To all those of you who are new to Apple: welcome to the future. This site is predominantly for those who are already familiar with the company, but I am calling out to all “newbies” wandering around here to gather around and listen to this tutorial of sorts that most of us wished had come with our new iPhones. The iPhone 5 is the most common way that people are introduced to Apple, so that is where I will begin the tour. This will start at the very beginning, in order to cover the basics.
The immediate structure of the iPhone is very intuitive, with no adjustment required- unlike the mac, which, for me, was initially difficult to acclimate to with the up-to-go-down scrolling technique. The single button at the bottom, usually referred to as the Home button, serves great many mysterious purposes, the most mundane of which are: one click to exit, double-click to see the most recently used apps, and hold for Siri. Siri is essentially your personal butler, and she will do practically anything for you if you can articulate it- people typically have a lot of fun with that. She can also be male, from a different country, or both, if you change her settings. If you need any help navigating then she can escort you to your desired app; this seems useless, but you would be surprised how easy it is to lose apps in the nooks and crannies of your iPhone. For example, if you cannot find a way to set an alarm, then she will do all of it for you (by the way, set alarms and timers from the Clock app). If this does not help, then there is a search bar on the far left slide, which most of you will have discovered already, that serves as a less animate Siri. Many people (women in particular, I have been told) have difficulty fitting the new iPhones in their small pockets because it seems to be slightly taller than the last. This is to accommodate the larger screen. If necessary, I would advise putting it in your back pocket- not carry it around in your hand. Some people also try to find a way to turn the phone sideways at any time; this is unfortunately futile. Only some apps allow you to change the orientation, and the home screen never does.
Speaking of apps, you should explore all the default apps on your phone before buying new ones; often, people buy expensive apps that they later find they did not need. I have heard much controversy over the Apple Maps app, but I have never had a problem with it, and it is much more convenient than going online to Google Maps. Mail and Notes are also convenient, but if you want to make a to-do list, then Reminders is better. As for the camera, it is simply phenomenal- I have a real one, but I prefer the one on my iPhone. It is clear and bright, with so many pixels that I can zoom in much further than I can on a normal camera; also, you can take videos, self-portraits, and panoramas (on options). Finally, to the Settings. Many people are frustrated with this app because it is so difficult to find things on it, but whatever it is always turns up. The bottom line: just keep looking. If necessary, Siri or the internet should be able to help you.
In conclusion, the iPhone is an incredible device that will never cease to amaze even weathered users. Happy graduation, former newbies, and say hello to Siri once in a while.
-Erin
Images Courtesy: Apple