These days, 4 out of 10 smartphones is an iPhone, 1 in 4 tablets is an iPad, and about 2 out of 25 laptops is a MacBook. This may seem like a small market share, but given that Apple products cost at least twice as much as other brands with comparable hardware specifications, it says a lot about how much people are willing to invest in Apple products.
And because they are quite expensive, if you own an Apple product, making sure that your device is in good working order must be a priority, and knowing how to keep it in tiptop shape is of utmost importance.
PROTECTING YOUR APPLE DEVICE
Using bumpers, shields, covers, and sleeves will keep your Apple device from nicks, bumps, and physical damage. No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen. A bumper-protected iPhone or iPad will sustain minimal (if any) damage if someone unintentionally knocks it out of your hand.
KEEPING IT CLEAN
Your Apple device is made of superior, high-quality materials and does not really require anything special to keep it clean. A damp, lint-free cloth is all you need to remove dirt and smudges from your device.
Always remember to turn your device off completely, and remove any connecting wires before starting the cleaning process to avoid any possible electric shocks or damage to your device.
I found that a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water works really well in removing stubborn oily fingerprints on screens. I also never use any type of strong solvents—even screen cleaners to clean my Apple devices.
If the Home button of the iPhone or iPad catches when pressed, it may be that dirt and oil from your fingers has impeded its movement. In this case, wipe the edges of the Home button with an alcohol-moistened cotton bud (the only time I would recommend this) to dissolve any oils and remove dirt that may be trapped within the edges.
SAVING THE BATTERY
How long the battery lasts is simply vital. You can stretch the battery life by doing some adjustments in the monitor brightness, and turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you don’t need them. In iOS devices running on iOS 9, you can stretch the battery even longer by turning Low Power Mode, which turns off notifications and other apps running in the background so you don’t run out of juice before you have a chance to recharge your iPhone or iPad.
Even more important than stretching battery life for your day-to-day use, is maximizing your battery’s lifespan. Holding off replacing the battery of your device for a longer period can save you big bucks.
One way you can maintain the good health of your battery is to use your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook on battery power for as long as you can before recharging.
Another way you can preserve your battery’s lifespan is to never expose your device to extreme temperatures (nothing lower than 16°C or higher than 35°C). So never leave your iPhone in the fridge or freezer (It happens. –ed), or on the dashboard of your car at high noon.
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE February 2016 issue.
Words by Presy Alba