Information Technology

Jason Hiner/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred 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

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source More

Microsoft Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Windows 11 is testing a network speed test that you run from the taskbar. The speed test icon takes you to the Bing website. For now, you need a Windows 11 Insider build to use the feature. Running a network speed […] More

Anadolu/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Spotify is upgrading its free tier with several new features. The features give you more control over how you listen to songs. Users will start to see the new options today. Less than a week after debuting long-awaited lossless audio and […] More

Jack Wallen/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source More

Adela Stefan / 500px / Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Unplugging idle devices can save on power bills. TVs, consoles, coffee makers, and mini-fridges are top culprits. Small daily changes help cut energy waste and lower electricity costs. With costs climbing across the US, energy […] More

Adam Breeden/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source More