an iPhone, but keep in mind that apps and even your phone’s processor have their own caches, too.How to clear your app cache on iPhoneYou can clear an app’s cache by deleting and reinstalling it — or, when available, using an in-app “Clear Cache” option. Since iOS doesn’t offer a universal cache-clearing tool, each app handles it differently. TikTok and CapCut include a built-in cache-clear button, Amazon lets you erase your browsing history, and Reddit offers a way to wipe local history. It depends on an app’s features.Is ‘clear cache’ the same as offloading? Not quite. Offloading an app via your iPhone’s settings can boost performance when your storage is tight by uninstalling the app and keeping its documents and data intact. Just go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap the app you want, and choose Offload App. This removes the app and its cache but leaves your data in place, so when you reinstall it, you’ll pick up right where you left off.Are cookies and cache the same thing?Cache and cookies are not the same. Cache stores copies of images, scripts, and other page elements so sites load faster on your next visit, while cookies are small data files that remember specific information about you — like login credentials, site preferences, or items in your shopping cart. Also: Cookie pop-ups don’t have to be a fact of life online – how I block them and whyClearing your cache removes those saved page files but won’t log you out of sites, whereas deleting cookies will wipe your saved logins and settings, forcing you to sign in again and reset any preferences.Can you block cookies on an iPhone?You can block cookies in Safari. Turning them off stops sites from tracking you, but it can also break some websites or limit features. So, you’ll need to weigh privacy against usability. If you’d like to block cookies in Safari, follow these steps:Go to Settings and select Safari.Tap on the toggle next to Block All Cookies.There are also third-party extensions — such as Ghostery More
