This app transforms your iPhone into a small iPod-like basic phone, complete with a case.

      UltraPod is a simulated iPod, a dumbphone launcher, and a 3D-printed solution.

      A new application concept is gaining traction online as it transforms your iPhone into a dumbphone. The idea originated from an Apple Music player design shared on Chinese social media. After garnering over 1.5 million views, users began requesting an actual version. Following months of development, the concept has become a free TestFlight beta, named UltraPod.

      This app revives the aesthetic of a dedicated music player for Apple Music. To enhance the experience, the developer crafted a specialized case for it.

      Essentially, it’s an iPhone acting like a more basic iPod.

      UltraPod’s music section connects with Apple Music via MusicKit and can also handle high-resolution local files. The application embraces a nostalgic music-player vibe with its classic Cover Flow-style interface, which Apple enthusiasts often request every few years.

      Additionally, the developer incorporated 15 mini-apps into the platform, including Books, Fitness, Camera, Photos, Voice Memos, Notes, Calendar, Stopwatch, Clock, Contacts, Screen Lock, Shuffle, Settings, and Extras. The Books app supports importing EPUB, TXT, and Markdown files, while the Camera feature employs retro-style LUTs for straightforward captures without diving straight into editing and sharing.

      How the case brings it all together

      The developer has also created a 3D-printable case that accommodates an iPhone. This case covers most of the screen, prompting the phone to adopt a more focused layout and preventing distracting applications from being visible. Given that many seek to digitally detox, the case emphasizes a concentration on an existing iPhone.

      UltraPod is currently available for free on TestFlight with limited slots and requires iOS 16 or newer. iPad support is available, though the developer notes that the tablet interface may still have user interface issues.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a technology journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience focusing on consumer hardware.

      Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 may have a minor RAM upgrade, designed specifically for running AI tasks in iOS 27. A report indicates that the extra memory is intended to keep Apple Intelligence functioning smoothly. According to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, both the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are anticipated to increase from 8GB to 9GB of RAM, mainly to facilitate enhanced integration of Apple Intelligence in iOS 27.

      Just the right amount of RAM for Apple Intelligence to function well.

      This free iPhone application utilizes calming haptics to assist in relaxation.

      Many mindfulness apps require account creation, subscriptions, and significant distraction before aiding in relaxation. Vän, a new iPhone application from Swiss indie developer Adrian Stanco, is designed to be the opposite. I discovered the app on Reddit, and its appeal intrigued me enough to give it a try. Rather than relying on sounds or endless scrolling, it focuses solely on haptics—the subtle vibrations your phone can produce. The outcome is a calming sensation achieved simply by holding your smartphone instead of staring at the screen.

      In the final hours of Prime Day, I found the top deals to save you from experiencing FOMO.

      With only a few hours left on Prime Day 2026, and many deals already sold out, I've thoroughly searched the entire website to identify the best offers still available. Below are my carefully selected picks that I would confidently invest in myself, ranging from mid-range Android smartphones to flagship foldables, bone-conduction earbuds to Bose speakers, and smartwatches at various price points. Act quickly, as time is running out.