Hands-On Apple (Audio)

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Hands-On Apple explores and explains the Mac — and beyond! From clever Terminal commands to little-known iOS settings, Mikah Sargent shares all the best tips and tricks for your Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch. You'll get all the details on Apple's apps and the best apps in the App Store, you'll learn about awesome accessories for your Apple devices, and you'll explore updates to Apple's operating systems — including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Hands-On Apple is your one-stop shop for Apple know-how. You can join Club TWiT for $10 per month and get ad-free audio and video feeds for all our shows plus everything else the club offers...or get just this podcast ad-free for $5 per month. New episodes every Thursday.

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10 recent

June 11, 202616 min

HOA 235: Translate App

Your iPhone has a powerful translation toolkit built right in, ready to tackle menus, emails, and street signs (in over 20 languages) without any extra apps or subscriptions. Discover how to get the most out of features you might not even know exist, from real-time conversation mode to camera translations. Supported languages and translation options overview Translating and pronouncing text, saving phrases for quick access Utilizing conversation mode for real-time bilingual communication Switching between side-by-side and face-to-face translation views Activating auto-translate and automatic language detection features Live camera translation for menus, signs, and printed text Translating photos and system-wide text using the context menu Translation capabilities in Safari for web pages Downloading offline language packs for travel or privacy Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

June 4, 202619 min

HOA 234: Changing Your Default Search Engine

Tired of Google's AI overviews? This episode breaks down your actual options for search alternatives on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, including tips most Apple fans have never tried. See just how easy it is to reclaim your Safari searches with an alternative engine and take back control on your Apple devices. How to change Safari's search engine on iPhone Limitations: can't remove Google everywhere, only in Safari Search engine options: Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia explained Private browsing: set different search engines for privacy Tuning search suggestions and privacy settings in Safari Changing your default browser for wider search control Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

May 28, 202616 min

HOA 233: Apple Watch Customization

Most Apple Watch users never bother to customize the screen they check dozens of times a day. This episode shows how a quick face makeover can actually streamline your routines and keep you focused. Customizing Apple Watch faces using the Watch app on iPhone How to switch and organize Apple Watch faces Restoring swipe-to-switch watch face option in settings Editing and reordering watch faces in the Watch app Complications turn watch faces from decorative to functional Building a rotation of faces for different activities or moods Syncing watch faces to Focus Modes for dynamic switching Sharing custom watch faces with friends New watch faces in watchOS 26 Smart Stack as a complement to complications on Apple Watch Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: threatlocker.com/twit

May 21, 202632 min

HOA 232: Activity Monitor

Learn why Activity Monitor is the macOS tool experienced users trust first to diagnose hidden memory drains, runaway CPU usage, and behind-the-scenes energy hogs. Mastering a single built-in tool can put real-time answers and expert-level control right at your fingertips. Quick Access Methods: Spotlight, Finder, and Utilities Folder Five Main Tabs: CPU, Memory, Energy, Disk, and Network Explained Sorting and Identifying Resource-Heavy Processes in CPU Tab Understanding Percent CPU, Multi-Core Macs, and High Usage Scenarios Spotting and Managing Frozen or Runaway Apps via Activity Monitor The Importance of the Kind Column: Rosetta Support and Apple Silicon Transition Using Memory Tab and Pressure Graph to Gauge RAM Health Sorting by Memory to Find Leaky or Misbehaving Apps Energy Tab Insights: Finding Battery-Draining and Power-Hungry Apps Disk Tab: Diagnosing Read/Write Issues and Competing Background Tasks Network Tab: Tracking Data-Heavy Apps and Monitoring for Security Live Dock Icon Graphs for CPU, Network, and Disk Usage How to Force Quit or Inspect Troubled Processes in Activity Monitor Homework: Add Activity Monitor to Dock and Monitor Rosetta Apps Before Support Ends Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: outsystems.com/twit

May 14, 202616 min

HOA 231: Using Playlist Playground

Apple Music's Playlist Playground does more than just pick songs; it curates playlists that actually flow together, tailored to your mood or activity. Mikah shows how to craft and customize dynamic playlists with minimal effort. How Playlist Playground differs from classic playlist and Siri options Step-by-step demo: Creating playlists with plain language prompts Editing and customizing AI-generated playlists, adjusting song choices Adding, removing, and refreshing songs within Playlist Playground Changing playlist artwork and privacy sharing options Organizing Playlist Playground creations for easy access Playlist flow and song order improvements with AI Age, subscription, and device requirements Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit

May 7, 202630 min

HOA 230: TextEdit on macOS

TextEdit has quietly been on your Mac for years, but most users overlook its power as the fastest way to capture, clean up, and organize daily notes. See why switching your workflow to this "basic" app might be the biggest upgrade you make this year. Rich text versus plain text explained and compared Setting TextEdit defaults for efficient daily use Benefits of plain text: notes, code, and stripping formatting Practical TextEdit workflows for editing and organizing notes Key TextEdit settings for customization and accessibility Spellcheck, grammar, and formatting options demystified Detailed walkthrough of Find, Replace, and regex search Using version history and document recovery in TextEdit Speech tool for proofreading and accessibility highlighted When (and when not) to use TextEdit versus other apps Integrating TextEdit into workflow Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: outsystems.com/twit

April 30, 202617 min

HOA 229: Sign in with Apple: Pros & Cons

Sign in with Apple feels effortless, but is that convenience worth putting all your digital eggs in one basket? Get the practical advice you need to balance seamless logins with long-term account access. How Sign In With Apple works across devices and platforms Demonstrating account creation and login using Hide My Email Managing, editing, and removing Sign In With Apple logins Risks of account loss if Apple ID becomes unavailable Tips for safely using Sign In With Apple for critical accounts Benefits and limitations of federated logins like Apple, Google, Facebook Key privacy advantages: no tracking, Hide My Email, and two-factor authentication Recommended management routines and account recovery precautions Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

April 23, 202628 min

HOA 228: Focus Modes Pt. 3

Focus modes on your Apple devices can be transformative, but they're also plagued by clunky settings and sync headaches. Mikah Sargent gets real about the practical benefits, dealbreakers, and smart workarounds. Why most users ignore or misuse Focus modes Building a useful "Work" focus mode step-by-step Setting up allowed contacts, apps, and focus filters for work Automating work focus mode with schedules and location triggers Customizing visuals and widgets for work focus on Mac, iPhone, and iPad Creating a "Wind Down" focus for evening transitions Limiting urgency, contacts, and app notifications during Wind Down Adjusting visuals and automations for a restful device experience Designing a "Weekend" focus to reduce work-related interruptions Silencing work contacts and apps; surfacing personal calendars and profiles Scheduling weekend focus mode for Fridays through Sundays Honest breakdown: Focus sync glitches, app limitations, confusing notification behavior, and abuse of "time sensitive" alerts Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: threatlocker.com/twit

April 16, 202622 min

HOA 227: Focus Modes Pt. 2

Find out how Apple's Focus filters quietly transform your entire digital environment, switching not just alerts but the apps, screens, and even info you see the moment you switch context. Mikah Sargent shows how to turn your Apple setup into a tailored workday powerhouse or a distraction-free oasis with just a tap. Customizing app content and behavior with focus filters Built-in focus filters for Mail, Calendar, Messages, Safari, and system settings Third-party apps and the slow adoption of focus filter support Lock screen and home screen pairing with focus modes Crafting lock screens for work, mindfulness, and other custom focus modes Environmental and contextual device changes triggered by focus modes Combining notification rules, filters, and screen pairing for a unified experience Real-world work and personal scenarios made easier with focus modes Hands-on homework: setting up focus filters, screen pairings, and Safari tab groups Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

April 9, 202621 min

HOA 226: Focus Modes Pt. 1

Most users barely scratch the surface of Apple's Focus presets and triggers. Find out how customizing these settings can turn your device into a smart assistant that truly gets your day-to-day routine. These overlooked Focus features can let you shape your own digital boundaries. Differences Between Focus Modes and Classic Do Not Disturb Overview of Built-In Focus Presets and Customization Options Manual Activation and Scheduling of Focus Modes on Devices Focus Automation: Timed, Location-Based, App-Based, and Smart Activation Controlling Who and What Gets Through During a Focus Allow Lists vs Block Lists for Contacts and Apps Creating a Custom "Heads Down" Focus Mode Step-by-Step Deep Work Focus: Customizing Allowed Notifications and Triggers Homework Challenge: Set Up and Live With a Focus Mode Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit